Used 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a fresher entry among compact-luxury SUVs. This 5-passenger crossover SUV arrived in America two years ago to battle established models like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and Audi Q5. So far, the Stelvio’s sales have been a fraction of those players, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked.

The Stelvio is the only SUV in the segment that’s made in Italy, and boasts the standout design and allure of the Alfa Romeo brand. Driving a Stelvio immediately sets you apart. And the Stelvio is a real pleasure to drive. Offered in rear- or all-wheel drive, the Stelvio has class-leading power and the kind of manners that beckon you to take the long way home.

Even more exclusive — and at over $80,000 roughly twice the base cost — is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, a 505-horsepower beast that will outrun a Porsche Macan Turbo. Updates for 2020 such as added tech and active safety and driver-assist systems add to this Alfa’s appeal. The Stelvio is arguably the most individualistic model among its peers, but it also has a smaller dealer network, subpar resale value and still-unknown long-term reliability.

When we first tested the Alfa Romeo Stelvio two years ago, we likened it to David vs. Goliath, or in this case Goliaths who go by the names BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5 and Lexus NX. But just as an unknown shepherd felled a giant warrior in ancient days, the Stelvio is the scrappy new competitor with the goods to take on — and take down — competitors today.

While those rivals are no slouches, we think the Stelvio is simply more engaging to drive. If you’re the kind of person who wants to stand out and seeks a compact-luxury SUV with true passion and dynamic manners, get behind the wheel of a Stelvio. With 280 horsepower and the ability to do 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, this Alfa Romeo SUV has best-in-class stats.

Yet the Stelvio’s abilities go beyond numbers. The 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the rare vehicle — and even rarer SUV — that elicits emotion. Its potent engine, snappy 8-speed automatic transmission and near-perfect 50/50 weight balance combine to make the Stelvio athletic and simply fun to drive. And by fun we mean you can throw it into corners, blast up onramps, and pass slower traffic with ease. All that said, it’s not so stiff to make it uncomfortable for everyday commuting. The 2020 Stelvio is equally pleasant on the highway and around town.

Then there’s the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. This is the Hulk version of the Stelvio. Stuffed with a Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V6 that makes 505 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, the 2020 Stelvio Quadrifoglio is truly a high-performance, track-ready SUV.

When we tested one at the Circuit of the Americas Formula 1 track in Austin, Texas, we were stunned by its performance. Far beyond this super Stelvio’s blistering 3.6-second 0-60-mph run is its ability to slice through turns and grip for days. But we also found it rawer, stiffer and more intense than hot-rod rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and Porsche Macan Turbo. Compared to those rivals, the Stelvio is more one-dimensional.

As with its competitors in the compact-luxury-SUV segment, the Alfa Romeo is a 2-row/5-passenger affair. The Stelvio’s cabin is simpler and not quite as adorned as that of a Mercedes-Benz GLC or an Audi Q5. In fact, its straightforward approach and pistol-grip transmission lever remind more of a BMW X3. The upside is the controls are quite intuitive, with buttons and dials clearly marked and easy to use.

Flourishes we really like are the push-button start control in the steering wheel and the red interior color choice that pops. Unlike some of its rivals, the Stelvio comes standard with genuine leather and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

For 2020, all Stelvio models get the formerly optional 8.8-inch wide-screen infotainment display. The center console design is also new and has more storage. As for rear-passenger space, it’s tight with only 31.9 inches of legroom. The 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s cargo room trails that of competitors like the Q5, X3 and Volvo XC60, but is still respectable at 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

We think the Stelvio’s design is another one of its highlights. And in a class where more competitors look so similar, the Stelvio has the ability to go against the flow. It all starts up front with Alfa’s iconic grille, called a “V Scudetto.” This triangular opening is a welcome change from the gaping holes in other luxury SUVs.

Overall, the Stelvio is far more “sport” than “utility” with an athletic stance, tapered roof and sloped rear window. It all creates the appearance of what the Stelvio is: an SUV that can really move. Base models ride on 18-inch wheels, while Ti models ride on 19s. The Quadrifoglio rolls on 20-inch tires, which are optional on Ti models. The monstrous Quadrifoglio also gets a unique hood, fascia, quad exhaust outlets and high-performance 6-piston Brembo brakes.

ACTIVE DRIVER-ASSISTANCE PACKAGE
This suite that’s optional beginning on Ti models adds new functions-to-Stelvio tech such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring and driver-attention alert.

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO QUADRIFOGLIO
At over $80,000, this top-line Stelvio with a nearly unpronounceable name isn’t cheap. But when you consider its Ferrari-derived engine, Porsche-beating performance and sheer exclusivity, the Quadrifoglio looks more tempting to those with the means.

The Stelvio is available in a half-dozen trims, plus the Quadrifoglio high-performance model. For the most part, your primary decision will be between the two base models with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four Stelvio Ti trims, with all-wheel drive (AWD) standard.

At the entry point, the least expensive Alfa Romeo Stelvio includes leather interior, 10-way-power driver’s seat (6-way for passenger), power tailgate, remote vehicle start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual-zone climate control, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with universal garage remote.

The newly enhanced infotainment system includes an 8.8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Standard safety features include full-speed automatic emergency braking and rear parking sensors. The Alfa Romeo standard warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles.

Stepping up to the Stelvio Sport model adds firmer front suspension, 19-inch wheels and other bits. Those base models also offer some active safety systems like lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Unless you’re set on having rear-wheel drive, we recommend opting for Ti trims. In addition to all-wheel drive, they come with amenities like heated seats and offer more safety and driver-assistance features (see Active Driver Assistance Package in Favorite Features).

Ti Lusso models have plusher leather seating and wood trim, while Ti Sport models include a sport-tuned suspension, gloss-black accents and other aggressive traits. The new Ti Sport Carbon trim has 20-inch wheels and, you guessed it, carbon-fiber aesthetics.

At the top, the 2020 Stelvio Quadrifoglio boasts a luscious twin-turbo V6 and performance everything — brakes, suspension and torque-vectoring rear differential.

The standard engine in the 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is an impressive 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. These figures easily top those of rivals. Also in the Alfa’s favor is standard all-wheel drive on the Ti Sport and higher trims, although for those who prefer rear drive, it is available on the base and Sport trim.

The Alfa has a 3-mode drive selector called Alfa DNA, for Dynamic, Natural or Advanced Efficiency drive modes. The Stelvio uses a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission that pairs well with this engine.

Like many of its rivals, the Stelvio has an engine start/stop system that cuts engine power at idle to save fuel. It can be disabled if you don’t like the engine turning off at traffic signals and the like. The Stelvio is rated to tow up to 3,000 pounds.

At the top end of the Stelvio line is the high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio, powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 good for 505 horsepower. That engine is derived from Alfa’s Italian cousin Ferrari. That model has all-wheel drive standard and is loaded with other performance hardware. As with other luxury SUVs, the Stelvio requires premium unleaded, 91-octane gasoline.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Stelvio, Ti)
280 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
306 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (RWD), 22/28 mpg (AWD)

2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Stelvio Quadrifoglio)
505 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
443 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg