Compare the2026 Maserati GrecaleVS 2025 Audi new Q5 Sportback

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 new Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the Grecale and the new Q5 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, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Grecale Modena V6’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 117 more horsepower (385 vs. 268) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (368 vs. 295) than the new Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Grecale Trofeo’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 255 more horsepower (523 vs. 268) and 162 lbs.-ft. more torque (457 vs. 295) than the new Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Grecale Folgore’s standard electric motors produces 274 more horsepower (542 vs. 268) and 309 lbs.-ft. more torque (604 vs. 295) than the new Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the Grecale running on electricity gets better mileage than the new Q5 Sportback:

The Grecale can travel with zero emissions for 206 to 245 miles (dependent on model). The new Q5 Sportback 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 new Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Maserati Grecale, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the new Q5 Sportback.

For better stopping power the Grecale’s brake rotors are larger than those on the new Q5 Sportback:

For better traction, the Grecale has larger standard tires than the new Q5 Sportback (255/45R20 vs. 235/55R19).

The Grecale Folgore’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the new Q5 Sportback’s standard 55 series tires. The Grecale’s optional 255/40R21 front and 295/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the new Q5 Sportback’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Grecale Folgore has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the new Q5 Sportback. The Grecale’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the new Q5 Sportback.

The front and rear suspension of the Grecale uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the new Q5 Sportback, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Grecale Modena V6’s wheelbase is 3.3 inches longer than on the new Q5 Sportback (114.2 inches vs. 110.9 inches).

The design of the Maserati Grecale amounts to more than styling. The Grecale has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .326 Cd. That is lower than the new Q5 Sportback (.35) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Grecale get better fuel mileage.

The Grecale has 1.6 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front legroom, .1 inches more front shoulder room and 1 inch more rear headroom than the new Q5 Sportback.

The Grecale’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the new Q5 Sportback’s (5071 vs. 4400 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Audi new Q5 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 new Q5 Sportback 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 new Q5 Sportback does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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 new Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.