The Stelvio is the luxury compact crossover from Alfa Romeo competing against the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the Volvo XC60. It stands out in the segment with its Italian flair and sharp driving dynamics, but some rivals have more luxurious cabins and offer more cargo room.
Base Price: $45,745
As Tested: $59,540
Horsepower: 280
Mileage: 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway/24 mpg combined
The Stelvio was introduced for 2018 and has received some updates since then. In 2019 Android Auto and Apple CarPlay became standard. For 2020 the Stelvio gets a redesigned interior and some new tech including a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen and forward collision warning.
The five-passenger Stelvio comes in Stelvio, Sport, Ti, and Quadrifoglio trims. The Ti trim has a couple of sub-trims: Ti Lusso and Ti Sport. Starting prices range from $41,400 to $80,500 which are comparable to most rivals. Rear-wheel-drive is standard and all-wheel-drive is available.
The Stelvio has two engine offerings. My tester has the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. This is more power than many other rivals. The Quadrifoglio trim gets a twin-turbocharges 2.9-liter V6 that generates 505 horses and 443 pound-feet. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
With either powertrain, you’ll get peppy performance that’s more engaging than many competitors. The Stelvio hustles when you touch the accelerator. It can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Steering is quick and responsive. The all-wheel-drive system sends power to the rear wheels most of the time. The ride is mostly smooth but can get a bit bumpy on rough roads. Bottom line: if you enjoy driving, you’ll enjoy being behind the wheel of the Stelvio.
Visibility to the sides and rear is limited because of the thick roof pillars. The side mirrors and rear view camera help.
Fuel efficiency is average for the class. EPA ratings for my tester are 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with a combined rating of 24. I got 23 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The interior is stylish and features high-end materials including quality leather, Aluminum accents and wood trim. But the cabin is not as upscale as what you’ll find in a Bimmer, Mercedes or Volvo. And technology is not as up-to-the-minute as you’ll find in those rivals, either. Seats are comfortable but the upholstery isn’t super cushy. Front row passengers have decent leg- and headroom, and two average-size adults will be fine in the second row. This is a small crossover, after all, so legroom is not expansive there.
Standard features include proximity keyless entry, remote start, push-button start, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, six-way power-adjustable front seats, 8.8-inch touchscreen, eight-speaker audio system, satellite radio, five USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors.
Available features include a heated steering wheel, sport steering wheels, heated front and rear seats, carbon fiber racing seats, 12- or 14-way power-adjustable front seats, navigation, 10-speaker audio system, 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, HD Radio, wireless device charger, dual-pane sunroof, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Available driver assistance tech includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front parking sensors, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a driver condition monitor. Highway assist, and traffic jam assist are also available. These Level 2 autonomous systems adjust speed, braking and steering based on traffic conditions at city and highway speeds while drivers keep their hands on the wheel.
The infotainment system is new for 2020. Graphics look good on the customizable 8.8-inch touchscreen and menus are easy to figure out. Redundant knobs and controls are handy for common functions such as volume and tuning.
The Stelvio has 18.5 cubic feet of space with both rows of seating in place and 56.5 cubes with the rear seats folded. This is less space than average for the class and the narrow space can make it challenging to load large, bulky items. A power liftgate is standard and a hands-free liftgate is available.
The good:
Lively driving dynamics
Base trim is well-equipped
Stylish exterior and interior
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Fuel efficiency is just average for the class
Cabin not as luxurious as some rivals
Not as much available tech as the competition
Below average cargo space
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $47,745. Montecarlo Blue Metallic exterior paint is $600. Ti Lusso AWD Package is $2,500 and adds a leather dash and upper doors, 19-inch x 8-inch 10-spoke Aluminum wheels, satin Aluminum window surround molding, Aluminum roof rails, luxury leather-trimmed pedals, eight-way power adjustable driver seat, 8-way power adjustable front passenger seat, and Technoleather luxury steering wheel. Active Driver Assist Package Ti Lusso is $3,250 and adds a 8.8-inch screen with navigation, highway assist system, traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, active blind spot assist, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, adaptive cruise control with stop, automatic dimming exterior mirrors, automatic high-beam headlamp control, infrared windshield, and luxury steering wheel. Security and Convenience Pack is $400 and adds a premium alarm system, cargo compartment adjustable rail system, 115-volt auxiliary power outlet and cargo net. The Ti Performance Package is $1,650 and adds active suspension, limited slip differential rear axle and Aluminum steering column-mounted paddle shifters. The dual-pane sunroof is $1,350. Heated second row seats are $350. Harman Kardon premium audio system is $900. Wireless charging pad is $200. 20” x 8.5” sport Aluminum wheels and 255/45R20 all-season tires are $750. Gloss black calipers with white script are $350. Hands-free power liftgate is $200. Destination charge is $1,295 bringing the grand total to $59,540.
Bottom line:
If you want a compact luxury crossover that stands out from the crowd, check out the 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio for its stylish good looks and sporty performance. You may not get all the features, tech and cargo room of some rivals, but it’s still a worthy pick. And you’ll be smiling when you’re behind the wheel.
