Born from the world's greatest driving road, Stelvio Pass, this Alfa Romeo shook things up in the mid-size crossover segment when it arrived for the 2018 model year. Known for its performance heritage, the five-passenger Alfa Romeo Stelvio is one of the most engaging luxury crossovers on the market.
For 2025 the Stelvio changes its line up and rolls the previous Sprint, Ti, and Veloce trims into one core model known as the Stelvio. Two additional models are now known as the Intensa and Tributo Italiano (Limited Edition). All models now come standard with AWD and an all-aluminum 2.0L, direct-injection turbocharged engine delivering 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque, delivering 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 144 mph. Gone from the lineup is the more performance oriented Quadrifoglio. Other than the addition of a new Verde Fangio Metallic paint, the rest of the Stelvio carries over for 2025.
Prices start at $48,995 for the Stelvio, $56,090 for the Stelvio Intensa, and $56,690 for Stelvio Tributo Italiano. Competition in this segment features other luxury models such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Genesis GV70, Lexus RX, Porsche Maycan, and Volvo XC60. Here's what stood out in the Stelvio that I spent a week with the Veloce package that checked in at $57,635…
Tributo Italiano Limited Edition
New for 2025 is the Tributo Italiano edition of the Stelvio. This limited edition includes 21-inch dark aluminum wheels with red calipers, body-color appearance kit, sport rear diffuser, Tributo mirror caps, sunroof, Gloss Black roof rails and moldings and hands-free power liftgate. Inside, occupants are treated to premium touches such as a Harman Kardon audio system and leather dash, doors and sport seats, which include power bolsters and eight-way power passenger seats. Signature Alfa Romeo driving dynamics are highlighted by the standard sport suspension. The Stelvio Tributo Italiano is also available with the new Active Assist Plus Package that includes Thatcham security, Intelligent Speed Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Active Driving Assist. It is available in three colors, Verde Fangio (Green), Milano White, or Alfa Rossa (Red).
Performance (+)
While the inspiring Quadrifoglio is gone from the line up (pause for a moment of silence) the Stelvio is still plenty engaging to drive. As mentioned, all models now come with the same 2.0L, direct-injection turbocharged engine delivering 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. This engine propels the Stelvio from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds, with a top speed of 144 mph . Power is delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Stelvio's performance is further enhanced by its near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and a class-exclusive carbon fiber driveshaft, contributing to agile handling and responsive driving dynamics .
The Stelvio glides through all eight gears like butter. It handles like a sports car on the highway as you merge into traffic or during passing. There was no body roll as this crossover remained grounded to the pavement and took turns as if it was rounding the corner of a racetrack. Steering is precise and well-balanced in a point and shoot kind of way. The Stelvio goes exactly where you want with ease. The suspension is firm, but it can also be adjusted to better absorb the road when cruising around town or on the highway. The front suspension setup includes a double wishbone design with coil springs, featuring a semi-virtual steering axle. The rear suspension has a multi-link design with coil springs, incorporating Alfa Romeo's patented vertical rod link. And available on higher trims is an adaptive suspension that allows drivers to adjust the suspension's firmness via a center console-mounted knob, offering a balance between comfort and performance.
For added fun in the Stelvio, select manual mode and utilize the aluminum paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel with gear shifts in less than 100 milliseconds. These may be some of the largest paddle shifters I've seen on a vehicle and are ones I found extremely easy to get used to. To further enhance the performance of the Stelvio, there are various drive modes that can be selected. Unique to Alfa Romeo is the 'DNA' designation for these modes which stand for dynamic, natural, and advanced efficiency.
Fuel Economy (+/-)
When it arrived with a full 16.9-gallon tank it offered a driving range of around 400 miles.
EPA estimates are reasonable at 22 MPG city / 28 MPG highway and a combined rating of 24 MPG. In my suburban driving for a week, I averaged 25 MPG. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended.
Exterior (+)
The exterior of the Stelvio hasn't changed much since it debuted and after a few minor changes last year like updates to the LED lighting. Like all Alfas, the front profile of the Stelvio is unmistakable and where (in my opinion) the style of this crossover shines. Starting with its prominent grille, this car looks ready to rumble. LED adaptive matrix headlights flank the grille with a standout lighting signature. The profile is unique with a sloped rear C-pillar, however visibility from the inside is hindered slightly by this design which will require drivers to utilize the cameras and mirrors when backing into spaces. Around back a new taillight design from 2024 gives it a fresh look during the day and at night.
It's available in seven different colors ranging from standard white or black to more unique colors like the new Verde Fangio Metallic, Alfa Rosso Red, or Missano Blue Metallic. Alfa also has some of the best-looking wheel designs on the road. Mine came with 20" dark gray five-hole wheels wrapped in 255/45 all-season tires that give it the final touch to highlight its sportiness.
Interior (+/-)
Hoping inside, drivers will face a 12.3" thin-film transistor screen with access to vehicle information. The cluster can be reconfigured into three layouts that include Evolve, Relax, and Heritage. Evolved represents the future of Alfa Romeo design and uses the central area of the screen, despite keeping its two lateral quadrants in place. Relax focuses on comfort, is free of detailed vehicle information, and goes without the two quadrants. Heritage is inspired by the brand's iconic 60s and 70s models, with distinctive details like inverted numbers at the end of the speedometer. The rest of the interior has a sporty vibe but falls short on the materials for its price tag.
The interior is not bad but utilizes more shared parts with other Stellantis vehicles that diminish the rest of its cool vibe. The layout itself is functional and driver centric. One thing that may take some acclimation is the placement of the push button start which is on the left side of the steering wheel. Otherwise, it's a comfortable cabin that does feel generally premium and sporty. And as a bonus, my test model came with the dual-pane sunroof ($1,500 option) with a nice-sized opening to let the warm temps in while cruising around Chicagoland.
Technology (+)
Standard on all Stelvios is an 8.8-inch center touchscreen with higher resolution graphics along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless integration now standard. Alfa's infotainment system offers configurable widgets that can operate through the touch screen or via a jog dial in front of the gear shift knob. The system takes a little time to get used to, but once you learn how to navigate between screens such as the audio, climate controls, maps or vehicle performance specs, it's fairly intuitive. The screen feels small compared to others but is large enough to have good clarity.
Also updated last year inside the Stelvio is the center console, leather wrapped gear shifter, and steering wheel that are more upscale than the first generation. Other enhancements include more storage capacity, upgraded bezel finishes, and an available wireless mobile phone charging pad. Placement of the wireless charging pod works well with a little pocket for the device in front of the gear selector. It holds the phone in place and charges appropriately. A nice touch is the inclusion of a volume knob at hands reach near the gear selector.
Seats (+)
Hopping in the Stelvio, you’ll be treated to a blend of Italian craftsmanship and modern comfort in its seating design. Standard models come with 14-way power-adjustable front seats, including power lumbar support, tilt, height, and bolster adjustments. The Veloce trim adds power-adjustable bolsters for enhanced lateral support during spirited driving. Leather upholstery is standard, with options for sport seats featuring red accent stitching or full-grain leather in higher trims. The Intensa Special Edition offers unique tan leather accents and a leather-wrapped dashboard.
There is an ample head, leg, and shoulder room up front. The driver-centric layout creates a cockpit-like atmosphere for the driver and the power adjustable seats can easily be configured to best find a good seating position. As an added option for rear seat passengers, the Stelvio offers heated second row seats. Rear seats can accommodate three, but it would be a tight fit for average to larger size adults. Three kids, however, sat comfortably in the back seats. Overall seating accommodates up to five passengers.
Cargo Capacity (+ / -)
Cargo capacity behind the second row is 18.5 cu. ft., which is smaller than some competitors. With the second-row folded flat you'll get 56.5 cu. ft., which is still on the lower scale, but it is enough for some luggage and golf clubs.
Safety / Driver Assist Features (+)
Alfa Romeo has continually improved the Active Driver Assistance Package to include more standard features. Available on all Stelvios is highway assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, active blind spot assist, driver attention alert, intelligent speed assist, and standard full-speed forward collision warning plus. The driver attention alert is an advanced algorithm that monitors the driver's attention and provides an alert in the form of a coffee cup that lights up on the dash. The forward collision warning plus uses audio and visual warnings to help alert drivers and will apply the brakes when necessary. The traffic sign recognition is also a great feature that will display the current speed limit within the driver information digital cluster display and as a bonus it may save you from a speeding ticket if you're cruising in race mode. The assist features all work well and tend to be on the more sensitive side compared to other models.
Final Statement
The Stelvio is certainly one of the most unique vehicles in its class and one of the best to drive. Even without the roar of the former Quadrifolglio, the current setup is plenty engaging and fun to drive. The seats are comfortable and easily adjustable for optimal visibility. Technology has been greatly improved, however, there are still some elements inside that don’t feel as upscale as the rest of the car. Overall, it’s still a solid choice and is sure to turn some heads.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio AWD
Exterior Color: Alfa Rossa (Red)
Interior Color: Black Sport Leather
Options: Exterior Paint ($695), Dual-pane sunroof ($1,500), Active Assist Plus Package ($700), Veloce Package ($2,000), and 20” 5-Hole Aluminum Wheels ($1,750)
MSRP as tested: $57,635 (With Delivery/Destination)
Pros: Engaging Performance, Distinctive Styling, Updated Technology, Standard AWD
Cons: Inconsistent Interior Materials, Small Infotainment Screen, Tight Rear Seats
