Modena Especial

The automotive name Maserati conjures up an image of a super Italian sports car. But like most of the luxury car world, SUVs have been added to the Maserati lineup. The Grecale Modena for 2026 has made a major change in the engine compartment. Instead of a turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, a more powerful twin-turbocharged V6 has been inserted under the hood.

Styling-wise, the traditional Maserati signals are still present. Their classic round grille is fully showing and pushed out in the front of the SUV. High-tech, glass-covered headlights are also featured. The SUV body has a smooth, rounded look with a windshield with a low upward profile. Likewise, the liftgate area has a very rounded dip in the rear roof area, but with a large air spoiler over the back window. Big 21-inch wheels and tires reinforce the performance spin. Overall, an attractive look is presented.

The interior is, as one would expect, covered with leather on the seats and door panels and on every other surface. On the dash, there are three large and colorful video screens. In the center, there are two screens that dominate the center of the dash. The dash pod has a 12.3-inch one with the speedometer and tachometer, among other information. In the middle area is a 12-inch video screen with maps, media, navigation, A/C, and other features. Below that area is an 8.8-inch screen with a clock, seat adjusters, and the interior lighting system. A giant glass roof is in the front and back areas, and with a push of a button, the cover rolls forward to block the view and the sunlight.

The back seat handles three passengers with many of the usual features. The middle passenger would have to be the smaller of the three. An armrest is provided with two cupholders, and adjustable air vents are found behind the center console. Loose items can be stored in areas behind the front seats.

The storage area behind the second row of seats has other features. The liftgate pops open with the pressing of a spot on the key fob. A floor cover is easily lifted for additional storage and for a mobile air pump to deal with low tire air pressure. A rear cover can be used to cover the interior storage area. The 40/20/40 split back seat can be dropped with handles in the rear area. The liftgate can be lowered with a push of a key button or with a button on the liftgate itself.

More importantly for the driver and the passenger is the performance and handling. The V6 powerplant can operate in near silence or in a power mode with lots of thrust. Given the relative lightness of the SUV and the V6 engine developing 385 horsepower, acceleration delivers a push-you-back-in-the-seat thrust, with a 0–60 time of 3.7 seconds.

Likewise, the automatic transmission handles the shifting of the eight gears easily, and the gear changes are hardly felt. Large paddles behind the steering wheel can manually shift the gears if desired. The suspension can be adjusted with the push of a button for comfort, GT, or sport modes. In the comfort setting, the ride is very absorbing and comfortable. Steering is direct without being too heavy.

The bottom line is an attractive small SUV with infinite ability to adjust the performance and ride, with many interior refinements.

MASERATI GRECALE MODENA

MODEL //five-seat, SUV

DRIVETRAIN //Powerplant 3-liter twin turbocharged V6, 385 horsepower, 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive

FUEL MILEAGE //City 18 mpg, Highway 25 mpg, Combined 20 mpg

PRICE //$84,500 (as tested $102,000)