Professionals: Wonderful steering and dealing with; two sporty engines accessible; stands out from crowd
Cons: Mediocre inside; lackluster tech; small for its phase
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio feels unique for the compact crossover phase, with its Italian pedigree, sharp styling and sporty efficiency. It checks the packing containers of a luxurious every day driver, whereas nonetheless providing sharp driving dynamics that may imply its proprietor doesn’t miss the sports activities automobile that doesn’t match their life-style anymore. And, you’ll be able to’t dismiss that this factor is completely different than the remainder of the pack. An Italian automobile with its signature “Scudetto” grille certain stands out in a parking zone stuffed with extra frequent household automobiles with extra conformist design — particularly in case you choose one of many bolder, brighter paint colours from Alfa’s palette.
The most important sticking level with the Stelvio is that its inside doesn’t fairly reside as much as the remainder of the car’s grandeur. It’s not notably roomy, and middling materials high quality and an absence of basic artistry uninteresting the phantasm of exoticism within the in any other case glamorous and sporty Stelvio (although in case you like carbon fiber, the Quadrifoglio’s acquired you — and virtually each floor — lined). The tech, whereas serviceable, is much less spectacular than what you’ll discover within the competitors (although contemplating how overwhelming some infotainment techniques can really feel in the present day, that may not be the worst factor ever).
The Stelvio is due for an replace for 2024, so we’ll see this era stick round for a couple of extra years earlier than Alfa begins rolling out a raft of electrical fashions. Nonetheless, in case you’re on the fence about whether or not to purchase one now or wait till subsequent 12 months, we don’t any count on main adjustments to return, particularly not by way of efficiency. And whereas we expect a few of its opponents supply extra in the best way of luxurious and utility, the Stelvio continues to be a terrific selection for a buyer who really cares about driving dynamics and standing out from the group.
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo Area | Efficiency & Gas Financial system
What it is prefer to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Rankings & Security Options
What’s new for 2023?
The Stelvio will get an Estrema trim that borrows options like adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential from the line-topping Quadrifoglio, with out taking the step up in engine efficiency and the a lot larger price ticket that comes with it. There may also be a limited-edition Lusso trim that builds upon the Ti with “Crema” Cannelloni-design leather-based upholstery, leather-based sprint and door trim, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
What are the Stelvio inside and in-car know-how like?
The Stelvio’s inside does not possess the identical luxurious appear and feel you may discover in an Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche or Volvo. From the considerably pedestrian design to the ho-hum supplies, it appears unlikely that you’re going to be shopping for a Stelvio for its inside ambiance. That stated, it’s now much less more likely to put you off. The switchgear now not appears or feels toylike, the standard of leather-based continues to be prime notch, and the steering wheel alone is sufficient to make you neglect about a couple of low cost bits elsewhere. It is completely contoured in your palms, the connected begin button may be very cool, and you need to give Alfa credit score for together with huge, Ferrari-style paddle shifters crafted from steel.
The infotainment can be now not a deal-breaker, because it was earlier than its 2020 replace. Its customary widescreen is maybe a bit of low and does not fairly supply the flexibility of Porsche’s equally configurable system, however we like that Alfa offers the redundant management choice of a touchscreen and a rotary management knob. There’s nothing like BMW’s Gesture Management or pure speech recognition, however even in case you get these to work (which is iffy), they’re arguably parlor tips anyway. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary together with satellite tv for pc radio.
How large is the Stelvio?
Outdoors, the Stelvio is just about the identical dimension as its major opponents from Germany: the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Porsche Macan and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The inside is an identical story other than two of a very powerful elements: backseat legroom and cargo capability. In accordance with Alfa’s specs, the Stelvio has 31.9 inches of rear legroom, which is an enormous 5-6 inches lower than these above opponents. It is hardly a limo again there, but it surely’s definitely not that a lot completely different than these opponents in sensible phrases, and we suspect this could possibly be a matter of differing measuring methods.
The identical could possibly be stated of the cargo space, which as we found in our Stelvio baggage check, is able to carrying way more baggage than its paltry official measurement would point out (a lot so, the quantity’s not even price mentioning). We discovered it might maintain 5 suitcases of assorted sizes, which is fairly good for an SUV of this dimension. The utmost cargo quantity of 56.5 cubic-feet does appear practical. It is not as a lot as you may discover in a BMW X3 or Volvo XC60, but it surely matches the GLC and betters the Q5 and Macan.
What are the Stelvio gasoline economic system and efficiency specs?
The Stelvio comes customary with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, as just about all of its opponents do. Nonetheless, it produces 280 hp and 306 pound-feet of torque, which mainly crushes all of them, and consequently ends in a 0-60-mph dash of 5.4 seconds – ditto. An eight-speed automated is customary, as is all-wheel drive on all besides the bottom Dash trim, which comes with rear-wheel drive (AWD is non-obligatory). Gas economic system stands at 22 miles metropolis, 29 mpg freeway and 25 mpg with RWD and 22/28/24 mpg with AWD. That is similar to most opponents.
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 derived from a modular Ferrari engine household that produces 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. It is customary with an eight-speed auto and AWD. It has been clocked doing 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, which is completely bonkers for an SUV – or something, actually. It has way more energy and is much faster than a Porsche Macan Turbo, as an example, which prices extra. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s gasoline economic system is 17/23/19 mpg, which is not too unhealthy given its stage of efficiency.
What is the Stelvio prefer to drive?
The Stelvio will instantly really feel a bit of completely different behind the wheel than its opponents because of steering that’s shockingly fast, but exact and simply operated at low parking-lot speeds. Past that, the usual Stelvio impresses with its considerable energy, properly damped experience high quality and above-average road-holding. Nonetheless, it is not fairly as zesty or characterful as you would possibly count on. It usually feels extra like an everyday luxurious SUV than compared to its Alfa Romeo Giulia sibling, which stands out stronger compared to its personal sport sedan competitors. Sharper response, maybe a bit nearer to the Quadrifoglio’s, or a extra attention-grabbing engine/exhaust be aware would possibly do the trick.
There is not any scarcity of zest within the Quadrifoglio, nevertheless, which is as scorching and wild as you may need heard. Just like the distinctive steering, all its different controls want a equally deliberate and exact contact. The brakes have a right-now biting motion, the throttle does not tolerate stabby inputs, and the pedals are positioned as shut collectively as they might be in a sports activities automobile (driving in work boots will not be really helpful). The Quadrifoglio additionally reveals sports-car-like habits at low speeds, with extra off-throttle slowing than you are in all probability used to in a automobile with an everyday automated transmission. As such, it may be a bit of uncouth when in visitors, feeling like a caffeinated pet desperately attempting to interrupt out and run round the home.
Street holding is phenomenal, and whoever considered together with a Tender Suspension button for the automobile’s “dynamic” mode was a genius (a function additionally accessible on Sport trims). It permits you to rapidly soften the springs when driving on bumpy pavement that may upset the automobile’s chassis or your backbone. Experience high quality is definitely fairly good given this hyper-performance SUV’s sporting bent.
What different Alfa Romeo Stelvio opinions can I learn?
2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Street Check: The motive force’s selection turns into much less compromised
Our first drive after the Stelvio’s facelift, which helped make up for some, however not all, of its shortcomings.
2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio exhaust is simply nearly as good as you hoped
Take heed to the sound of the most popular Stelvio’s exhaust in motion.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Baggage Check: How a lot cargo house?
Learn the way a lot baggage suits within the Stelvio, plus different cargo space attributes.
2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Evaluation: Heck of a 3rd impression
We’re blown away by the best way it drives (that also stands) and are underwhelmed by its inside (since corrected, largely).
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Drivers’ Notes Evaluation: All the pieces you count on
The 505-hp twin-turbo V6 makes the Stelvio addicting to drive, however different crossovers do the “crossover” half higher.
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Drivers’ Notes: Italy’s final savior
Our assessment of a Ti Sport trim stage mannequin.
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Drive: Type and performance in pretty equal components
Our first drive of the Stelvio, together with in-depth details about its design and engineering.
What’s the 2023 Stelvio worth?
The bottom Stelvio — the Dash trim with RWD — begins at $48,170 together with vacation spot, whereas AWD adverts $2,000. All different trims include AWD as customary. The bare-bones Dash on as much as the Estrema, with its luxurious content material and experience and dealing with upgrades, use the two.0-liter engine. The road-topping Quadrifoglio contains the two.9-liter engine, various dynamic upgrades and carbon fiber inside, however issues just like the superior driver help options and dual-panne sunroof are nonetheless non-obligatory, even at this stage. We predict the Stelvio Ti is a pleasant candy spot by way of model, comfort and worth, however the addition of the Estrema with its adaptive suspension and rear restricted slip differential make it a sexy selection of driver’s companion with out taking the leap as much as the Quadrifoglio.
The 2023 Stelvio worth breakdown by trim (together with $1,595 in vacation spot charges) follows, and you could find a full breakdown of specs, options and native pricing for every trim stage right here at Autoblog.
Dash RWD: $48,170
Dash AWD: $50,170
Ti: $53,780
Veloce: $55,580
Estrema: $61,420
Quadrifoglio: $89,770
What are the Stelvio security rankings and driver help options?
Commonplace driver help options embody stop-and-go adaptive cruise management ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind spot warning, and entrance and rear parking sensors. Additionally accessible are lane-keeping steering help, visitors signal recognition, lively blind-spot help and driver inattention detection.
The Stelvio has not but been crash examined by a 3rd get together.
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