Overview

The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio's curvaceous shell and sublime handling help separate it from more familiar nameplates. While Alfa Romeo's compact luxury crossover isn't as refined or practical as rivals like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, its Italian heritage and visual flair give it unique characteristics that stand out on the road. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine isn't unusual in this class, but its gutsy acceleration and raspy exhaust note appeals to the right side of our brain. The Stelvio shares a platform with the engaging Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan, and we love how nimble and responsive it feels despite having a higher center of gravity and extra weight. The excitement factor only increases on the 505-hp Quadrifoglio model, which we review separately. Apart from some uninspired interior pieces as well as a small back seat and cargo, the 2021 Stelvio is a treat to the senses.
 
Technical Overview
 
The Stelvio's turbocharged four-cylinder sends a hearty 280 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the base model, but all-wheel drive is optional and standard on the rest of the lineup. While the engine was effortlessly quick in our testing and sounded great, the Stelvio's sole setup—aside from the high-performance Quadrifoglio—eliminates choices for the buyer and limits towing to a maximum of 3000 pounds. During daily driving, we were particularly fond of its responsive throttle and smooth power delivery. Its raspy exhaust note sounded enthusiastic and appropriate for this application. In addition to its beautiful design, the Stelvio boasts athletic handling and a compliant ride. Even with its 20-inch wheels, the 2018 Ti Sport trim we tested provided sufficient isolation from all but the harshest bumps. While its maximum cornering grip was similar to rivals, the Alfa is the alpha dog when it comes to driving engagement. The chassis, which is shared with the Giulia sedan, had damping that was composed and comfortable. Although the Stelvio's steering isn't as sharp as the Giulia's, its light effort and quick reflexes were still exceptional—especially for a crossover.
 
Engine Specs:
 
. Engine Capacity | 2000cc/ 3000cc
. Horsepower | 280hp/ 510hp
. Maximum Torque | 400nm/ 600nm
. Cylinders | 4/ 6
. Acceleration from 0-100 | 5.5s/ 3.8s
 
Comfort
 
. Skin brushes
. Power Steering
. Air Conditioning
. Intelligent parking system
. Remote Keyless
. Electric mirrors
. Panoramic Sunroof
. Electric chairs
. Closing mirrors
. Front Power Windows
. Back Power Windows
. Tinted Glass
. Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel 
. Touch Screen 8.8"
. Full Link System

Sound System
 
. Multifunction
. AUX
. USB Port
. Bluetooth
 
Safety
 
. Anti - theft System
. Rear sensors
. 6 Airbags
. ESC
. ABS
. EBD
. Sensors
. ESP
. Driver Airbag
. Front sensors
. Passenger Airbag
. Immobiliser System
. Smart Parking System
. Hill Assist (HLA)
. Child Seats 

Other
 
. Alloy wheels 18"
. Alarm
. Fog lights
. Central lock
. Rear camera
. Start engine
. GPS
. Rear spoiler
. Cruise control
. Power Seats
. Rain Sensor
. Xenon Headlamps 
. LED Tail-lamps
.A/C for backseats