Alfa Romeo Stelvio - TopCarNews

Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2017 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a medium-sized SUV/crossover, and the first vehicle of this kind for the company. It was launched in 2017, with a minor update in late 2019.

There is a high-performance version called the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. We have a separate page for this model here.

The Stelvio has received generally good reviews from UK media sources, with particular praise for its driving dynamics, overall performance and safety technology. However, interior quality is not considered to be at the same levels of the best rivals in its class – despite improvements made in late 2019 to address earlier criticisms.

As of December 2021, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has an Expert Rating of 68% according to our industry-leading Expert Rating index, based on 27 UK reviews. That puts it in the top half of the medium SUV segment, but some way behind the best in its class. It doesn’t have any electrification options, but if you’re looking for a petrol or diesel medium SUV then it’s certainly competitive.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £37,490 on-road

Launched: Summer 2017Last updated: Autumn 2019
Replacement due: TBA

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre 280 Q4 SpecialeScore: 8.2 / 10“Minor irritations apart, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is an effective new entrant to the SUV market. It is generally well built, and offers a combination of attractive looks and sporting prowess that many rivals do not.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 9 / 10“A good SUV made even better.”
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Model reviewed: Nero EdizioneScore: 8 / 10“It’s suitably spacious inside, and more fun to drive than its rivals.”
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Score: 8 / 10“Overall, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is definitely worth a look if you’re bored of the German establishment. It’s got style and flair in spades, and deserves to succeed in a saturated market.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Alfa Romeo definitively put an Italian twist on the SUV formula with its bold and distinctive Stelvio and it’s always impressed with its combination of spirited driving dynamics and practicality.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic SprintScore: 7 / 10“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio remains a handsome, likeable alternative to what have become the default-choice premium-brand options – as long as you value the handling dynamism it continues to trade on so squarely.”
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Model reviewed: Ti 210Score: 7 / 10“Mild facelift for Alfa’s engaging SUV targets perceived quality with cabin overhaul and greater focus on technology.”
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Score: 7 / 10“Alfa Romeo has achieved a rare dynamic feat in tuning the way its first SUV handles, but this has come at the cost of ride refinement, which is a price that many potential customers may be unwilling to pay.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre 280 Q4 SpecialeScore: 8 / 10“Even without the snarling twin-turbo V6 from the Quadrifoglio under the bonnet, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is still a compelling driver’s SUV.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance.”
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Score: 8 / 10“If you want a crossover that sacrifices as little of the conventional-car driving experience as possible, then the Alfa Romeo Stelvio should be given serious consideration. It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automaticScore: 8 / 10“There’s a much-needed lift given to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio in this round of upgrades. Its interior is certainly much better than before, and the infotainment is a step forward too. The driving experience hasn’t been altered either — the Stelvio remains one of the best-driving cars in its segment.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“You have to admire Alfa Romeo, it has gone from producing somewhat disappointing hatchbacks to producing excellent cars such as the Stelvio and Giulia in just a couple of years. The Stelvio is great to drive, offers excellent levels of practicality and is packed with some impressive engines.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.8 / 10“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV blends good looks, a great drive and real quality at a competitive price.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“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 a bit too firm.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic 210hp SuperScore: 7.8 / 10“Great looks, excellent efficiency and very keen pricing are all strengths, and in this sector of the market those things are considered important to company car drivers.”
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Daily Mail

Score: 8 / 10“In its debut outing, Alfa has immediately taken the fight to the established SUV titans.”
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Evo

Score: 8 / 10“Impressively dynamic and desirable SUV undone by quality niggles and odd styling.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic MilanoScore: 8 / 10“It is tempting to say go and buy a Stelvio while we’re in a period of the Treasury discouraging the purchase of low-emission diesels, and while there isn’t an electric alternative; make the most of the opportunity to own a Stelvio while you can.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“All in all, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a good all-rounder, doing a thoroughly decent job in all areas and a really good job in some. It might not be one of the best SUVs, but if you like the flamboyant styling, and you enjoy your driving, it’s definitely worth considering.”
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Honest John

Score: 8 / 10“The Stelvio manages to capture Italian charisma and enjoyable handling in a practical, family-friendly package. It’s not as flawlessly executed as a pricier Audi Q5, but it has plenty of appeal – especially if you want a dose of style with your family SUV.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Regardless of the engine or spec, few SUVs are as nice to drive as the Stelvio, particularly if you opt for Q4 all-wheel drive. It corners sharply, has a sweet eight-speed transmission, and boasts ride characteristics more akin to a sports car. It is a 4×4 fit to wear the illustrious Alfa Romeo badge.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7.4 / 10“The first Alfa Romeo SUV is a stylish and sporting option.”
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The Sunday Times

Score: 8 / 10“Because it’s a big, practical car with a huge boot and folding seats and lots of cubbyholes that’s also an Alfa Romeo – it’s the only SUV that’s quite tempting.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“Alfa Romeo has built a very good car. Like the Giulia, the Stelvio offers a compelling alternative in a market dominated by ordinary German models.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“All things considered, Alfa has done an admirable job on converting its value into an SUV package. Perhaps it isn’t as stirring as Alfas of the past, but this time who knows, you might actually buy one.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is one of very few cars that truly deserve the Sports Utility Vehicle billing.”
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Score: 6 / 10“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is fun to drive, but a firm ride and the cheap interior trim count against it.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: (range review)“There’s undoubtedly a space in the market for an SUV that appeals to enthusiastic drivers – and the Stelvio certainly is that. It feels very keen to drive, yet it’s also practical, comfortable and great to sit in. Alfa’s mediocre brand reliability is a concern, though.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2017

97%

ADULT OCCUPANT

84%

CHILD OCCUPANT

71%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

60%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

If the Stelvio is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has received

2018

Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Premium SUV of the Year

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