2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Like many cars in the brand’s history, the best of the modern Alfa Romeos are agile, powerful, and have exhaust noises that enthusiasts will enjoy. Most models also have unusual details that can be either endearing or annoying—for example, a B-pillar set far enough forward to inhibit entry, exit, and visibility. For the U.S. market, Alfa sells a sporty sedan and small SUVs. All are generally fun to drive, with sharp handling and quick power. Their exterior and interior design helps distinguish them from other higher-volume luxury brands. These benefits are weighed down by odd controls and below-average predicted reliability, which also makes used models difficult to recommend.

The Stelvio is based on Alfa's Giulia sedan and, like it, delivers fantastic handling and is fun to drive. That, however, doesn't mean it's fun to live with on a daily basis. Positioned to compete with high-end and sporty SUVs such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Porsche Macan, the Stelvio falls a bit short on the refinement and luxury quotients. The standard engine is a punchy 280-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that gets 24 mpg overall on premium. The ride is a bit jittery, but the suspension absorbs bumps rather well. Among constant annoyances are a driving position with a limited range of seat adjustments and controls that are not user-friendly enough. Like the Giulia, the parking sensors are too sensitive, going off constantly in an urban environment. Rear and side visibility are wanting, and the cargo hold is modest. Standard advanced safety features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are new for 2020. Also new are interior enhancements, and a more user-friendly infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touch-screen. For 2025, the Quadrifoglio is dropped, and the consolidation of trim offerings means AWD is now standard.