Typically automakers get it proper the primary time. For fans on the lookout for one of many best-driving small luxurious SUVs, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio nailed it out of the gate.

Alfa Romeo has given the Stelvio minor updates because it debuted six years in the past, however this crossover SUV carries the identical fundamental beautiful design, it stays snug up entrance, and most significantly, it retains its sharp driving dynamics. 

It’s not for everybody, although. Even with the newest infotainment system, expertise isn’t the Stelvio’s robust go well with, it nonetheless has a brake suggestions challenge, and its packaging results in compromised inside area behind the driving force.

After placing it into service to shuttle my youngsters round city for per week, listed here are the professionals and cons of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. 

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Professional: Alfa Romeo Stelvio proves easy could be fairly

The Stelvio is without doubt one of the prettiest small crossover SUVs. Somewhat than bling and aptitude, it sports activities easy beautiful curves, the trademark Alfa Romeo Scudetto grille, and massive exhaust retailers. The LED headlights have been up to date, however the easy design has aged like a positive wine. It appears extra like a tall wagon somewhat than an SUV with nice proportions due to an extended dash-to-axle ratio that places loads of sheet steel between the entrance wheels and the entrance doorways.

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Con: Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s tech is difficult and glitchy

The Stelvio now options an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system nonetheless working the automaker’s outdated Alfa Join infotainment system somewhat than Stellantis’ newest UConnect 5. It’s the laggiest system I’ve touched in a very long time. Its seemingly easy tile-based interface has fussy little icons on the left, tapping the display doesn’t make it reply instantly, and the Apple CarPlay connection isn’t wi-fi. The up and down buttons on the steering wheel usually change the radio station and/or music, relying on the leisure supply. Nonetheless, in case you hit a window pane icon on the steering wheel, they management what’s proven within the gauge cluster. I’m undecided how anybody would have the ability to determine the gauge cluster controls.

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Professional: Alfa Romeo provides bear hugs

Anybody seated up entrance shall be very snug. The closely bolstered sport seats provide you with a bear hug and maintain your physique snugly in place. Supportive for hours, these seats are amongst my favorites in any small crossover SUV. In addition they sit up excessive, which mixes with a low-set dashboard to supply a wonderful ahead view. 

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Con: Alfa Romeo places driving first, rear-seat passengers second

Occupants seated within the again received’t be as completely happy. Rear legroom is sort of tight. There’s solely 31.9 inches of rear legroom, about as a lot as a Spirit Airways seat. Rear cargo area can also be restricted, because the Stelvio has 18.5 cubic toes with the rear seats up and 56.5 cubic toes with the seats folded down. All however a kind of figures is notably decrease than the smaller Tonale’s, which has 38.0 inches of rear legroom, 22.9 cubic toes of cargo area behind the second row, and 50.5 cubic toes of area with the rear seats folded. The Stelvio’s longer total size provides it extra max cargo area, however its lengthy dash-to-axle ratio and the packaging of its subtle rear suspension rob rear legroom and area behind the rear seat. The Tonale’s easier suspension system has a unfavourable, although, because it supplies much less enjoyable behind the wheel.

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Professional: Alfa Romeo Stelvio satisfies round corners and alongside highways

The Stelvio is a delight round corners due to the well-tuned double-wishbone entrance suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The tremendous fast 12.0:1 steering ratio makes even neighborhood corners enjoyable, and the agency tuning of the suspension lands on the good aspect of snug. The Stelvio didn’t buck over damaged, heaving Midwest pavement through the lifeless of winter regardless of the agency suspension. 

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Con: Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s brakes present little suggestions

The Alfa Romeo Steilvo’s brakes are fairly robust and supply good chew, however they lack suggestions. The pedal feels nearly wood. The reason being the suggestions is simulated, because the brake-by-wire system makes use of a rubber block mounted behind the brake pedal so drivers can perceive how a lot strain is being utilized. This can be a tuning challenge, not a {hardware} challenge. Porsche and others do a positive job tuning their brake-by-wire methods.

The Alfa Romeo stays an fanatic’s selection. It’s not essentially the most tech-focused crossover SUV, or the roomiest, however it’s among the many most enjoyable to drive. For many who put how a car drives forward of all else, it’s among the many greatest choices within the phase. Although, it wouldn’t kill Alfa Romeo to faucet different Stellantis arms to make its tech extra consumer pleasant.

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2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Base value: $47,545, together with $1,595 vacation spot

Value as examined: $59,870

Powertrain: 280-hp turbo-4, 8-speed computerized transmission, AWD

EPA gasoline economic system: 22/28/24 mpg

The professionals: Beautiful, snug entrance seats, good ahead visibility, enjoyable to drive

The cons: Glitchy and overly difficult controls, compromised second row and cargo space, poor brake suggestions