Alfa Romeo's Stelvio is stimulating to drive and has special appeal for drivers in search of a rewarding road experience but that doesn't mean dolce vita is upon us. For daily driving needs, we found this mechanical sibling of the Giulia ripe with annoyances.
The Stelvio excels when driven with gusto; the 280-hp turbocharged engine delivers thrilling acceleration accompanied by a pleasant exhaust snarl. The transmission shifts quickly and appropriately when pressed, But the experience isn't always gelato smooth, especially in low-speed situations where the power delivery is a bit tentative, such as after a cold start.
The Stelvio races to 60 mph from rest in seven seconds. At 24 mpg overall, fuel economy is among the better ones in the class. Whether on a road or a track, the Stelvio proves its mettle with unparalleled athletic chops, making it the perfect dance partner for a winding country road. While the Stelvio's ride might come across as jittery at times, the suspension actually absorbs bumps well. Wind noise isn't as well suppressed as in its peers. The brake pedal is too grabby.
Inside, the Stelvio suffers from the same ergonomic flaws as its sedan sibling. When we tested it, drivers would have to use only a rotary knob to interact with the infotainment system. Radio presets only showed up for a couple of seconds after jogging the rotary dial, then disappear. Starting in 2020, an 8.8-inch touch-screen infotainment system is standard and makes the infotainment system more user-friendly.
The driver's seat isn't very supportive and is limited in its range of adjustability, compromising driving position. You can't adjust the angle of the bottom cushion, except to raise or lower the seat. The gear selector is a nuisance to use, requiring the press of a release button to move from Reverse into Drive. The parking sensors work overtime, often beeping for no reason at all. The lane departure warning blurts out a startling bark through the speakers. The engine stop/start feature is too abrupt and shakes the car.
Those who have an affinity to the brand will embrace the Stelvio wholeheartedly. But others might find the well-established competition more well-rounded.
Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard. For 2022 lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning became standard.