The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. It’s a performance SUV that needs no introduction, its reputation for exhilarating performance preceding it. But what about its more, shall we say, conventional siblings? Do they possess the same magic? I spent a week with the 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport to find out if it can carve its own path in the crowded luxury crossover segment.
A Crossover with Italian Flair
Let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, the Stelvio is a crossover, a necessary evil in today’s automotive landscape. Thankfully, it shares its underpinnings with the Giulia, a driver’s car in sedan form. This translates to a shared all-wheel-drive platform and a punchy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While 280 horsepower might not sound groundbreaking in an era of ever-increasing horsepower figures, it’s more than enough to get the Stelvio moving with gusto.
Our tester, adorned in a stunning Volcano Black paint job and sporting the larger 20-inch wheels from the Quadrifoglio, garnered more than a few admiring glances during my time with it. It’s a handsome vehicle, striking a perfect balance between sportiness and utility without succumbing to the bulbous design language that plagues so many of its competitors.
Living Up to its Namesake
The Stelvio Pass: a legendary road etched into the Italian Alps, renowned for its countless hairpin turns. It’s a fitting namesake for Alfa Romeo’s crossover, and I’m pleased to report that the Stelvio Ti Sport lives up to its namesake’s reputation for spirited driving dynamics.
This thing handles. The steering is quick and precise, providing excellent feedback through the beautifully-crafted aluminum paddle shifters. The eight-speed automatic transmission deserves praise as well, delivering crisp shifts and always keeping the engine in the meat of its powerband. Push the DNA drive select knob to “Dynamic” mode, and the Stelvio truly comes alive. The throttle response sharpens, the transmission holds gears longer, and the overall feel becomes noticeably more aggressive. It’s not just a sporty crossover; it’s a hot hatch in SUV clothing.
A Surprisingly Practical Interior
While not as cavernous as some boxier competitors, the Stelvio’s cargo area is more than adequate, swallowing a surprising amount of cargo. I was particularly impressed by the red leather interior, which, despite my initial reservations, proved to be both stylish and surprisingly livable. The front seats are supportive and offer plenty of adjustability, although those of a larger build might find them a tad snug.
The infotainment system, while featuring a crisp display, could use some work. The rotary dial interface feels clunky and laggy, prompting me to rely on Apple CarPlay for most of my entertainment and navigation needs.
The Verdict: A Stylish and Engaging Crossover
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who value style, driving excitement, and a touch of Italian flair in a sea of otherwise staid and predictable crossovers. It’s not the most practical or fuel-efficient option out there, but it more than makes up for it with its engaging driving experience and head-turning looks.
Verdict: The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport is an SUV for those who prioritize driving enjoyment. While pricey, it offers a unique and engaging alternative in a crowded segment.
What could you buy instead?
- BMW X3
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Audi Q5
- Infiniti QX50
- Acura RDX
- Volvo XC60
- Jaguar F-Pace
- Porsche Macan