What’s the Top Alfa Romeo Stelvio in History?

Are you interested in an Alfa Romeo Stelvio? The first SUV model manufactured by the famous Italian car manufacturer looks stylish, goes fast, and handles like a lighter machine on twisted roads.

However, some Stelvios are a cut above the rest. Some have superior mechanical reliability, while others have more features to choose from. Let’s look at the Alfa Romeo Stelvio models and determine which model year is the top Alfa Romeo Stelvio in history.

Best Alfa Romeo Stelvio Model Years

For this review, we focus on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio trims powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that runs on gasoline. The high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio is treated as a separate model.

In chronological order, here are the most recommended model years for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio:

2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The first Alfa Romeo Stelvio production model year remains a good pick for an SUV despite its age. Derived from the earlier Alfa Romeo Giulia sports sedan, the Stelvio shares the same rear-wheel drive arrangement and Active Transfer Case system.

Despite being taller and longer than the Giulia, the 2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio responds and handles more like a race car than an SUV. It’s equally at home on ordinary streets and twisty roads like its namesake mountain pass in the Italian Alps.

Some trims have an all-wheel drive system with three operating modes. It provides driving options for a wide range of road conditions, including slippery road surfaces.

The 2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s exterior looks sharp. However, its interior isn’t as good as other SUVs in its class. While passengers won’t find the Stelvio uncomfortable, Alfa Romeo prioritizes the driving experience over luxury.

However, the Stelvio will shine when you put the accelerator pedal to the metal.

• Engine Specs: turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine
• Curb Weight: 3,825 lbs
• Power: 280 hp
• Torque: 306 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 5.4 s

2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Following several mechanically troubled model years, the 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio bounces back with improved reliability and plenty of new features.

The 2020 Stelvio retains earlier model years’ quick acceleration and athletic handling. Furthermore, its damping system keeps the ride smooth and obedient.

Driving engagement is the greatest strength of any Alfa Romeo. The 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio responds quickly to a light hand on the steering wheel.

Interior-wise, the 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is stylish and emphasizes the driver’s comfort. It compensates for its cramped rear cargo area with several strategically placed trays and slots for small items.

A touchscreen now adorns the updated 8.8-inch infotainment system, while the center console keeps the rotary controller for manual operation. The Stelvio’s system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring compatibility with your smartphone.

All trims come with an automated emergency braking system. Additional safety features like lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist are options for some trims.

Another extra feature is adaptive cruise control. With a semi-autonomous driving mode, adaptive cruise control can take a load off the driver.

• Engine Specs: turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine
• Curb Weight: 3,950–4,050 lbs
• Power: 280 hp
• Torque: 306 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 5.3-5.5 s

2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Not much changed in the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. That’s a good thing because it retained the improved reliability of the 2020 Stelvio. There are many models where overall reliability goes up and down with each year. The 2021 model year manages to stay as reliable as the previous year.

Driving the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio remains a treat. It rockets forward like a smaller, lighter car, and its exhaust produces a pleasantly impressive rasp. The SUV feels agile and reacts quickly to the driver’s input, especially considering its size.

Alfa Romeo revived the Sprint title that once adorned popular nameplates like Giulietta and Giulia. The 2021 Stelvio base trim is now called Stelvio Sprint in an interesting way of passing the torch.

• Engine Specs: turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine
• Curb Weight: 4,037 lbs
• Power: 280 hp (engine type)
• Torque: 306 lb-ft (engine type)
• 0-60 mph: 5.4 s

2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has many new features that make driving easier. Many options in earlier models have become standard equipment in this model year.

That adaptive cruise-control feature that you needed to pay for in the past? It’s now standard in the 2022 Stelvio. The lane-departure warning is also a stock feature, increasing the safety of highway cruises.

Newly standardized blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors for the Stelvio’s front and rear ends make maneuvering into cramped parking spots easier. Automatic high beams are very helpful for driving in dark conditions, while the auto-dimming rearview mirror reduces glare during day and night alike.

Other new standard features cater to convenience and comfort. The 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has integrated navigation that guides drivers in unfamiliar areas. Both front and rear seats have heating elements that keep you warm during the cold season. The interior also supports wireless phone charging, eliminating the need for cables that can get tangled.

The Ti Sport trim is now called Veloce, an Italian word meaning “swift.” It’s an appropriate name for an SUV with acceleration akin to a sports sedan or sports car.

• Engine Specs: turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine
• Curb Weight: 3,950–4,050 lbs
• Power: 280 hp (engine type)
• Torque: 306 lb-ft (engine type)
• 0-60 mph: 5.3–5.5 s (engine type)

Alfa Romeo vehicles have a reputation for unreliability. The company’s warranties are fairly standard in coverage. However, take good care of your Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and it will beat the ill repute.