Maserati Drops Four-Cylinder Grecale: A Bold Shift Toward Performance

Maserati has always cultivated an image built on evocative powertrains, Italian craftsmanship, and uncompromising performance. So when the Grecale SUV debuted with a four‑cylinder mild‑hybrid engine, many enthusiasts felt it was slightly off‑brand. For 2026, Maserati has corrected course: the four‑cylinder Grecale is gone, replaced by a detuned version of the Nettuno V6 engine derived from the MC20 supercar.

The End of the Four-Cylinder Era

The Grecale offered two versions of a 2.0‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder engine, producing 296 hp and 325 hp respectively. While adequate for daily driving, these figures didn’t quite match the performance expectations associated with Maserati. The decision to drop the four‑cylinder reflects Maserati’s desire to reassert its performance credentials in a competitive luxury SUV market.

The New Heart: Nettuno V6

Replacing the four‑cylinder is a 3.0‑liter twin‑turbocharged V6, a detuned version of the engine found in the Grecale Trofeo and MC20 supercar. In the new Modena trim, this V6 produces 386 hp, a significant jump over the outgoing base engines. Despite the added power, Maserati claims the 0–60 mph time remains similar, around five seconds, thanks to tuning for balance rather than outright speed.

Key performance highlights:

• 386 hp and 457 lb‑ft of torque in the Modena.
• 523 hp in the Trofeo, unchanged from 2025.
• Smooth, responsive power delivery befitting Maserati’s luxury image.

Pricing and Market Position

The shift to a V6 raises the Grecale’s starting price by about $6,600, now beginning at $86,495 including destination. While this is higher than the discontinued four‑cylinder GT trim, it’s actually $2,330 less than last year’s Modena, offering buyers more power for less money compared to the previous mid‑tier option.

For those seeking electrification, the Grecale Folgore EV remains in the lineup, now offering 542 hp and up to 443 km (275 miles) of range thanks to efficiency improvements.

Why Maserati Made the Change

Several factors influenced Maserati’s decision:

• Brand identity: Maserati’s reputation is built on powerful engines. A four‑cylinder base model diluted that image.
• Competition: Rivals like Porsche’s Macan and BMW’s X3 M lean heavily on performance credentials. Maserati needed to match or exceed them.
• Customer expectations: Buyers in the luxury SUV segment expect more than adequate power—they expect excitement.

By standardizing the V6, Maserati ensures every Grecale delivers a true Maserati experience.

Pros and Cons of the Update

Pros:

• Stronger performance across the lineup.
• Aligns better with Maserati’s brand image.
• More value in the Modena trim compared to 2025.
• EV Folgore variant offers improved range.

Cons:

• Higher entry price may deter some buyers.
• Loss of a lower‑cost option reduces accessibility.
• Similar acceleration times may disappoint enthusiasts expecting dramatic gains.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Maserati Grecale marks a decisive shift in strategy. By dropping the four‑cylinder and embracing the Nettuno V6, Maserati is doubling down on its performance heritage. While the move raises the SUV’s entry price, it also strengthens the brand’s identity and ensures that every Grecale feels worthy of the Trident badge.

For buyers, the message is clear: Maserati is not interested in “adequate.” It’s interested in exhilaration, exclusivity, and Italian passion. The Grecale’s new lineup—V6 Modena, V6 Trofeo, and EV Folgore—offers three distinct flavors of performance, each truer to Maserati’s DNA than the outgoing four‑cylinder ever was.