Maserati Levante Tenerife Driving Review

We stood in the early morning light of Tenerife with the keys to a rather large piece of Italian engineering. The island offers a driving landscape that shifts from sun-baked coastal motorways to misty ancient forests in a matter of hours. Bringing a large luxury SUV here is always a calculated risk. You gain immense comfort and power, but you trade away the nimble agility usually favoured on these tight volcanic mountain passes.

Our goal was simple. We wanted to find out exactly what it feels like to drive the Maserati Levante across the varying terrains of this Canary Island. Instead of just admiring its leather interior in a hotel driveway, we took it up to the highest peaks, down into the deepest ravines and through the busiest resort towns to see how it truly performs in the real world.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Our journey began on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast. Here, the Levante feels entirely in its element. The long fast sweepers that curve past the arid southern landscape allow the suspension to settle beautifully. It cruises with a quiet confidence. The cabin remains incredibly well insulated from wind noise, and the engine hums gently in the background. Overtaking slower traffic is effortless, with the power delivered smoothly and predictably as we maintained speeds in the 100-120 km/h range.

Turning off the coast, we pointed the nose towards the centre of the island and joined the TF-21 climbing to Mount Teide. This road is a spectacular ribbon of tarmac that winds its way up to 2,100 metres above sea level. As we climbed, the temperature dropped significantly, and the air grew noticeably thinner. Some naturally aspirated engines gasp for breath up here, but the forced induction of the Levante pushed through the altitude with barely a complaint. The wide, sweeping corners of the lower TF-21 were a joy, allowing us to carry momentum while the all-wheel-drive system provided immense grip. However, as the road tightened near the caldera, the sheer weight of the vehicle became more apparent. You feel the mass shifting, requiring smooth steering inputs rather than aggressive cornering.

Then came the ultimate test for any large vehicle in Tenerife, which is the TF-436 into Masca. This road is famous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and sheer drops. Frankly, small cars have the advantage here. In the Levante, the experience is nerve-wracking. The bonnet feels vast, and squeezing past oncoming local buses requires folding the mirrors and holding your breath. The steering is precise, which helps immensely, but there is no escaping the physical footprint of the car. You will find yourself using the brake pedal heavily and relying on the parking sensors just to navigate the tightest bends at a crawling pace.

To contrast the dry volcanic rock of the south, we also took the Levante to the Anaga forest roads in the north. The environment here is entirely different. The roads are often damp, incredibly twisty and frequently shrouded in mist. The confident traction of the Levante shone through the wet leaves and slippery tarmac. The driving position gives you great visibility over the low stone walls, but again, the width of the vehicle means you must stay sharply focused to stay within your lane when oncoming traffic appears out of the fog.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

This car is an absolute triumph on the open road. If your itinerary involves cruising between luxury resorts, heading up the wider sections of the Teide national park or taking the TF-1 to Santa Cruz, you will be exceptionally comfortable. The suspension absorbs the rougher patches of coastal roads with ease, and the engine note provides a subtle reminder of the badge on the grille without becoming intrusive. The interior is a fantastic place to spend a few hours, keeping you fresh and relaxed after a long day of exploring.

Where it does not shine is in confined spaces. The Masca gorge road is a chore rather than a joy in a vehicle of this size. The physical width makes you overly cautious, taking away from the driving pleasure. If you plan to spend your entire holiday exploring tiny, forgotten mountain villages with single-lane access, you might find the Levante frustrating to pilot.

Furthermore, the heavy weight means that downhill sections on steep gradients put a lot of demand on the brakes. You need to manage your speed carefully and use engine braking where possible to avoid overheating the pads on long descents from the mountains back down to sea level.

Practical notes

Taking this SUV into the busy resort streets of Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas requires patience. Tight parking is a reality in these towns. You will need to rely heavily on the camera systems to squeeze into standard bays. When parking on the street, pay close attention to the blue-line meters. The traffic wardens are vigilant, and the Levante is too large to discreetly tuck away in a questionable spot. We spent a fair amount of time circling for a space large enough to accommodate it comfortably.

Fuel consumption is another factor to consider. Climbing 2,000 metres in a heavy, powerful SUV will drain the tank quickly. Fortunately, petrol stations are plentiful along the coast, but you should always ensure you have a full tank before heading up into the Teide national park or the Anaga mountains, as stations are rare in the higher altitudes.

For luggage, the boot is generous. It easily swallowed our large suitcases, camera gear and day bags with room to spare. This makes it an excellent choice for a family or a group of four adults travelling together. If you are considering this vehicle for your trip, we highly recommend the Automatic 3.0 L 5-seat model for the best balance of effortless cruising and passenger comfort.

Verdict

Driving the Maserati Levante in Tenerife is an experience of contrasts. It brings an undeniable sense of occasion and supreme comfort to the island’s motorways and sweeping mountain ascents. You feel insulated, secure and pampered as the dramatic volcanic landscapes roll past your windows. It is a brilliant companion for touring the wider, faster roads and arriving at your destination feeling completely relaxed and refreshed.

Yet, the island’s geography demands respect. The ancient, narrow roads of Masca and the bustling, cramped streets of the southern resorts will test your spatial awareness. You must accept that choosing a vehicle of this stature means compromising on agility in the tightest spots. If you value luxury, space and a commanding view of the road over the ability to dart through microscopic gaps in traffic, the Levante is a deeply satisfying way to explore Tenerife.

Where to book the Maserati Levante in Tenerife

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