2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio comes with a 2.0-litre I-4 motor which produces 280 bhp and 306 lb-ft of torque. With excellent power and agility, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is better than other luxury compact SUVs. However, the interiors lack the build quality you get from some of its German rivals.

The 2018 Alfa Romeo is available in four versions: Stelvio, Stelvio Sport, Stelvio Ti, and Stelvio Ti Sport. The 2.0-litre I-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission are standard. The things which vary in all the trims are some additional features like alloy wheels, infotainment system, parking sensors etc.

Trims	Stelvio	Stelvio Sport	Stelvio Ti	Stelvio Ti Sport
MSRP	$41,995	$43,795	$43,995	$46,495
Features	18-inch Alloy wheels 6.5-inch infotainment with 8-speaker audio Rearview Camera Adaptive Suspension dampers 10-way power adjustable front seats Adjustable driver settings	Additional features to Stelvio:   19-inch Dark 5-Hole Aluminum Wheels Sport Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Steering Column-Mounted Aluminum Paddle Shifters	Additional features to Stelvio Sport:   8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment with satellite radio Front Parking Sensors Heated Front Seats and heated steering wheel	Additional features to Stelvio Ti:   20-inch Sport Aluminum Wheels

Trim We Recommend

The Stelvio’s Ti Sport version is better amongst all the other versions. The 2.0-litre I-4 engine is standard but it has got some additional and better interior equipment like a bigger infotainment system of 8.8 inches, heated front seats and steering wheels and a good looking 20-inch sport Aluminum wheels.

“This is a crossover that uses the ultra-quick steering rack you get in the Giulia with just a little over two turns lock-to-lock. The steering is light and precise, giving the Stelvio a sharpness that something that two tons arguably doesn't deserve. There may not be the same incredible front-end bite you get with the Giulia, but that's not surprising since my tester was wearing all-season tires, and, well, it's an SUV.” – Road and Track

Engine and Transmission

The Stelvio has the most powerful engine amongst the cars compared here. The Stelvio comes with a 2.0-litre intercooled turbocharged I-4 engine which is standard on all the trims. It generates 280 bhp of power and 306 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission shuffles the torque to all four wheels.

Models	Alfa Romeo Stelvio	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
MSRP	$41,995	$41,500	$41,500	$47,800
Engine/Motor	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/122	Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/120	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/121	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/121
Transmission	8-speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic	7-speed Automatic	7-speed Automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)	280 @ 5200	250 @ 5500	252 @ 5000	252 @ 5000
Torque (lb.-ft @ rpm)	306 @ 2000	258 @ 1500	273 @ 1600	273 @ 1600

The Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5 cost almost same as the Stelvio but the Porsche Macan is a bit expensive. All competitors use turbocharged intercooled 2.0-litre I-4 engine but none can match the power and torque of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Acceleration

The highest power output of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio directly translates to its acceleration times. It takes just 5.4 seconds to go from 0-60mph and it covers the quarter-mile mark in just 14.3 seconds at 97.3mph which is very much surprising. So, if you are looking for a fun-to-drive SUV, the Stelvio is a clear winner.

Models	Alfa Romeo Stelvio	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
0-60 MPH	5.4 Seconds	6.1 Seconds	6.2 Seconds	6.3 Seconds
Quarter Mile	14.3 sec @ 97.3mph	15.0 sec @ 89.9mph	14.5 sec @ 94.6 mph	13.4 sec @ 99.1mph
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission (Tons/year CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.3	7.4	7.1	7.4

The Stelvio is the fastest SUV compared here to 60 mph. The Porsche Macan, which is 0.9 seconds behind in 0-60 mph test, takes the lead in quarter-mile mark. The Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5 are just behind the Stelvio in 0-60 and quarter mile mark.

Handling and Steering

Alfa Romeo Stelvio comes with Q4 All-Wheel Drive system as standard. The Stelvio ensures sporty and steady handling because of its lightweight construction and sporty suspension. The Stelvio has got Alfa DNA through which you can choose between three different driving modes - Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency.

Braking

The Stelvio has 13-inch brake disc in the front wheels and 12.5-inch brake disc in the rear wheels. The brakes provide good stopping power and the Stelvio took about 127 feet to stop from a speed of 60 mph.

Models	Alfa Romeo Stelvio	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
Brake Front(in)	13	13.6	13.3	13.6
Brake Rear(in)	12.5	12.6	13	13
Curb Weight(lbs.)	4044	4322	4045	3902
60-0 MPH (ft.)	127	130	112	120

The Audi Q5 takes just 112 feet to stop from a speed of 60mph, which is 15 feet shorter than the Stelvio and it is the quickest among the rivals. The Macan takes 120 feet to stop from the same speed and the XC60 takes 130 feet which is the highest amongst all. Overall the braking of the Stelvio is not quite impressive as compared to the Q5 and the Macan.

 

The Stelvio delivers impressive fuel economy considering the power on tap. It gets 22 mpg on city and 28 mpg on the highway. With the combined economy of 24 mpg, the Stelvio’s engine is best amongst its rivals. The Macan and Q5 trails behind by having 20/25 mpg on city/highway and the combined economy of 22 mpg.

“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio's 28-mpg highway rating is perfectly average for the class, keeping pace with its European rivals.” – Carconnection

Model	Alfa Romeo Stelvio	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
mpg city	22	22	20	20
mpg Highway	28	28	25	25
mpg combined	24	24	22	22

 

“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.” - Edmunds

The Stelvio’s interior is stylish enough to impress at a glance but the material quality is not good enough. The steering wheel is very nice, with a beautiful thin rim which gives it sporty demeanor. The Stelvio has got an infotainment system of 8.8-inch display screen which is controlled by a rotary knob. It is also compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Seating and Comfort

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has a seating capacity of five-person and comes standard with leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The front seats are comfortable, and drivers will have good visibility. The rear seats can host three passengers very comfortably with good room for knees and legs.

Models	Alfa Romeo Stelvio	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front – Head/Shoulder/Leg (in.	40.2/-/36.6	38/58.2/41.5	41.7/57.7/41.0	39.4/-/33.1
Second – Head/Shoulder/Leg (in.)	38.9/-/35.9	38/56.3/38	39.3/56.5/37.8	36.3/-/32.3

Interior Features

The Stelvio comes well equipped with features such as:

• Dual-Zone Climate Control
• Cruise Control
• Rearview Camera
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Infotainment System with Alfa Connect
• Heated Seats
• Infrared Windshield
• 3D Navigation

The Stelvio's infotainment system is controlled by an intuitive rotary knob and advanced voice recognition system. The Stelvio has also got the new Alfa connect system which is compatible with Apple Carplay for iPhone and with Android Auto for Android devices.

Cargo

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio comes with slightly less cargo space as compared to its rivals but it does not affect its esteem so much. It has got a cargo space of 56.5 cubic feet with rear seats folded which decreases to 18.5 cubic feet when the seats are up.

Models	Alfa Romeo Stelvio	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
Volume (ft.cube)(w/Rear seats fold)	56.5	63.3	60.4	53.0
Loading Capacity (lbs.)	NA	952.7	1,344	1,488

However, you do get some space under the cargo floor which makes it more usable and it becomes easy to manage your stuff. The Stelvio has less cargo space as compared to XC60 and Q5. XC60 has got 63.3 cubic feet of space and the Q3 has got 60.4 cubic feet of space which is a bit higher than the Stelvio.

 

“It's easy to see this Italian SUV emphasizes "sport" rather than "utility." The Stelvio boasts a sleek and flowing profile, with a long hood whose face looks like nothing else out there. Called the "Scudetto," Alfa Romeos have been using this prominent triangular design for eight decades.” – Kelley Blue Book

Dimensions and Weight

The Stelvio is 184.6 inches in length and 74.9 inches in width. The height is 66 inches which makes it the highest amongst its rivals. It has got a good ground clearance of 8.1 inches. The wheelbase of 111 inches provides a good and comfortable cabin space.

Model	Alfa Romeo Stelvio	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
Curb Weight(lbs.)	4,044	4322	4,045	3,902
Length(in.)	184.6	184.6	183.6	184.9
Width(in.)	74.9	74.9	74.5	75.7
Height(in.)	66	65.3	65.3	63.9
Ground Clearance(in.)	8.1	8.5	8.2	7.8
Wheel Base(in.)	111	112.8	111.0	110.5
Track Width(in) F/R	63.5/65	65.1/65.2	63.6/63.3	65.2/65

 

Each trim of the Stelvio comes with FCW (Forward Collision Warning), AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) and LDW (Lane Departure Warning).

The other safety features of Stelvio includes the following equipment:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

• ABS And Driveline Traction Control

• Side Impact Beams

• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

• Front And Rear Parking Sensors

• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning

• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags

• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags

• Airbag Occupancy Sensor

• Driver And Passenger Knee Airbag

• Rear Child Safety Locks

• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners

• ParkView Back-Up Camera

Overall, the Stelvio is very much safe car in its segment.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is not as much impressive as the Stelvio as it lags behind in terms of power and acceleration. The fuel economy of the XC60 is as same as the Stelvio but the XC60 scores with its gorgeous interior. XC60’s cargo volume is also a bit higher than the Stelvio. So if you need a cushy vehicle for daily commute, the XC60 makes more sense.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is a beautifully finished SUV in its segment with a long list of standard features. This car has comparatively low power and torque as compared to the Stelvio but in terms of interior and cabin space, it is better. So if you need a sensible car, the Q5 makes sense but if you desire an SUV that’s entertaining to drive and to look at, the Stelvio is a clear winner.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan is one of the best cars in this luxury compact SUV segment with excellent acceleration and handling. It’s also got a supremely high-quality interior and a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system which is far better than the Stelvio’s. However, in terms of price, it is a bit costlier than the Stelvio and becomes even more expensive with costly optional extras.

With the new 2018 Stelvio, Alfa Romeo has a winner in hands. It combines Italian design flair, exhilarating engine and engaging handling in a single practical package in the form of an SUV. However, there are some caveats. The Stelvio falls behind the more established German rivals in terms of interior quality and practicality.

Also, while the infotainment system is good, competitors are better. If you are willing to ignore this point, the Alfa Romeo is a proper alternative to those German luxury SUVs. Oh, it's not just a decent alternative, it will actually win you over once you give it a try. So go and test-drive one!