Alfa Romeo Stelvio Review and Prices
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is good value, has powerful engines and is loads of fun to drive for an SUV – but the interior materials don’t feel as luxurious as in similar cars and the suspension is on the firm side
- Cash
- £42,881
- Monthly
- £595*
- Used
- £22,990
What's good
What's not so good
Find out more about the Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio a good car?
Okay, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s swooping exterior design may look better from some angles than others – it’s essentially an Alfa Romeo Giulia that’s been stretched vertically – but it’s definitely got more personality than an Audi Q5 or BMW X3.
Like the similarly-priced Jaguar F-Pace, the Stelvio’s interior gives you the sensation that you’re in a sports car rather than an SUV thanks to recessed dials and plenty of silver trim accents. General cabin quality has also been improved for 2021, too, with a few less cheap-feeling plastics. However, despite the mild update the cabin still doesn’t feel quite as plush or as well-screwed-together as a BMW X3’s or an Audi Q5’s.
At least the latest infotainment upgrade is superior to earlier versions of the Stelvio. The screen is still 8.8in in size and isn’t as bright as you might expect, but the menus are now clearer and more customisable, and it now responds to touch too. Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, while a neat new wireless smartphone charging pad has been squeezed under the centre armrest.
You sit closer to the road than in many alternatives, giving you a better feel of the car. That said, you can still jack the seat up quite a fair bit for a commanding view. Sitting lower doesn’t mean overall visibility in the Stelvio is bad, but the standard fit rear-view camera and full parking sensors definitely comes in handy.
Space in the back isn’t too bad either. There’s plenty of room for two adults to get comfy, and kids will find it massive back there. The 525-litre boot is big enough for a week away with the family, but it’s not the biggest in class. The Jaguar F-Pace beats it with a 650-litre boot.
The Stelvio is spacious and practical enough, and loads of fun to drive – but just isn’t quite on par with SUVs from Audi and Mercedes
That said, there are few alternatives that can challenge the Alfa Romeo Stelvio for its enjoyable driving experience. The Jaguar F-Pace comes close, but it’s the more expensive Porsche Macan that gives the Stelvio a proper run for its money. In the right spec, a Stelvio steers and grips almost like a sports car, which is sure to put a smile on your face if you enjoy driving. There is a drawback – the lowered sports suspension that’s fitted to Veloce models is quite firm over most roads and becomes a touch bouncy on really poor surfaces.
As for engines, your best pick is the 190hp 2.2-litre diesel. It has more than enough oomph for quick overtakes and it’s possible to get around 50mpg out of it in normal driving. It can be a tad clattery when it’s cold outside, which makes the smoother and quieter petrols a better bet if you drive mostly in town. Just know that they are a fair bit thirstier, though. There’s also a 510hp performance model that is utterly bonkers – called the Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
That said, you don’t need to go for the most powerful model to enjoy driving the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. If you’re willing to sacrifice some comfort and practicality, you’ll find the Stelvio to be an SUV that can put a very big smile on your face. However, to some, the roomier, comfier and more luxurious Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5 will still remain the go-to choice.
Active cruise control comes as standard across the range, but if you want driver aids such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition you’ll have to go for the range-topping Veloce Ti model. Alternatively, you can pay £1000 for the optional Driver Assistance Pack.
If this stylish Italian SUV sounds like it’s the car for you, head on over to our Alfa Romeo Stelvio deals page to see how much you can save through carwow.
How much is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has a RRP range of £46,650 to £60,850. However, on carwow prices for a new Alfa Romeo Stelvio start at £42,881 if paying cash or £595 if paying monthly - saving on average £3,209. The price of a used Alfa Romeo Stelvio on carwow starts at £22,990.
The most popular versions of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio are:
Model version | From | |
---|---|---|
2.0 Turbo 280 Veloce [Lim. Slip Diff.] 5dr Auto | £50,339 | Compare offers |
2.2 D 210 Veloce [Limited Slip Diff.] 5dr Auto | £48,362 | Compare offers |
2.2 D 190 Sprint [Convenience Pack] 5dr Auto | £44,158 | Compare offers |
How practical is it?
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has loads of room in the front seats, but you don’t have to look far to find alternatives that are better for passengers in the rear seats or have bigger boots
Somehow, it doesn't seem all that surprising that an Alfa Romeo SUV focuses on its driver rather than its passengers or their luggage
What's it like to drive?
The Stelvio’s one of the best handling SUVs out there but it has sacrificed a degree of comfort in return for being fun in the twisties
Don’t go thinking the Stelvio’s going to be particularly at home in the dirt. Thankfully, it is brilliant on the road and huge fun to drive around corners like those on the Stelvio pass…
What's it like inside?
The Stelvio’s cabin looks great with plenty of sporty touches and it generally feels good, however there are some cheap-feeling bits and it’s missing some high-tech features
Alfa Romeo Stelvio colours
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- From £2,500
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- From £2,500
- Cash
- £42,881
- Monthly
- £595*
- Used
- £22,990
Build your own Stelvio on carwow
Save on average £3,209 off RRP
Popular Alfa Romeo Stelvio colours
*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.