2020 Honda CR-V vs. 2020 Maserati Levante: Which SUV Reigns Supreme?

Comparison of the 2020 Honda CR-V and the 2020 Maserati Levante: Which SUV Will Prevail?

Today is a special day for me, and why is that? Because I'm challenging my colleague Zaran to find the best family SUV on the market, and we'll see who comes out on top by the end of the day. For Zaran, this is a sacred task, as he is determined not to give me any opportunity to win this competition. He brought along one of the best family SUVs in the market to compete against me, the 2020 Honda CR-V with its fresh design.

To compete fiercely, I employed a little trick and brought him a vehicle he didn't expect. I presented him with the new 2020 Maserati Levante, and to increase my chances of winning, I surprised him with the "Trofeo" version, which is the most expensive and powerful variant of the Levante model. For me, this is an SUV that falls into the mid-size category, making it very suitable for family use!

I know it's not logical to compare these two vehicles, but why not when we have an empty highway in the middle of the desert calling us to test these cars!

Challenge One: Exterior Design

For most parents purchasing a family SUV, they seek a combination of ample size and a design that makes them stand out from other vehicles on the road. This is undoubtedly true for the Maserati Levante, which showcases the brand's distinctive design that merges elegance with a sporty appearance through:

• Signature front grille
• Three air vents on the front bumper
• Maserati's iconic trident emblem distributed around the car

The Trofeo version elevates beauty with a carbon fiber front splitter, carbon fiber side skirts, and various carbon fiber accents, along with an aluminum hood featuring prominent air vents that enhance the vehicle's aesthetics.

Although the Honda CR-V lacks any carbon fiber touches, it has always been a beautifully styled SUV. With its new design, it features a revamped bumper and front grille, new LED headlights, updated fog lights, and distinctive taillights that have a lovely tint. The vehicle comes in nine color options to choose from. However, to be frank, the Honda CR-V lacks the aesthetic enhancements that the Maserati Levante offers, even though I consider it one of the most attractive designs for a family SUV.

Challenge Two: Cargo Space

One of the primary reasons people purchase SUVs is the practicality they offer. From dropping off kids at school during the week to grocery runs on the weekend, having sufficient cargo space is crucial for family SUVs. The CR-V excels in this area, providing a trunk space of up to 1,065 liters behind the second-row seats. Unfortunately, the Maserati Levante falls short, offering only 580 liters of cargo capacity.

Challenge Three: Seating Space

The rear seats of the Honda CR-V are truly impressive, offering ample head and legroom for the driver and all passengers, providing complete comfort compared to other family SUVs, many of which are more expensive. The interior design allows three adults to sit comfortably in the back seats.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the space provided by the Maserati Levante, which struggles to accommodate three adults in the second row. The seats are low and firm, and the rear air conditioning system intrudes on the seating area. However, the premium leather upholstery and stylish red accents make it stand out from its competitor today.

Challenge Four: Specifications and Technological Features

What makes a family vehicle good are the specifications it comes equipped with. For instance, the Honda CR-V features a panoramic sunroof, a 7-inch infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a unique blind-spot detection system called "Lane Watch," along with a wireless phone charger.

On the other hand, the Maserati Levante boasts a full panoramic roof, an 8.4-inch infotainment system that supports both platforms. It offers advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, along with an excellent blind-spot detection system. What the Levante lacks is a wireless phone charger, but it compensates with a luxurious storage compartment covered in real carbon fiber panels.

Challenge Five: Driving Experience

When it comes to driving a mid-size SUV, it must have enough power, comfort, and fuel efficiency to excel in its class. I found all these qualities in the Honda CR-V. Its 2.4-liter engine generates 184 horsepower and 244 Nm of torque, transmitted to all four wheels (for the version we have) through a CVT gearbox, providing a fuel efficiency of approximately 14.7 km/l. CR-Vs are known for their comfortable driving experience, with easy maneuverability due to their elevated seating position, and the exceptional suspension system absorbs bumps and potholes smoothly.

As for the Maserati Levante Trofeo, it features a 3.8-liter V8 engine made by Ferrari, delivering an astonishing 590 horsepower and 730 Nm of torque, with all-wheel drive. If you're wondering about the difference, let me tell you that the Levante offers three times the power of the CR-V. The Levante has three driving modes (Normal, Sport, Corsa) and separate sporty settings for its air suspension, allowing you to adjust the vehicle's height. On an open road, you can reach 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 304 km/h.

Conclusion

In this challenge, we have demonstrated that the Honda CR-V remains one of the best SUVs you can buy. It offers practicality, comfort, and a reasonable price starting from AED 92,900. If you're searching for a vehicle in this category, the Honda CR-V should be at the top of your list. However, if you're looking to add excitement and fun to your family experience, and you have the financial capacity to purchase seven CR-Vs, the Maserati Levante Trofeo is one of the best options available.