Compare the2026 Maserati GrecaleVS 2026 Audi SQ8

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Grecale are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The SQ8 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Maserati Grecale has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help 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 SQ8 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the Grecale and the SQ8 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, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The battery on the Grecale is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Grecale’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The SQ8’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The Grecale Trofeo’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 23 more horsepower (523 vs. 500) than the SQ8’s 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid. The Grecale Folgore’s standard electric motors produces 42 more horsepower (542 vs. 500) and 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (604 vs. 568) than the SQ8’s 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the Grecale running on electricity gets better mileage than the SQ8:

On the EPA test cycle the Grecale running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the SQ8:

The Grecale can travel with zero emissions for 206 to 245 miles (dependent on model). The SQ8 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Grecale Trofeo’s fuel efficiency. The SQ8 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Maserati Grecale higher (4 to 10 out of 10) than the Audi SQ8 (2). This means the Grecale produces up to 40.6 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the SQ8 every 15,000 miles.

The Maserati Grecale may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 1150 pounds less than the Audi SQ8.

The Grecale Modena V6 is 6.2 inches shorter than the SQ8, making the Grecale easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Maserati Grecale amounts to more than styling. The Grecale has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .326 Cd. That is significantly lower than the SQ8 (.37) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Grecale get better fuel mileage.

The Grecale has 2.5 inches more front headroom and .8 inches more rear headroom than the SQ8.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Grecale easier. The Grecale’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.8 inches, while the SQ8’s liftover is 33.7 inches.

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Grecale’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The SQ8 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

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 SQ8 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

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 SQ8 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The SQ8’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 SQ8 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2025 Maserati Grecale retains 41.88% of its original value after 5 years, more than the 41.48% resale value of the 2025 Audi SQ8 after five years, which can save the Maserati’s owner up to $8003.48951 in depreciation.