The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a brand-new addition to the small premium SUV segment. It’s named after a winding route in northern Italy, has a strong engine, and has a unique design.
The Stelvio may be the perfect luxury crossover for you if you find that other options are too dull. Several essentially identical variants of any vehicle are frequently available.
Image source: edmunds.comThe 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Ti, and Quadrifoglio are all small, all-wheel-drive luxury SUVs that will hit the market in the first few months of the new year. A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (280 hp, 306 lb-ft of torque) and an eight-speed automatic with all-wheel drive are standard on the well-equipped basic and Ti variants.
With its firmer suspension settings, stickier tires, and Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, the Quadrifoglio is a totally different beast (505 horsepower, 443 pound-feet of torque).
The standard equipment for the Stelvio includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, Brembo brakes, xenon headlights, roof rails, a power liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and adjustable drive settings.
A large screen for the driver’s information, a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the center, a rearview camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, four USB ports (two front and two charge-only ports for rear passengers), and an eight-speaker sound system are all included in the vehicle’s technological offerings.
The Ti has more features as standard, such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, as well as larger 19-inch wheels, front parking sensors, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and more.
Both the standard and Ti models have the option to add the Sport package, which includes wider wheels (19 inches for the base model and 20 inches for the Ti), revised exterior and interior styling, paddle shifters, and sportier suspension settings. The Ti also has power-adjustable bolsters on the front sport seats.
Both the Ti Performance package (late availability) and the Ti Lusso package (better front seats, extra leather upholstery, and upgraded interior trim) feature a driver-adjustable adaptive suspension and a rear mechanical locking limited-slip differential.
Static and dynamic driver assistance systems offer further safety measures. Mirrors that automatically darken and blind-spot monitors in the former. The latter has automatic high beams, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, and adaptive cruise control.
You may choose a hands-free liftgate with or without the Convenience Package, which includes a rail freight system that can be adjusted, 115-volt auxiliary power, and a cargo net. Navigation, Harman Kardon audio, a dual-pane sunroof, and a selection of wheels and exterior colors are all available as separate add-ons for both the basic and Ti models.
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Overview
Despite having a moniker that sounds more at home on a sports vehicle, the Stelvio is ready to smash speed records thanks to its agile handling, precise steering, and powerful engine.
Nevertheless, Alfa Romeo has made sure that driving fans will find enough to like about this SUV, from the rear locking mechanical differential to the pleasant and large aluminum shift paddles included in Sport grades.
The Stelvio is the third car Alfa Romeo has released in the United States since returning to the market. It shares the Giulia’s strong turbocharged four-cylinder engine, chassis, and trim levels. Early next year, the Stelvio, like the Giulia, will be offered in a high-performance Quadrifoglio version powered by a turbo V6.
When you choose sports over practicality, you have to make some sacrifices. The Stelvio’s second-row and luggage space are both less than in most rival SUVs because of its diminutive size.
The vehicle is not built for off-road use and has subpar towing capacity. The inside is likewise somewhat unremarkable when put next to competing products. Yet, we believe the Stelvio is deserving of your attention because of its unique charisma and personality.
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Expert Review
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the brand’s latest entry into the growing market for small, high-end SUVs.
It stands apart from the competition by focusing on the user’s experience in the driver’s seat. For this purpose, it has a unique look, a potent engine, and the name of a winding route in northern Italy.
Pros
- One of the most enjoyable little luxury SUVs to pilot.
- Exciting and powerful motor.
- Its unique paint job and wheels make it easy to spot in a crowd.
Cons
- Squeezing into the backseat.
- The segment’s low towing capacity.
- The brake pedal has an odd feel, making it difficult to modulate speed.
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Performance
Due to its compact dimensions, the Stelvio does not offer as much cargo space as many of the SUVs that compete in its market segment. It has the lowest tow rating of the group, and going off-road is not something it is designed to do.
The entertainment system is simple to manage thanks to a rotary controller and uncomplicated visuals; nevertheless, it may benefit from the addition of a back button. The capabilities of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will arrive in the autumn; cars that were sold before this time will not be able to update.
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Safety
Although the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio provides a pleasurable driving experience across its whole lineup of trim levels, the Ti model that has been upgraded with the Sport package is where this SUV’s capabilities truly shine.
The Ti model offers a more upscale driving experience than the standard model by virtue of its more aesthetically pleasing interior materials as well as its heated front seats and steering wheel.
Supportive seats, great-looking 20-inch wheels, pleasant shift paddles, and your choice of red, black, or yellow brake calipers are all included in the Sport package, which brings the overall experience to a satisfying conclusion.
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Interior
The interior lacks any of the flamboyance that can be seen on the outside. A feeling of luxury is added by the availability of wood and metal accents, although the overall appearance is very unremarkable. Within the majority of our rivals’ establishments, you’ll discover more luxurious interiors.
In spite of the fact that its automobiles continue to use the colors of the Italian flag and the distinctive “telephone” wheels, Alfa Romeo is working very hard below the water’s surface.
The company is no longer satisfied to coast on its more than a century of history, and as a result, it is not giving itself much room to deviate from its current course. Management has made a commitment to releasing five new cars during the next six years, and they have an ambitious goal of being the first brand within the Stellantis umbrella to fully electrify its vehicles.
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Comfort and Driving
The ride quality of the Stelvio is not negatively affected by the car’s sporting goals, as could be predicted. Seats that are more comfy and changeable in 12 different ways are standard on higher-end Ti models. Nonetheless, heavier passengers can find the second row uncomfortable.
The Stelvio’s emphasis on driving engagement is sure to make your daily commute an experience you won’t soon forget, thanks to features such as its potent turbocharged engine and its quick and precise steering. However, some drivers may find it bothersome if there is greater storage capacity and a higher seating position.
It’s brisk and exciting to pilot. Its suspension isn’t as forgiving as that of a standard SUV, but then again, you probably wouldn’t purchase this car if you were looking for a standard SUV. I wanted a sports vehicle, but my wife had her heart set on an SUV.
This has been a fantastic middle ground, especially considering how much better it is on the potholes of the Northeast than our Mercedes car. Cons in general: Several components appear and feel cheap in ways Mercedes would never have cut corners.
Some Disadvantages Some aristos are embarrassed to appear so poor. The second misconception is that heat chairs are either quick or really hot. Having three backup cameras is so 2012. Not 2017. Fourth, the parking sensors are slow and not as precise as I would like them to be. In sum, I think this automobile is awesome.
Do I want to buy a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, or should I lease it?
What’s the verdict: automobile leasing or buying? If you ask around, you’ll hear that purchasing a car is highly recommended. If you’re prepared to make larger monthly payments, pay off the loan in full, and retain the automobile for a few years, it makes financial sense to do so.
On the other hand, leasing often results in lower regular payments than buying. If you want to get a new automobile every three years or so, this is a fantastic option for you as well.
