I replaced my 2019 Kia Stinger GT with the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Prior to that, I was driving a 2011 Audi S4, Volvo S60R, Subaru Legacy GT. Being my first SUV and going to a 4-Cylinder, I was a bit wary, but wanted something that stands out (vs an X3, Q5, CX-5, which are a dime a dozen), and handles well. Despite coming from much lower vehicles, I’m shocked how much better the Stelvio handles and drives…literally feels like it’s on rails. With that, you do not sacrifice ride-quality – on smooth roads it literally glides. If you are looking for a tech-laden vehicle that basically drives itself, this is not the car for you.
This is the driver’s car in the segment – I find myself making excuses to just get out and hit the road. Unlike the competition, this car actually has character and a charm to it that super hard to find in new vehicles. I do have a few qualms – small dealer network, no sunglass holder, the panic button on the key is too large (you can hit it my accident a lot), base seats are too flat, fit and finish could be better, CarPlay is a little slow, and sound system is meh. Sounds like a lot of stuff, but all the nuances disappear once you drive it.
I have had many top end SUV’s. Volvo XC60, VW Eos, BMW X5, RAV4 – but the Stelvio was a bit of a let down.. A month after I took delivery battery was dead. Battery replaced and I was told to lock when car in garage for something was draining the battery. Two months later the new battery was flat. Took into Alfa Service and told nothing was wrong. The car then developed an odd grinding noise in rear wheels upon reversing then straightening. I need a reliable car so I sold the car with 7500 km on clock and bought a Peugeot 3008 which is a delight. I found Alfa Service very disinterested and notice dealership in Brighton no longer do Alfas.
MSRP Range: $44,775 – $92,675
