2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV crossover comes with two choices of engines. The base and the luxurious Ti trims are equipped with 2.0-liter inline-four engine. The unit produces 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque. The output is governed by an eight-speed automatic transmission in its all-wheel drive system. The Quadrifoglio possesses a 2.9-liter V6 engine with 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. We took both the Alfa Romeo Ti and the Quadrifoglio for a spin to check what they are capable of. The turbocharged engine of the sport utility vehicle was quick to pick up with only a slight hesitation from the get-go. The high-performance model Quadrifoglio, in particular, was so fast as it was able to conquer the 0-60 mph run in just 3.6 seconds, compared to the lower trims' 5.4-second 0-60 mph sprint. Then, the steering of the auto was precise making it fun to drive. The driving dynamics of the vehicle is further improved by its adaptive suspension damper and Brembo brakes. However, the setup of the SUV is not intended for off-road use. The 2018 Stelvio Quadrifoglio gained the award for Performance Utility Vehicle of Texas based on the voting done by the Texas Auto Writers Association.

Technology

The tech and entertainment features found in the base Stelvio are the power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, adjustable drive settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, 6.5-inch central touchscreen display, rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, four USB ports, and eight-speaker audio system. The Ti Trim upgrades the Stelvio with its 8.8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, front parking sensors, heated seats in front, and heated steering wheel. Combining the Sport package adds paddle shifters, stiffer suspension, and sport front seats with power-adjustable side bolsters. The Performance package for the Ti lets the driver adjust its adaptive suspension and rear mechanical locking limited-slip differential. There are driver assistance systems also offered by the Static and Dynamic packages. Static includes the rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and auto-dimming mirrors. Dynamic puts the auto high beams, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Installing the Convenience package to the Stelvio gives it a 115-volt auxiliary power unit and adjustable rail in its cargo system. Going for the top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio trim brings the game up with its 14-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Audio System, double wishbone front suspension, and advanced brake system. It should be noted that the advanced features of the range-topping trim can be fitted to the Ti trim as an optional add-on.

Safety

The safety scores of the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is not yet available in NHTSA and IIHS. It should be noted though that the crossover is packing a lot of tech that help improve its safety through its driver assistance systems in addition to its standard airbags, child safety locks, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ECS), turn signals and daytime running lights (DRL). It is worth mentioning too that the 2017 model of the SUV garnered a perfect score in the safety checks conducted by Belgium-based European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

Appearance

The Stelvio is a four-door crossover. It carries many of the design cues found in the Giulia. In fact, the two share the same modular Giorgio platform. Their frontal features are almost the same, except for their dimensions. Compared to the Giulia, the Stelvio has been crafted to balance both performance and utility factors. It measures 184.6 inches in length, 66 inches in height, 74.9 inches in wheelbase and 111 inches in wheelbase. The base trim comes in 18-inch wheels, but gunning for the Ti gives you 19-inch wheels. Buying the Quadrifoglio or combining the Sport package with the Ti trim lets you enjoy a set of 20-inch painted aluminum wheels. The basic features also include roof rails dual exhausts, triangular radiator grille, and xenon headlights. Alfa Romeo did a pretty good job in sculpting the body lines the vehicle because it accentuated its luxurious form. Taking the Convenience package adds a dual-pane sunroof plus new wheel designs and exterior colors.

Comfort

The Stelvio has a five-seating capacity. The cabin is adorned by leather upholstery. The Lusso package for the Ti upgrades the leather upholstery, interior trim and front seats. The Quadrifoglio is packed with Alcantara sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum paddle shifters, carbon fiber interior trim. Overall, the tech features of the Stelvio help in entertaining its occupants during a long trip. The seats felt relaxing, especially with the adjustable seats, but seating three large adult passengers at the back may bring a bit of an inconvenience on their part. Moreover, despite the luxurious leather and wood trims in the SUV's upholstery, it leaves a lot to be desired if it is compared to its direct competitors in the premium vehicle segment of the market.

Cargo

With all the seats up, the Stelvio can hold 18.5 cu. ft. of cargo. Folding the rear seats will get you up to 56.5 cu. ft. of space for your luggage.