2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCarlos LagoCarlos Lago has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. Along with an extensive background in performance testing and evaluation, he has produced hundreds of car-related articles and videos.

　　

What’s new

　　The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a new vehicle for 2018.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the latest entry into the compact luxury crossover SUV crowd. It differentiates itself through an appeal to emotion and driving enjoyment. To that end, it boasts distinctive styling, a powerful engine, and a name borrowed from a winding road in northern Italy.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$191/mo  for Stelvio Base

　　Stelvio Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $41,995 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,795 MSRPTi 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,995 MSRPTi Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $46,495 MSRPTi Lusso 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $46,495 MSRPQuadrifoglio 4dr SUV AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $79,795 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Though the name might seem a better fit on a sports car, the Stelvio backs it up with sharp handling, accurate steering, and an engine that's eager to break speed limits. Indeed, Alfa Romeo has ensured that driving enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy about this SUV, from outfitting Sport trims with satisfying and enormous aluminum shift paddles to offering a rear locking mechanical differential.

　　The third vehicle Alfa Romeo has introduced during its return to the United States, the Stelvio is based largely on the Giulia sedan, sharing its powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, chassis and trim levels. Also like the Giulia, the Stelvio will also be available in a high-performance, turbo V6-powered Quadrifoglio variant that will be available early next year.

　　Favoring sport means a few trade-offs when it comes to utility. The Stelvio is a little smaller than most of the SUVs it competes against, resulting in a more compact second row and tighter cargo volume. Its towing capability falls on the low side, and it is not intended to go off-road. The interior is also a little plain when compared to other options.

　　Still, the Stelvio's appeal rests on its special charm and character, and for that we think it's worth your consideration.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.3 / 10

　　The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the latest entry into the compact luxury crossover SUV crowd. It differentiates itself through distinctive styling, a powerful engine, and a name borrowed from a winding road in northern Italy. If other luxury crossovers are too boring, the Stelvio could be just for you.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.3 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	6.0
Technology	6.0

　　

Driving

8.0

　　From a powerful turbocharged engine to quick, precise steering, the Stelvio's focus on driving engagement is sure to make your commute more memorable. Still, a slight hesitation when accelerating from a stop and a vague brake pedal feel might be annoying for some drivers.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　The Stelvio's sporty intentions doesn't come with the expected penalties to ride quality. Higher-spec Ti trims gain more comfortable and 12-way adjustable seats, though the second row may seem cramped to larger passengers.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　The flamboyance of the exterior doesn't continue inside. Available wood and aluminum trims add a sense of luxury, but the overall impression is somewhat plain. You'll find richer interiors inside most competitors.

　　

Utility

6.0

　　The Stelvio's compact dimensions mean it doesn't have as much cargo space as many of the SUVs in its segment. Its tow rating is at the lowest of the group, and it is not intended to go off-road.

　　

Technology

6.0

　　A rotary controller and straightforward graphics make the entertainment system easy to navigate, though it could use a back button. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality arrive in the fall; models sold before then will not be able to upgrade.

　　

Which Stelvio does zzdcar recommend?

　　While the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers an enjoyable experience at all trim levels, the Ti outfitted with the Sport package represents the best of what this SUV has to offer. The Ti provides a more premium experience, adding more attractive interior materials and heating for the front seats and steering wheel. The Sport package completes the experience with supportive seats, great-looking 20-inch wheels, satisfying shift paddles, and your choice of red, black or yellow brake calipers.

　　

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio models

　　The 2018 Alfa Romeo is a compact, all-wheel-drive crossover luxury SUV that's available in three variants: a base Stelvio, luxury-oriented Ti and high-performance Quadrifoglio that will be available early next year. The solidly equipped base and Ti models come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (280 horsepower, 306 pound-feet of torque) and an eight-speed automatic with all-wheel drive. The Quadrifoglio is a different animal entirely, with its stiffer suspension tuning, stickier tires and Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 (505 horsepower, 443 pound-feet of torque).

　　The base Stelvio comes standard with features such as 18-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, Brembo brakes, xenon headlights, roof rails, a power liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats and adjustable drive settings. Technology features include a large driver information display, a 6.5-inch central touchscreen, a rearview camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, four USB ports (two in front and two charge-only ports for rear passengers) and an eight-speaker stereo system.

　　The Ti comes with more standard equipment, including 19-inch wheels, front parking sensors, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

　　A Sport package, available for both trims, adds larger diameter wheels (19 inches for base, 20 inches for the Ti), different exterior and interior trim, paddle shifters and stiffer suspension tuning. On top of that, the Ti gains sport front seats with power-adjustable bolsters.

　　A Ti-specific Performance package (late availability) adds a driver-adjustable adaptive suspension and a rear mechanical locking limited-slip differential, while a Ti Lusso package adds upgraded front seats, additional leather upholstery and upgraded interior trim.

　　Additional safety features are available through separate Static and Dynamic driver assistance packages. The former adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and auto-dimming mirrors. The latter includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning and auto high beams.

　　A Convenience package adds an adjustable rail cargo system, 115-volt auxiliary power and cargo net, and is available with or without a hands-free liftgate. Both the base and Ti offer a similar pool of stand-alone options that include navigation, Harman Kardon audio, a dual-pane sunroof, and a variety of wheel types and exterior colors.

　　

2018 Stelvio Highlights

Type: QuadrifoglioSUVSUV

　　Trim: BaseSportTiTi SportTi LussoQuadrifoglioBase

　　

Base MSRP	$41,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$191/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles