Maserati
Levante
Owner report available
Porsche
Macan
Owner report available
Maserati Levante vs Porsche Macan
The short answer
The Maserati Levante offers power, while the Porsche Macan excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Maserati Levante if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Porsche Macan if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Levante
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Owner experiences are sharply polarized between those who report reliable, enjoyable ownership and those who face significant financial and mechanical hardship. A strong consensus indicates that model year is the single most critical factor, with 2019 and newer models (especially 2020+) described as having substantially improved reliability over the problematic 2017-2018 launch years.
Best version to buy
2019 and newer model years are overwhelmingly recommended over 2017-2018 models. For powertrain, the V8 models (GTS, Trofeo) are celebrated for their "Ferrari-derived" engines, sublime exhaust notes, and relentless power, described as the heart of the Maserati experience.
Known issues
- Catastrophic depreciation: Loss of 50% or more of value within 2-3 years is standard, described as the single biggest financial factor. Frequency: very frequent.
- Very high maintenance and repair costs: Dealer labor rates of $250-$400/hour, expensive OEM parts (e.g., $1,200+ for a fuel pump), routine dealer oil changes quoted at $400-$650. Frequency: very frequent.
- Electrical/Gremlin issues: Infotainment/radio computer glitches, random disconnections, screen freezes, requiring multiple software updates. Also includes window switches/regulators and trunk latch mechanisms. Frequency: very frequent.
Macan
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The first-generation (2015-2018) Macan is frequently criticized for significant reliability issues, including transfer case failures, water pump problems, and expensive engine repairs, leading to high maintenance costs and owner frustration. The second-generation (2019-2024) and newer models receive more positive feedback for driving dynamics, build quality, and interior refinement, particularly in S, GTS, and Turbo trims.
Best version to buy
Macan S or GTS. The base 4-cylinder model is widely criticized for feeling underpowered and lacking the characteristic Porsche driving experience, with some owners comparing it unfavorably to a Volkswagen GTI or mainstream SUV.
Known issues
- Exorbitant maintenance and repair costs ("Porsche Tax"): very high dealer service rates, expensive parts (e.g., $3,000 for a complete headlight unit, $1,500+ for dealer oil changes). Frequency: very frequent.
- First-generation (pre-2019) reliability problems: transfer case failures, water pump issues, camshaft wear, rear inner CV boot leaks, exhaust downpipe cracks, AdBlue system faults, transmission failures. Frequency: very frequent.
- Base model performance criticism: underpowered 4-cylinder engine, uninspiring driving feel compared to higher trims, interior perceived as less luxurious. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Porsche Macan is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Maserati Levante, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Maserati Levante is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Maserati Levante or the Porsche Macan?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Maserati Levante and the Porsche Macan. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Maserati Levante or the Porsche Macan?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Maserati Levante or the Porsche Macan?
The EPA rates the 2024 Maserati Levante at 16–18 mpg combined and the 2026 Porsche Macan at 19–21 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Maserati Levante or the Porsche Macan?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Porsche Macan than the Maserati Levante. See the known issues comparison above.