Flash Drive

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

February 13, 2018 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport AWD

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelio Sport AWD SUV has handsome, unique styling inside and out.

Engine: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, 280 horsepower, 306 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city/28-mpg highway/24-mpg combined

Base Price: $43,995

As Tested: $53,640

Performance:

Alfa puts the “sport” in sport utility vehicle

Very athletic base 280-hp turbocharged four-cylinder

Crazy hot optional 505-hp twin turbocharged V-6 engine

Wheels, tires, and brakes are all performance oriented on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport.

Efficient 8-speed automatic transmission

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport is best blasting down an open road, although it does have ample foul weather AWD capabilities.

Standard all-wheel-drive

Muscle car zero-to-sixty acceleration

Good fuel economy (especially for its performance levels)

Excellent braking

Comfort:

Excellent comfort on long or short trips

Very form-fitting, supportive, heated front seats

Stretch-out front legroom

Optional power side bolsters and lumbar support

Great flat-bottom steering wheel

Substantial wheelwell intrusion on rear doors

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti interior is roomy and very comfortable with excellent supportive front seats.

Tall rear seat floor tunnel

Fine rear seat room with front seats moved forward

Wide, soft rear armrest

Ample headroom

Optional panoramic dual-pane sunroof really brightens interior

Large HVAC vents for rear occupants

Utility:

Large cargo area

Flat cargo deck, no lift-over

Great bonus storage under deck

Sliding rail cargo system

Stretchy cargo net with hooks/loops

The option list is extensive on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelio Sport and it includes a great panoramic sunroof.

Retractable cargo cover

High opening power tailgate; tall people clear easily

Two auto-release levers in cargo area for split, folding seats

Slight upward slant to folded rear seats

Medium size rear door bins

WOW Factors:

Excellent, sporty performance; fun to drive

More sports sedan-like than truck-like

Unique, handsome Alfa styling

Stylish, upscale interior materials and design

The grille and small trim/logo elements are very traditional on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport.

Whines:

Back seat is best for two, not three passengers

Flimsy seatback storage nets

No AWD controls

Owner’s manual dominates small glovebox

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport is the SUV version of the exciting Alfa Guilia sport sedan. There’s ample functionality in the all-new Stelvio, but it’s the sporty performance, verve, style, and comfort that shine. The Alfa Stelvio puts affordable flair and fun in the midsize SUV segment.