2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Will Be Offered With RWD For Less Money

Jul. 03, 2018 3:15 PM ET by Jay Traugott Pricing / 1 Comment

This is literally the perfect formula.

Last year when Alfa Romeo launched its first SUV, the Stelvio, it was sold in all-wheel drive only. That'll change for 2019. According to Car and Driver, the Italian-built sport SUV will receive a slightly less expensive rear-wheel drive version, starting at $41,440 – $2,000 less than the 2018 base model with AWD. The 2019 Stelvio lineup, in general, will receive a slight price increase. Aside from some of the more fun to drive advantages RWD offers, it also means RWD-equipped Stelvios will shed some weight, 100 pounds reportedly.

Alfa Romeo

No changes are slated to happen under the hood. The entry-level 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 208 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque and the eight-speed automatic combo will return. However, a RWD Stelvio won't have the same number of options as its AWD counterparts. For example, the mid-range Stelvio Ti will remain AWD only. But fortunately Alfa Romeo will help compensate for that with the $1,800 Sport package that'll add 19-inch wheels, aluminum pedals, colored brake calipers, paddle shifter and a few other relevant features. Rear-wheel drive Stelvio buyers will also be able to tack on the Cold Weather package, an 8.8-inch display screen, and several driver-assistance technologies.

Another advantage the RWD version will probably offer is a slight fuel economy boost. The current Stelvio returns 22/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined, so figure about a 1 to 2 mpg improvement. The only downside we see regarding RWD here is that, more than likely, it can't be had with the Stelvio QV with the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 that produces 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.