Alfa Romeo Stelvio: 2018 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Finalist

We Like: Exuberant handling; meaty engine; supple ride

We Don’t Like: Plasticky interior; off-road weakness

This tasty Italian treat fully embraces the “sport” proposition of sport utility. It is thrillingly quick, nimble around corners, and surprisingly supple over road crud. Yet some of its interior plastics wouldn’t be out of place on a budget Fiat, its off-road competence is questionable, and the infotainment system clearly trails its luxury rivals. Then there’s the nagging question of Alfa Romeo build quality, which we experienced firsthand.

Christian Seabaugh perfectly sums up the Stelvio experience: “The Alfa’s existence boils down to moments of brilliance punctuated by others of bewilderment.” 

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Perhaps most impressive is the performance delivered by the 2.0-liter turbo-four engine mated to an eight-speed automatic. (The 507-hp Quadrifoglio version arrives next spring.) But anyone who thinks SUVs can’t be exciting will be instantly converted the moment that second gear kicks in while making an aggressive exit from the dealership parking lot. It’s the quickest 0–60 in its class. 

“Even the fonts on the dash are racy and instantly transmit the notion that this is a sports car,” Frank Markus said.

For a vehicle geared for enthusiasts, the Stelvio frustratingly lacks a traction control defeat button. Its brakes are grabby at parking lot speeds. The stop/start system’s software logic is unrefined. Although front-seat occupants are supported well by firm leather seats, the bolstering will be narrow for those of husky build. And we did have a typical Alfa moment when the sunroof went on a cigarette break for a couple hours. But it’s all worth it. The Stelvio is a blast.

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q4 (Ti Sport AWD)
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD
ENGINE TYPE	Turbocharged I-4, alum block/head
VALVETRAIN	SOHC, 4 valves/cyl
DISPLACEMENT	121.7 cu in/1,993 cc
COMPRESSION RATIO	10.0:1
POWER (SAE NET)	280 hp @ 5,200 rpm
TORQUE (SAE NET)	306 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
REDLINE	5,500 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER	14.4 lb/hp
TRANSMISSION	8-speed automatic
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE/LOW RATIO	3.73:1/2.39:1/—
SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR	Multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
STEERING RATIO	11.8:1
TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK	2.3
BRAKES, F; R	13.0-in vented disc; 12.5-in vented disc, ABS
WHEELS	8.5 x 20-in cast aluminum
TIRES	255/45R20 101H (M+S) Continental CrossContact LX Sport
DIMENSIONS
WHEELBASE	111.0 in
TRACK, F/R	63.5/65.0 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	184.6 x 74.9 x 66.0 in
GROUND CLEARANCE	8.1 in
APPRCH/DEPART ANGLE	23.0/22.0 deg
TURNING CIRCLE	38.4 ft
CURB WEIGHT	4,018 lb
WEIGHT DIST, F/R	51/49%
TOWING CAPACITY	3,000 lb
SEATING CAPACITY	5
HEADROOM, F/M/R	40.2/38.9/— in
LEGROOM, F/M/R	36.6/35.9/— in
SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R	57.5/56.0/— in
CARGO VOLUME, BEHIND 1st/2nd/3rd	56.5/18.5/— cu ft
TEST DATA
ACCELERATION TO MPH
0-30	1.7 sec
0-40	2.7
0-50	3.9
0-60	5.4
0-70	7.1
0-80	9.2
0-90	11.8
0-100	—
PASSING, 45-65 MPH	2.9
QUARTER MILE	14.0 sec @ 97.3 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	127 ft (120 ft est)
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.82 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.9 sec @ 0.67 g (avg)
TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH	2,200 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
BASE PRICE	$44,990
PRICE AS TESTED	$55,240
STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL	Yes/Yes
AIRBAGS	8: Dual front, fr side, f/r curtain, front knee
BASIC WARRANTY	4 yrs/50,000 miles
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY	4 yrs/50,000 miles
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	4 yrs/Unlimited miles
FUEL CAPACITY	16.9 gal
REAL MPG, CITY/HWY/COMB	17.9/28.8/21.6 mpg
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON	22/28/24 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	153/120 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.80 lb/mile
RECOMMENDED FUEL	Unleaded premium

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