Compare the2026 Maserati GrecaleVS 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

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 Q5 Sportback 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 Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the Grecale and the 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 124 more horsepower (385 vs. 261) and 95 lbs.-ft. more torque (368 vs. 273) than the Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Grecale Trofeo’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 262 more horsepower (523 vs. 261) and 184 lbs.-ft. more torque (457 vs. 273) than the Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Grecale Folgore’s standard electric motors produces 281 more horsepower (542 vs. 261) and 331 lbs.-ft. more torque (604 vs. 273) than the Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

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

The Grecale can travel with zero emissions for 206 to 245 miles (dependent on model). The 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 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 Q5 Sportback.

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

For better traction, the Grecale has larger standard tires than the 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 Q5 Sportback’s standard 55 series tires. The Grecale’s optional 295/35R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Q5 Sportback Premium Plus/Prestige’s optional 40 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 Q5 Sportback.

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

The Grecale has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Q5 Sportback’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Grecale has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Grecale’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Grecale Modena V6’s wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer than on the Q5 Sportback (114.2 inches vs. 111 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Grecale is .1 inches wider in the front and 3.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Q5 Sportback.

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 Q5 Sportback (.34) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Grecale get better fuel mileage.

The Grecale has 1.5 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front legroom, .1 inches more front shoulder room and 1.2 inches more rear headroom than the Q5 Sportback.

The Grecale’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Q5 Sportback’s (5071 vs. 4400 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Audi 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 Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Grecale’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and 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 Q5 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 Q5 Sportback does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Q5 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 Maserati Grecale has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors costs extra on the Q5 Sportback.

Compared to traditional radio, the Maserati Grecale’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Q5 Sportback.

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