However, you know it as we do: a sporty premium SUV, like our two title contenders in this 2022 Cayenne S vs 2022 Levante GT match, is judged much more on its capabilities than on its exterior appearance. Our two sport utility vehicles are, of course, no exception to the rule.

However, each of these is more than worthy of its coat of arms, starting with the Maserati. The Italian SUV is powered, in its GT version, by a 6-cylinder turbocharged V cubic with 3.0 liters of displacement. This engine is in good health, as it delivers no less than 345 horsepower for 369 lb-ft of maximum torque.

Associated with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a very good all-wheel drive, this unit allows the Maserati Levante GT 2022 to shoot down the 0-100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds according to Maserati Canada, and to hang a maximum speed of 251 km/h.

However, is that enough to get the better of the 2022 Porsche Cayenne S? Unfortunately not, since the latter is powered by a strong 434-hp 2.9 Turbo V6 for a maximum torque of 406 lb-ft. Also associated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it offers the Porsche SUV performance really above that of the Italian with, as a result, a 0-100 sprayed in just 5.3 seconds and all, for a top speed of 265 km/h, according to Porsche Canada. The Cayenne also has standard all-wheel drive; but the similarities end there, since that of the Porsche is far above the Maserati system in terms of efficiency.

However, the most impressive thing is that these capacities are obtained by the Cayenne while remaining more frugal at the pump. While the Levante GT needs 15.1/10.9/13.2 L/100km in the City/Highway/Combined cycle, the Cayenne is much more fuel-efficient in the same conditions (13.1/10, 5/11.9L/100km).

We could, however, expect less good data in terms of towing capacities and, yet, it is quite the opposite! The Cayenne can tow up to 7,716 lbs, compared to just 5,952 lbs for the Levante. Despite all this prowess, the biggest surprise is Porsche's asking price for its vehicle, whose MSRP starts at $96,800. That of the Maserati premium midsize SUV, on the other hand, starts at $102,250!

Thus, the Cayenne S is less expensive, while being more efficient on all fronts and more fuel efficient. It is therefore logical that this one wins this second round of technical specifications, in this Maserati Levante/Porsche Cayenne comparison.

Verdict technical specifications: advantage Porsche Cayenne S 2022.

Interiors: more space in the Cayenne, as well as a better finish.

Now let's move on to the icing on the cake, in this comparison between the Maserati Levante and the Porsche Cayenne: the duel of the interiors! Here, the SUVs have in common that they both offer very well designed and assembled cockpits. However, if the Levante GT 2022 has a very high level of finish quality, it simply cannot compete with the Cayenne S. Indeed, for this one, Porsche highlights all its years of experience and n used only the highest quality materials to dress the cabin of his favorite SUV. Likewise, the assemblies are adjusted to the millimeter and are ultra-strong.

In terms of interior versatility, the Porsche also takes the upper hand, with a 27 cu. ft. trunk capacity, compared to only 20 cu. ft. for the Levante. In addition, the Porsche offers simply perfect ergonomics, so that you can be one with your machine in sporty driving. It's very simple: all the controls fall to hand with disconcerting ease!

However, it is really at the level of the on-board equipment that the Porsche impresses the most: electric front seats adjustable in 18 positions, premium Club leather upholstery, heads-up display type display, intelligent cruise control, induction charger for your smartphone, multimedia system for the rear seats, or even a premium sound system by Burmester. Depending on the model of Cayenne S you choose, you will benefit from a level of luxury and technology that has nothing to envy to the best luxury limousines in the Quebec region today!

Interior verdict: 2022 Porsche Cayenne S advantage.

Conclusion: although the Levante GT is an excellent alternative, the Cayenne S remains THE benchmark.

It is in these terms that we would summarize our opinion at the end of this comparison between the Cayenne S 2022 and the Levante GT 2022. More dynamic in its exterior lines, more efficient and frugal in fuel while being less expensive and, in addition, more spacious, the 2022 Cayenne S logically wins this confrontation to remain the king of its category against a Maserati SUV that still offers very high level services.

Still undecided? Contact one of our specialists at Porsche Quebec, your Porsche dealer of choice from Trois-Rivières to Ste-Foy! We will make you discover all the advantages of the Porsche SUV in its S version, so much so that the Levante will only be a distant memory. We will also take this opportunity to let you know about Porsche offers as well as Porsche leasing/financing programs that will allow you to get behind the wheel of YOUR Cayenne.