The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has elegant styling and excellent driving dynamics, making it a nice option for those in search of a luxury crossover SUV. This is the very first SUV on offer from this luxury automaker. It helps the brand appeal to those who do not want to drive a sedan or sports car daily. Even so, the Stelvio has plenty in common with the Giulia sedan, including the powertrain, steering setup, brakes, suspension, equipment, and even design elements. As you browse the Stelvio lineup, you will notice three trim choices, including the base, Ti, and Quadrifoglio. You can also add a Sports Package or a Lusso (luxury) package for the Ti.
Safety
One of the few downsides of the 2018 Stelvio is that configuring it to include advanced safety features will cost extra. A rearview camera does come standard. However, you need to opt for one of the two available Driver Assistance Packages to get more than that. The packages offer everything you need, including forward collision warning featuring automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. You also get blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors in the front and rear, and adaptive cruise control.
Styling That Mimics the Giulia
As mentioned, the styling of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is remarkably like that of the Giulia sedan. In fact, the face is nearly identical. However, the Stelvio sits much higher thanks to its body style. Although the front face of the Stelvio is the same as the Giulia’s, the trilobo grille is less overwhelming on the Stelvio due to its size. The profile is also better since its two-box shape allowed for a cut in the greenhouse’s back that resembles a scallop. The rear features a heavily styled hatch below a small and steeply raked window.
Exciting Performance
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sports Edition
The performance of the Stelvio is something that Alfa Romeo can brag about, with engines mirroring those of the Giulia. This means that the base and Ti trims get a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 280 horsepower plus 306 pound-feet of torque. The performance feels strong, even when you start from a stop. This is also the fastest base model within the segment in terms of acceleration, reaching 144 mph and getting to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. That powertrain works with an 8-speed automatic transmission with various modes, including Natural, Advanced Efficiency, and Dynamic. The Quadrifoglio is the powerhouse of the Stelvio models with its 505 horsepower.
Comfort and Features
The second row of the 2018 Stelvio is a bit cramped. However, the front seats have more than enough support and comfort. The cargo space is also just average, offering 18.5 cubes with the seats upright and 56.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Every Stelvio is well equipped in terms of features, with at least a 6.5-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch instrument cluster display. All trims also offer leather seats, dual-zone climate control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a power liftgate, and eight speakers. Upgrading can deliver heated leather seats, wood trim, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, and SiriusXM satellite radio. You also can get a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, a heated steering wheel, heated washer nozzles, extra leather, and wood trim.
