Summary
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a medium-sized SUV/crossover, and the first vehicle of this kind for the company. It was launched in 2017, with a minor update in late 2019.
There is a high-performance version called the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. We have a separate page for this model here.
The Stelvio has received generally good reviews from UK media sources, with particular praise for its driving dynamics, overall performance and safety technology. However, interior quality is not considered to be at the same levels
As of September 2023, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has an Expert Rating of 66% according to our industry-leading Expert Rating index, based on 32 UK reviews. That puts it in the top half of the medium SUV segment, but some way behind the best in its class. It doesn’t have any electrification options, but if you’re looking for a petrol or diesel medium SUV then it’s certainly competitive.
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (2017 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Alfa Romeo ratings, reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £37,490 on-road
Launched: Summer 2017
Last updated: Autumn 2019
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre 280 Q4 Speciale
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Minor irritations apart, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is an effective new entrant to the SUV market. It is generally well built, and offers a combination of attractive looks and sporting prowess that many rivals do not.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The handsome Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a sporty SUV that’s good to drive, but it’s expensive to buy and run compared to some rivals.” (Ellis Hyde)
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Model reviewed: 2023 facelift
Score: 8 / 10
“The mid-life refresh couldn’t really have come any later, because for all the updates, the Stelvio is starting to feel its age in some areas. If you want a family-sized SUV that’s both fun to drive and comfortable, though, the Stelvio should definitely be on your shortlist.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“A good SUV made even better.”
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Model reviewed: Nero Edizione
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s suitably spacious inside, and more fun to drive than its rivals.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio remains one of the sportiest SUVs you can buy, fresh updates to trim and tech keeping it competitive.” (Dan Trent)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Alfa Romeo definitively put an Italian twist on the SUV formula with its bold and distinctive Stelvio and it’s always impressed with its combination of spirited driving dynamics and practicality.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic Sprint
Score: 7 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio remains a handsome, likeable alternative to what have become the default-choice premium-brand options – as long as you value the handling dynamism it continues to trade on so squarely.”
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Model reviewed: Ti 210
Score: 7 / 10
“Mild facelift for Alfa’s engaging SUV targets perceived quality with cabin overhaul and greater focus on technology.”
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Score: 7 / 10
“Alfa Romeo has achieved a rare dynamic feat in tuning the way its first SUV handles, but this has come at the cost of ride refinement, which is a price that many potential customers may be unwilling to pay.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre 280 Q4 Speciale
Score: 8 / 10
“Even without the snarling twin-turbo V6 from the Quadrifoglio under the bonnet, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is still a compelling driver’s SUV.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Veloce (2023 facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“In the SUV segment, it’s hard to excuse shortfalls in economy and practicality for driving dynamics and style, since the latter are inevitably compromised anyway. In a competitive class, it’s difficult to recommend overlooking the Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s flaws.” (Sean Keywood)
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Car
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“If you want a crossover that sacrifices as little of the conventional-car driving experience as possible, then the Alfa Romeo Stelvio should be given serious consideration. It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s a much-needed lift given to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio in this round of upgrades. Its interior is certainly much better than before, and the infotainment is a step forward too. The driving experience hasn’t been altered either — the Stelvio remains one of the best-driving cars in its segment.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“You have to admire Alfa Romeo, it has gone from producing somewhat disappointing hatchbacks to producing excellent cars such as the Stelvio and Giulia in just a couple of years. The Stelvio is great to drive, offers excellent levels of practicality and is packed with some impressive engines.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV blends good looks, a great drive and real quality at a competitive price.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is good value, has powerful engines and is loads of fun to drive for an SUV – but the interior materials don’t feel as luxurious as in similar cars and the suspension is a bit too firm.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic 210hp Super
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Great looks, excellent efficiency and very keen pricing are all strengths, and in this sector of the market those things are considered important to company car drivers.”
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Daily Mail
Score: 8 / 10
“In its debut outing, Alfa has immediately taken the fight to the established SUV titans.”
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Evo
Score: 8 / 10
“Impressively dynamic and desirable SUV undone by quality niggles and odd styling.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Milano
Score: 8 / 10
“It is tempting to say go and buy a Stelvio while we’re in a period of the Treasury discouraging the purchase of low-emission diesels, and while there isn’t an electric alternative; make the most of the opportunity to own a Stelvio while you can.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“All in all, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a good all-rounder, doing a thoroughly decent job in all areas and a really good job in some. It might not be one of the best SUVs, but if you like the flamboyant styling, and you enjoy your driving, it’s definitely worth considering.”
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Honest John
Score: 8 / 10
“The Stelvio manages to capture Italian charisma and enjoyable handling in a practical, family-friendly package. It’s not as flawlessly executed as a pricier Audi Q5, but it has plenty of appeal – especially if you want a dose of style with your family SUV.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Regardless of the engine or spec, few SUVs are as nice to drive as the Stelvio, particularly if you opt for Q4 all-wheel drive. It corners sharply, has a sweet eight-speed transmission, and boasts ride characteristics more akin to a sports car. It is a 4×4 fit to wear the illustrious Alfa Romeo badge.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The first Alfa Romeo SUV is a stylish and sporting option.”
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The Sunday Times
Score: 8 / 10
“Because it’s a big, practical car with a huge boot and folding seats and lots of cubbyholes that’s also an Alfa Romeo – it’s the only SUV that’s quite tempting.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Alfa Romeo has built a very good car. Like the Giulia, the Stelvio offers a compelling alternative in a market dominated by ordinary German models.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“All things considered, Alfa has done an admirable job on converting its value into an SUV package. Perhaps it isn’t as stirring as Alfas of the past, but this time who knows, you might actually buy one.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is one of very few cars that truly deserve the Sports Utility Vehicle billing.”
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Score: 6 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is fun to drive, but a firm ride and the cheap interior trim count against it.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“There’s undoubtedly a space in the market for an SUV that appeals to enthusiastic drivers – and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio certainly is that. It feels very keen to drive, yet it’s also practical, comfortable and great to sit in. Alfa’s mediocre brand reliability is a concern, though.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 60%
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of September 2023, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
If the Stelvio is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of September 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusive from extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Stelvio, we’ll publish the score here.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 33 mpg | E | 30 – 33 mpg | E – E |
Diesel models | 46 mpg | C | 44 – 46 mpg | C – C |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 195 g/km | D | 191 – 209 g/km | C – D |
Diesel models | 162 g/km | C | 156 – 170 g/km | B – C |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 33 | C | 30 – 37 | C – C |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £316 | C |
Year 2 | £850 | C |
Year 3 | £1,411 | C |
Year 4 | £1,684 | C |
Year 5 | £2,315 | C |
Overall | £6,576 | C |
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio can be quite an expensive car to run depending on the model you choose, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Petrol models offer 33 mpg on average, which is lower than petrol equivalents in the rival BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC model lines. Diesel models offer around 46 mpg on average, making them a more economical choice.
Insurance premiums are fairly average when compared to the market as a whole, as are service and maintenance costs for the first five years from new.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has received
2018
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Premium SUV of the Year
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q5 | BMW X3 | BMW X4 | DS 7 Crossback | Genesis GV70 | Jaguar F-Pace | Lexus NX | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Porsche Macan | Range Rover Velar | Volvo XC60
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