2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Review: Sports Car On Stilts
Sport-utility vehicles are meant to offer drivers a perceptible balance between performance and utility, but when it comes to genuine sporty performance, many SUVs in the USA don't really hit the mark. Precision steering, strapping acceleration, and adroit dynamic handling characteristics are qualities that such a vehicle should possess, and the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio possesses them all. With a 280-horsepower turbocharged four-pot motor under the hood, a ZF-sourced transmission, and an extensive selection of finely tuned underpinnings, the Stelvio SUV is a genuinely accomplished and adroit compact cruiser. Its focus on performance does come at the compromise of practicality, however, with the cabin and trunk providing less room and cargo space than other SUVs in the class. Alfa Romeo has also put the Stelvio forward with only a scanty selection of advanced driver assists and turned a blind eye toward build quality. Even so, the 2021 Stelvio is still a thrilling car to drive, but with prestigious competitors such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, does it do enough to hide its flaws?
2021 Stelvio Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
184.6 in | 111.0 in | 66.0 in | 74.9 in | 63.5 in | 65.0 in | 3,901.0 lbs |
2021 Stelvio Performance
2021 Stelvio Interior
2021 Stelvio Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 1 Years / 10,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio A Good SUV?
Though there are many flaws one could point out with the Alfa Romeo Stelvia, its phenomenal drive characteristics and the fact that this is the first-generation Stelvio ever make those flaws easy to forgive. Its German competitors have all been around for a much longer time and are much more refined, and perhaps even better driver's cars. But, as the first of its kind, the Stelvio is very impressive. It also offers something that those competitors don't quite match - a connectedness between the driver and the car that maybe only seasoned motoring enthusiasts can appreciate. Its brisk acceleration, precise and in-tune steering, and adroit handling dynamics anyone can enjoy. It's really comfortable on the road, too, but its fuel economy returns are rather average for the segment, so there's no highlight there. The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio hasn't undergone review by any official authority for a crashworthiness or a safety rating.
For the driving enthusiast that needs a car that's larger than their over-used hot-hatch, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is an excellent choice. It is otherwise not the most refined or most practical 5-door SUV out there.
What Alfa Romeo Stelvio Model Should I Buy?
The entry-spec Stelvio Sprint is the model we recommend as it can be equipped with a myriad of sporty cosmetic enhancements, creature comforts, and advanced driver assists and still remain more affordable than the Ti and Ti Sport. The Edizione Sport package outfits the Sprint with a Dark Miron V-shaped grille and Dark Miron mirror caps, a rear valance panel, bespoke badging, monochromatic wheel caps, and gloss-black window moldings and roof rails all for $1,500. The $800 Cold Weather package adds in a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and heated washer nozzles. The Active Assistance 1 package is a must, too. For just $595, it adds auto high-beam headlamp control, active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear park assist, lane departure warning, and more. These packages will all add onto the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV's $41,450 starting price.