- For: Performance, handling, styling
- Against: Ride quality, can get expensive
- Verdict: An SUV that’s genuinely fun to drive
The Stelvio is arguably the most stylish SUV in its class; no mean feat with rivals like the Jaguar F-Pace and Porsche Macan.
There are four core trim levels: Sprint, Veloce, Veloce TI and the flagship Quadrifoglio (Italian for ‘four-leaf clover’).
A facelift in 2019 ushered in some much-needed changes, including a classier cabin with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It won’t cause sleepless nights at Audi, but it feels sufficiently premium to justify the Stelvio’s £45,000+ price tag.
The standard engine range comprises a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol with a choice of 200hp or 280hp outputs, plus a 2.2 diesel with 190hp or 210hp.
The Quadrifoglio super-SUV has a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 producing 510hp – good for 0-62mph in a scorching 3.8 seconds.
Regardless of the engine or spec (all versions have Q4 all-wheel drive), few family SUVs are as nice to drive as the Stelvio. It corners sharply, has a sweet eight-speed transmission, and boasts ride characteristics more akin to a sports car.
Despite our initial fears, this 4×4 feels fit to wear the illustrious Alfa Romeo badge.
KEY INFO
- Launched: 2017
- Facelifted: 2019
- Due for replacement: 2021
Rivals: Volvo XC60, Jaguar F-Pace, BMW X3