Alfa Romeo Stelvio: A Deep Dive

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio: A Driver's SUV

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, first introduced for the 2018 model year, arrived on the scene as the Italian marque's inaugural SUV. It immediately set itself apart with a focus on driving dynamics, aiming to blend the practicality of an SUV with the engaging feel of a sports sedan. If you're considering a used luxury compact SUV that prioritises driving thrills, the Stelvio is certainly a compelling option. However, like any vehicle, it comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses that are crucial to understand before making a purchase.

Key Highlights of the 2018 Stelvio

When it comes to what makes the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio stand out, several key aspects come to the fore:

• Muscular Turbocharged Engines: Offering brisk acceleration and ample power for overtakes.
• Agile, Well-Balanced Handling: Delivering a connected and enjoyable driving experience.
• Decent Fuel Economy: Particularly with the standard engine, making it relatively efficient for its class.
• Handsome Styling: Possessing a distinct Italian flair that turns heads.
• Many Available Safety Features: Providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While the Stelvio offers a lot to like, potential buyers should also be aware of its less favourable attributes:

• Higher-Than-Average Projected Ownership Costs: This includes expenses for fuel, insurance, repairs, and maintenance over a five-year period.
• Cheaper Interior Plastics: Especially noticeable in lower trim levels, where hard plastics can detract from the premium feel.
• Limited Rear-Seat Space: The sloping roofline can impact headroom for adult passengers in the back.
• Some Awkward Infotainment Controls: The user interface, while visually appealing, can sometimes be less intuitive than competitors.
• Firm Ride on Uneven Pavement: While contributing to its sporty handling, this can make for a less comfortable experience on poorly maintained roads.

Pricing and Ownership Costs

The average price for a used 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, based on available listings, typically falls around $34,900, with prices ranging from $29,600 to $42,000 depending on condition, mileage, and specifications. When considering the total cost of ownership, the Stelvio's projected five-year expenses for fuel, insurance, repairs, and maintenance are estimated to be around $33,800, equating to approximately $6,760 per year. This figure is notably higher than the average for a luxury compact SUV, so potential buyers should factor this into their budget.

Used vs. New: The 2018 Model Advantage

The 2018 model year marked the Stelvio's debut. For 2019, Alfa Romeo introduced updates such as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the availability of rear-wheel drive. Crucially, all 2018 models are equipped with all-wheel drive. Opting for a used 2018 Stelvio can offer significant savings compared to newer models, making it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers who still desire the Stelvio's core attributes.

Reliability and Recalls

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has earned a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power. However, it's important to be aware of potential recalls. At the time of writing, there were six recalls affecting the 2018 model, including issues with wiring, coolant hoses (Quadrifoglio trim only), potential water leaks into the body control module and liftgate wiring connectors, windshield wiper operation, and brake fluid contamination. It is imperative that any used vehicle you consider has had all relevant recalls addressed by a qualified mechanic.

Trim Levels Explained

The 2018 Stelvio was available in three distinct trim levels, each offering a different blend of features and performance:

Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Base)

The entry-level Stelvio provides a robust foundation with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Standard features include:

• 6.5-inch infotainment screen
• Eight-speaker audio system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Five USB ports
• Rearview camera and rear parking sensors
• Power liftgate
• Keyless entry
• Leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated and power-adjustable side mirrors
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Adaptive pivoting headlights
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti

Building upon the base model, the Ti trim includes the same powertrain but adds enhancements for a more premium experience:

• 8.8-inch infotainment display
• Satellite radio
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Wood interior accents
• Front parking sensors
• 19-inch alloy wheels

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

This is the high-performance variant, designed for enthusiasts seeking maximum power and sportiness:

• 505-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine
• Adaptive suspension system
• Larger, more powerful brakes
• Carbon fibre interior accents
• Performance front seats with enhanced side bolsters
• 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system
• HD Radio
• Forward collision warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• 20-inch alloy wheels

Optional Features and Packages

Beyond the standard equipment, several desirable features were available, either individually or as part of packages:

• Navigation system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard on 2019+ models, optional on some 2018 models)
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Sunroof
• Hands-free power liftgate

The Ti Sport package added a sport-tuned suspension, transmission shift paddles, bolstered sport seats, and 20-inch wheels. The Ti Lusso package featured a leather-wrapped dashboard, while the Ti Performance package included the adaptive suspension and a limited-slip rear differential for enhanced traction.

Safety Features

While the 2018 Stelvio did not undergo official crash testing by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing, it offers a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies:

Standard Advanced Safety Features:

• Rearview camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Adaptive pivoting headlights

Available Advanced Safety Features:

• Front parking sensors
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Forward collision warning with brake assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic high-beam headlights

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio truly shines when it comes to its driving experience. It's designed to be engaging and responsive, making it a joy to drive on both winding roads and highways. The steering is quick and precise, and the brakes provide strong stopping power. The chassis is well-balanced, contributing to its agile handling characteristics.

Engine Options:

The Stelvio offers two distinct engine choices:

• Base Engine: A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth and swift gear changes, especially when utilising the optional shift paddles. It can propel the Stelvio from 0 to 60 mph in approximately six seconds.
• Quadrifoglio Engine: The range-topping Quadrifoglio model boasts a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine that churns out a formidable 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. This potent powerplant allows the Stelvio Quadrifoglio to achieve 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds, accompanied by the distinctive, throaty roar of its quad exhaust pipes.

Ride Quality:

The ride in the Stelvio is generally firm, which is a trade-off for its sporty handling. While it absorbs most minor road imperfections adeptly, larger potholes and rougher surfaces can lead to a more pronounced jolt within the cabin. This characteristic is more pronounced in models equipped with the sport-tuned suspension.

Fuel Economy:

The fuel efficiency of the Stelvio varies significantly between the engine options. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers respectable figures, rated at approximately 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The more powerful 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 in the Quadrifoglio model is considerably less economical, achieving around 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, which is lower than average for its class.

Towing Capacity:

When properly equipped, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, making it suitable for light towing duties such as small trailers or personal watercraft.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a two-row SUV designed to seat five occupants. The front seats are generally comfortable and offer good support, even for taller individuals, with adequate headroom and legroom. However, the rear seating area is less accommodating. While suitable for children and shorter adults, the sloping roofline significantly compromises headroom for taller passengers. The interior design is elegant and contributes to the vehicle's sporty character, though the quality of materials, particularly in lower trims, can be a point of contention, with an abundance of hard plastics present.

Seating Features:

• Standard: Leather upholstery
• Available: Heated front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, power seat bolsters, 12- or 14-way power-adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, and Sparco racing seats (Quadrifoglio).

Child Car Seat Installation:

The Stelvio is equipped with two full sets of LATCH connectors, making it straightforward to install child car seats.

Infotainment and Features

The Stelvio's infotainment system receives mixed reviews. It features either a standard 6.5-inch or an optional 8.8-inch display, controlled via rotary dials on the centre console. While this setup is reminiscent of other luxury vehicles, some users find it less intuitive than touch-based systems. The climate controls are more straightforward but are positioned low on the dashboard, potentially requiring the driver to divert too much attention from the road.

Standard Infotainment Features:

• 6.5-inch display
• Eight-speaker audio system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Five USB ports

Available Infotainment Features:

• 8.8-inch display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Satellite radio
• HD Radio
• Navigation system
• 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

Additional Standard Features:

• Keyless entry
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power liftgate

Other Available Features:

• Sunroof
• Hands-free power liftgate

Cargo Space and Dimensions

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 56.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. These figures are competitive within the luxury compact SUV segment and comparable to rivals like the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It's always advisable to visually inspect the cargo area to assess its suitability for your needs.

Key Dimensions:

• Length: 15 feet, 5 inches
• Curb Weight: 4,044 to 4,360 pounds

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio was manufactured in Italy, reflecting its European heritage and design philosophy.

Competitor Comparison

When evaluating the Stelvio, it's useful to compare it against key rivals:

Vs. 2018 Porsche Macan:

Both the Stelvio and Macan target drivers seeking sporty performance in the luxury SUV segment. They both feature powerful turbocharged engines, brisk acceleration, and agile handling. Safety features and cargo space are also comparable. The Macan generally boasts superior interior materials, but used Stelvio models tend to be more budget-friendly.

Vs. 2018 Audi Q5:

The Audi Q5 is often considered a more refined all-rounder. It offers a more luxurious interior, a more user-friendly infotainment system, and a smoother ride, especially on rough roads. The Q5 also provides more standard safety features and greater interior and cargo space. While both SUVs offer strong performance, the Q5 generally excels in comfort and overall refinement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio have rear-wheel drive?

No, all 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio models come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Rear-wheel drive became an available option starting with the 2019 model year.

What engines are available in the 2018 Stelvio?

The 2018 Stelvio is available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (280 hp) or, in the Quadrifoglio trim, a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine (505 hp).

Is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio a good used SUV?

Yes, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a good used SUV, particularly for those who prioritise driving dynamics and sporty performance. However, potential buyers should be aware of its higher ownership costs and potential for less refined interior materials compared to some competitors.

What is the cargo space of the 2018 Stelvio?

The 2018 Stelvio offers 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 56.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Are there any common issues with the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?

While the 2018 model has a decent reliability rating, it's important to be aware of the various recalls issued for issues such as wiring, potential leaks, and wiper operation. Ensuring these are addressed is crucial when purchasing used.

If you want to read more articles similar to Alfa Romeo Stelvio: A Deep Dive, you can visit the Automotive category.