2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo vs. Maserati Levante GTS

The luxury SUV segment has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. In comparison to their sedan counterparts, these SUVs offer superior versatility and generously sized interiors to accommodate all of your gear in addition to passengers. In the past, the only thing these vehicles often lacked was spirited performance. With the debut of vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne, things quickly changed. With more and more performance-focused SUVs joining the segment with track-inspired handling and tremendous power — buyers often face a dilemma when trying to determine which is the right fit for their lifestyle.

Cayenne Turbo vs Levante Modena S

2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo	VS	2023 Maserati Levante Modena S
$135,900	MSRP	$127,600
4.0-Liter Twin-Turbo V8 ✓	Engine Type	3.8-Liter Twin-Turbo V8
541 ✓	Horsepower	523
567 @ 1,960 ✓	Torque @ RPM	538 @ 5,000
3.9 seconds (3.7 seconds with optional Sport Chrono Package) ✓	0 – 60 MPH Time	4.0 seconds
23.7 gallons ✓	Fuel Tank Capacity	21.1 gallons
7,700 pounds ✓	Max Towing Capacity	5,952 pounds
21-inch Front – P285/40VR21 All-Season ✓ 21-inch Rear – P315/35VR21 All-Season ✓	Wheel/Tire Specs	20-inch Front – P265/45ZR20 All-Season 20-inch Rear – P295/40ZR20 All-Season
194 inches ✓	Overall Length	197.6 inches
78.1 inches ✓	Overall Width	77.4 inches
65.9 inches ✓	Overall Height	66.9 inches
Standard ✓	Telematics System	Not Available
Standard ✓	Front Knee Airbags	Not Available

Although the Porsche Cayenne Turbo has a slightly higher starting price than the Maserati Levante Modena S, shoppers will quickly discover an array of advantages for the Cayenne Turbo. Let’s first take a closer look at the performance of these two track-focused SUVs.

The Cayenne Turbo comes standard with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, larger than the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 found on the Levante Modena S. This larger engine displacement spells more horsepower for the Cayenne. Its larger engine also produces maximum torque much lower in the powerband than the Levante Modena S, resulting in quicker acceleration and rewarding grunt at lower speeds. When equipped with the available Sport Chrono Package, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo can rocket from 0 to 60 in a blistering 3.7 seconds, three-tenths of a second faster than the Maserati. This power advantage also results in a much higher towing capacity rating for the Cayenne Turbo, offering a 1,748-pound advantage over the Levante Modena S.

Both models return similar fuel economy figures, around the mid to high teens combined. Driving a Porsche Cayenne Turbo means that you’ll have an extra 2.6 gallons of capacity in your fuel tank which can come in handy on extended stretches of highway commuting. Comparing wheel sizes, the advantage goes to Porsche. The wheels on the Cayenne Turbo are not only larger by 1 inch, but they’re also significantly wider and include shorter sidewalls than the Levante Modena S. Not only will you appreciate their sharp appearance from the exterior, but you’ll also sense a more engaging connection to the road surface.

Staying on the subject of race-inspired handling, one test drive of both vehicles should reveal the strengths of the Cayenne Turbo. Comparing exterior dimensions, the Porsche is shorter in length, lower to the ground, and has a wider track than the rival Maserati. These three aspects combine to give the Cayenne Turbo nimble agility through the corners and poised acceleration on corner exit.

Thanks to standard Porsche Connect, the Cayenne includes a standard telematics system with vehicle monitoring functions. Front knee airbags offer an additional level of protection in the event of a collision. Both of these impressive features are not available on the Maserati Levante Modena S.

Winner – Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Now that the results have been tallied, the obvious winner of this matchup is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The Maserati Levante Modena S is simply not able to match the blistering performance, precision handling, efficiency, and premium standard features of the Cayenne Turbo. Ready to experience the Cayenne Turbo for yourself? Our team at Porsche Ann Arbor will work alongside you in order to help you select the right Cayenne Turbo model that suits your preferences and lifestyle.