Compare the2024 Maserati GrecaleVS 2024 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Maserati Grecale has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The SQ5 Sportback doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Grecale has standard Active Park Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The SQ5 Sportback doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Grecale’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The SQ5 Sportback doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Grecale and the SQ5 Sportback have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Maserati vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Maserati above average in initial quality. With 39 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

The Grecale Trofeo’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 174 more horsepower (523 vs. 349) and 88 lbs.-ft. more torque (457 vs. 369) than the SQ5 Sportback’s 3.0 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the Grecale gets better mileage than the SQ5 Sportback:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Grecale Trofeo’s fuel efficiency. The SQ5 Sportback doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

For better stopping power the Grecale Trofeo’s brake rotors are larger than those on the SQ5 Sportback:

The Grecale’s optional 295/35R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the SQ5 Sportback’s optional 40 series tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Grecale’s wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer than on the SQ5 Sportback (114.2 inches vs. 111 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Grecale is .2 inches wider in the front and 3.4 inches wider in the rear than on the SQ5 Sportback.

The Maserati Grecale may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 200 pounds less than the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

The Grecale’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the SQ5 Sportback’s (5071 vs. 4400 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Audi SQ5 Sportback is only 4400 pounds. The Grecale offers up to a 5516 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Mitigation on the Grecale uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The SQ5 Sportback doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Grecale’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the SQ5 Sportback.

The Grecale’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The SQ5 Sportback does not have an oil pressure gauge.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Grecale has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the SQ5 Sportback only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The SQ5 Sportback’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Grecale’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The Grecale offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The SQ5 Sportback doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.