The verdict
A mixed-report compact luxury suv, strong on driving and held back by ownership.
Overall 2.04 (C) across 10 graded subjects. Its strongest is driving experience at 3.40 (B+), its weakest cost of ownership at 0.00 (F). 5 of 10 subjects grade at C− or better.
Jump to scoresStrengths
- Driving Experience
- Safety
- Value & Market Position
What holds it back
- Cost of Ownership
- Space & Comfort
- Efficiency & Range
Top alternatives
Cars shoppers cross-shop with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio
2.79B-
BMW X3Compact Luxury SUVThe Stelvio out-steers the X3 and matches its base-engine acceleration while undercutting it on price, but the X3 counters with more rear legroom, ~10 cu ft more max cargo, a 4,400-lb tow rating, available mild-hybrid and PHEV powertrains, and dramatically better predicted reliability and resale value.
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2.74B-
Audi Q5Compact Luxury SUVBoth are compact luxury SUVs with standard AWD in the low $50k range; the Stelvio offers sharper handling and a quicker 0-60, while the Q5 wins on cabin material quality, back-seat space, cargo volume, PHEV availability, dealer network, and long-term ownership costs.
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2.72B-
Mercedes-Benz GLCCompact Luxury SUVThe GLC has moved to a larger touchscreen, hybrid-assisted powertrains, and a plusher, quieter cabin — clear wins for comfort and daily livability — while the Stelvio counters with more communicative steering, more standard content at a lower base price, and a more driver-focused character.
CompareHow it's evolved
9 scored model years · 2018–2026
Subject scores by year
Hover or tap a score to see what moved it versus the year before. A corner mark flags a big swing.
| Year | Performance | Efficiency | Safety | Space | Cost | Reliability | Tech | Use-case | Driving | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 50 | 45 | 59 | 37 | 24 | 44 | 64 | 61 | 79 | 61 |
| 2025 | 51 | 43 | 57 | 41 | 39 | 61 | 55 | 57 | 76 | 63 |
| 2024 | 54 | 41 | 43 | 42 | 14 | 56 | 56 | 59 | 81 | 73 |
| 2023 | 55 | 38 | 51 | 41 | 23 | 62 | 56 | 57 | 81 | 66 |
| 2022 | 53 | 47 | 71 | 39 | 30 | 58 | 53 | 58 | 79 | 71 |
| 2021 | 55 | 49 | 54 | 40 | 28 | 47 | 51 | 59 | 78 | 74 |
| 2020 | 55 | 43 | 56 | 41 | 29 | 46 | 55 | 59 | 79 | 75 |
| 2019 | 55 | 44 | 42 | 39 | 32 | 40 | 39 | 56 | 73 | 75 |
| 2018 | 55 | 41 | 43 | 39 | 43 | 43 | 36 | 56 | 80 | 82 |
Compare two years
Best fit & conditions
Higher scores mean a better fit for that use case. Learn more about use-case fit →
Subject profile
Detailed scoring by subject
1Performance & PowertrainGrades below the middle of the scale.1.57D
The volume 2.0-liter turbo four produces a strong 280 hp; the low-volume Quadrifoglio uses a 505-hp twin-turbo V6.
The representative 2.0-liter turbo engine makes 306 lb-ft from a low 2,000 rpm.
Alfa's figure for the volume-engine RWD model is 5.4 seconds, consistent with reputable tests in the mid-five-second range.
Power delivery is immediate and muscular in normal driving, though cold-start and low-speed response can be tentative and the stop/start system abrupt.
The eight-speed automatic is quick and responsive, with effective sport-mode logic, but is not perfectly smooth at low speeds.
The US-market Stelvio is rated to tow 3,000 pounds when properly equipped, modest for an SUV but useful for a compact luxury crossover.
Alfa's Q4 AWD is standard on Ti, Veloce, and Quadrifoglio and optional on Sprint; the performance flagship adds a torque-vectoring rear differential.
Q4 AWD and roughly eight inches of clearance handle snow and maintained tracks, but the Stelvio is pavement-focused with no low range, lockers, terrain modes, or dedicated off-road trim.
Buyers get two genuinely distinct gas engines—a mainstream turbo four and a high-performance twin-turbo V6—but no hybrid, PHEV, EV, or intermediate engine choice.
2Efficiency & RangeOne of the Stelvio's weakest categories.1.10D
The volume-engine Sprint RWD earns an EPA 25 MPG combined rating.
EPA city economy for the representative RWD configuration is 22 MPG.
EPA highway economy for the representative RWD configuration is 29 MPG.
EPA does not publish a separate total-range field for this conventional gas record; 25 combined MPG multiplied by the official 16.9-gallon capacity yields 422.5 miles, rounded to 423.
The EPA's standard-assumption annual fuel estimate is relatively costly for a compact SUV because its record is priced using premium gasoline.
The 2.0T can run satisfactorily on regular 87-octane gasoline, but Alfa recommends 91 or higher for optimal performance and the EPA record classifies its fuel as premium.
3SafetyOne of the Stelvio's strongest categories.2.78B-
NHTSA did not publish an overall NCAP rating for the 2022 Stelvio. The provisional value is inferred from the same-generation Stelvio's five-star Euro NCAP result and must not be presented as a US crash-test result.
IIHS did not publish a crashworthiness evaluation or Top Safety Pick award for the 2022 Stelvio. Its same-generation five-star Euro NCAP result supports a mid-band estimate, but it cannot receive credit for IIHS Good results that were never measured.
For 2022, every trim gained standard full-speed forward-collision warning with automatic stopping, full-stop adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and lane-departure warning. True lane-keep assist and lane centering remained in the optional Active Assist Plus Package, keeping the standard suite just below the comprehensive top band.
The standard system can automatically bring the Stelvio to a full stop, and Euro NCAP reported that its AEB performed well and avoided collisions at all tested urban speeds. No IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle, pedestrian-night, or modern higher-speed result exists, so it cannot reach the top band.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection are standard across the lineup for 2022. Standard coverage is alert-only, while the optional Active Blind Spot system adds steering-wheel resistance; rear automatic braking, safe-exit warning, and trailer-aware coverage are absent.
Standard lane-departure warning only alerts the driver, while the optional package adds active lane keeping, Highway Assist lane centering, and low-speed Traffic Jam Assist. The optional system is capable but hands-on and its limited standard availability holds the score in the functional middle band.
Full-speed adaptive cruise with full-stop capability became standard on every 2022 Stelvio, and Edmunds found the adaptive cruise system good. Optional Highway Assist and Traffic Jam Assist integrate acceleration, braking, and steering, though they require continuous supervision and are not standard on the volume Sprint.
No hands-free driving system was offered. Alfa's Highway Assist and Traffic Jam Assist explicitly require the driver to keep both attention and hands on the steering wheel.
All trims use standard 35-watt bi-xenon adaptive low/high beams with automatic high-beam control, a strong feature baseline for 2022. IIHS did not test their illumination performance, so they cannot be credited as Good-rated lamps.
Thick roof pillars obstruct the rear-quarter view and the small rear window limits the view directly behind. Large side mirrors, a standard backup camera, and parking sensors partly compensate, but the 2022 volume trim lacks a surround-view camera.
The lower anchors are clearly marked and easy to reach behind plastic covers, and the rear seat is adequate for family use. Bulky rear-facing seats restrict front-seat travel, preventing a higher score in this compact cabin.
4Space & ComfortOne of the Stelvio's weakest categories.0.60F
The Stelvio seats five in a fixed two-row layout.
Front headroom is competitive for a compact luxury SUV.
The official SAE figure is unusually short against SUV norms.
Second-row headroom is respectable despite the sporty roofline.
Rear legroom is near the bottom of the SUV normalization range and the driveline hump further compromises the middle position.
No third row is offered.
The cargo hold is exceptionally small for an SUV.
Maximum volume barely clears the bottom of the SUV band.
Everyday storage is average, helped by a phone slot, driver-side tray, and removable console tray but without a standout solution.
Supportive leather front seats work well over long stints, though firm leather, hard headrests, and short cushions will not suit everyone.
The ride is composed and compliant for a sporty crossover, but can become bouncy or jittery and larger wheels sharpen impacts.
Road and tire noise are muted, but wind isolation trails the best luxury peers.
For 2022 heated front and rear seats and a heated wheel are standard across the range, although ventilated seats are unavailable.
5Cost of OwnershipThe Stelvio's lowest-graded category.0.00F
The 2022 North American price ladder lists the Sprint RWD at $44,750 before destination; the model-year Monroney label confirms a $1,595 destination charge.
Alfa's 2022 planning guide identifies Sprint as the highest-mix four-cylinder trim at 35%; AWD adds $2,000 and is the representative configuration for this SUV market.
Edmunds projects unusually high service expense for the 2022 Sprint AWD, with maintenance and repairs both well above the compact-SUV normalization ceiling.
The Stelvio loses value faster than the average luxury compact SUV, materially increasing depreciation cost despite its competitive purchase price.
Coverage is standard for a European luxury vehicle but does not exceed the segment norm.
The powertrain warranty ends with the basic warranty and is shorter than the five- to ten-year coverage common across the broader SUV market.
One scheduled service at 1 year/10,000 miles plus roadside assistance is useful but brief compared with luxury rivals offering two or three years of maintenance.
$48,345 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (45.1% retained, or about $21,804) leaves about $26,541 in depreciation. Add the projected $14,027 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $40,568 in total.
6Reliability & QualityMid-pack among this car's ten categories.1.91C-
The 2022 Stelvio was a mature carry-over rather than a first-year design, but neither major survey source provides strong model-year dependability proof. Consumer Reports lacks a statistically sufficient detailed rating, and J.D. Power marks Quality & Reliability as Not Rated, so the outlook is mixed and slightly below the luxury-SUV norm.
Alfa Romeo's contemporaneous long-term dependability standing was bottom-tier, and its small US sample often prevented inclusion in later surveys. Subsequent initial-quality improvement does not erase the weak multi-year record relevant to a 2022 purchase.
Three NHTSA safety campaigns through August 2026 is moderate for a mature vehicle, not a clean record. The set includes rear-camera and restraint/airbag consequences in addition to a labeling-compliance issue, but no repeated volume-trim engine or transmission safety recall.
The volume Ti's 280-hp 2.0-liter turbo four and ZF eight-speed automatic had accumulated roughly five model years of Stelvio service by 2022. The widely used conventional ZF transmission and absence of a systemic 2022 powertrain recall are positives, while the Alfa-specific turbo/MultiAir engine and electrical/cooling reputation remain less proven than class leaders.
The post-2020 cabin has a stylish design, leather upholstery, and convincing touch-point materials, and verified owners specifically praise material quality. Some mainstream switchgear, stiff leather, and technology that trails German rivals keep it from the class-leading band.
The 2020 interior revision materially improved perceived solidity, and period reviews describe the 2022 cabin as generally well executed. Scattered build-quality criticism and Alfa's weak 2022 brand initial/dependability standing hold assembly consistency near the middle of the luxury class rather than near the top.
Authorized coverage is adequate in major metropolitan areas but materially thinner than BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, or Cadillac, which can make Alfa-specific diagnosis inconvenient. Owner-rated dealership experience is average, preventing a lower score despite the sparse footprint.
Several years of production and the common ZF transmission help routine-parts support, but low US volume, imported Alfa-specific components, and limited dealer competition raise prices and can extend waits. Published maintenance and repair estimates are clearly above the all-vehicle norm.
7Technology & InfotainmentGrades below the middle of the scale.1.54D
The sole screen is small by 2022 luxury-SUV standards.
Touch and rotary controls give useful redundancy, but the interface feels dated, can lag, and buries functions.
Both projection systems are standard but require a cable.
Native navigation became standard, but late prompts make phone-based maps preferable and voice control is conventional.
The eight-speaker base system is adequate and an appealing 14-speaker Harman Kardon upgrade is available.
Traditional analog gauges flank a useful 7-inch TFT rather than a full-digital configurable cluster.
Connected infotainment services support limited map/system delivery, not feature-adding whole-vehicle OTA updates.
Alfa Connect supplies core lock, unlock, remote-start, horn and locate-style services, though it lacks digital key depth.
Five USB ports cover both rows and wireless charging became standard, a strong device-power package without an AC outlet.
Proximity access, push-button/remote start and power liftgate provide the expected luxury basics, but no phone-as-key is offered.
Front and rear parking sensors became standard and a surround-view camera was available, but not standard across trims.
A head-up display was not offered for the 2022 Stelvio.
8Use-Case FitMid-pack among this car's ten categories.1.87C-
Clearly marked, accessible LATCH anchors help, but the tight rear bench, central hump and small cargo area constrain family logistics.
AEB, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning are standard for 2022, though lane-keeping assistance remains optional and US crash-test evidence is limited.
Supportive seats, heated rear seats and a decent ride suit four occupants, but limited rear legroom and 18.5-cu-ft luggage space restrict longer trips.
Compact dimensions, responsive power and a well-calibrated automatic make commuting easy, offset by limited rear-quarter visibility and occasional low-speed hesitation.
Its 24-mpg AWD combined rating is normal for the class, but premium fuel and luxury consumables prevent cheap commuting.
A 184.6-inch footprint and standard parking sensors are manageable, but a 38.55-ft turning circle and poor rear-quarter sightlines demand care.
The strong turbo-four and 3,000-lb tow rating handle light tasks, but cargo capacity is very limited and this is not a serious work vehicle.
Luxury finishes and Alfa's uneven reliability reputation are poorly aligned with repeated hard-use duty.
Roof rails and a hitch provide basic carrying options, but there is no onboard power, washable cabin, cargo innovation or meaningful upfit ecosystem.
A roughly 406-mile combined range, supportive seats and standard adaptive cruise make it a capable tourer, though wind noise, small cargo space and occasional ride jitter limit it.
Available/standard-by-trim AWD, 8.1 inches of clearance, roof rails and 3,000-lb towing suit gravel roads and modest toys, not difficult trails.
Fold-down rear seats, rails and hitch availability add flexibility, but 18.5/56.5-cu-ft cargo figures are among the class's smallest.
9Driving ExperienceThe Stelvio's best-graded category.3.40B+
Exceptional body control, balance and engagement put the Stelvio at the head of its class.
Very quick, light, friction-free steering is unusually communicative and precise for a crossover.
Large four-piston Brembo front brakes deliver solid performance, though the pedal can feel grabby and a Veloce test needed 123 feet from 60 mph.
The 280-hp turbo-four and quick eight-speed are responsive and well matched, with only some cold-start/low-speed hesitation.
The turbo-four has a distinctive enthusiastic rasp and no pervasive vibration complaint, though it is less polished than the smoothest luxury engines.
The turning diameter is mid-to-wide for a compact SUV.
The low, driver-focused seating position and clear physical controls are excellent, though thick rear pillars restrict visibility and some testers cite adjustment limits.
Responsive power, characterful sound, communicative controls and an eager chassis make this one of the rare SUVs enthusiasts actively seek out.
10Value & Market PositionOne of the Stelvio's strongest categories.2.78B-
For 2022 even Sprint gained adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, parking sensors, navigation, wireless charging, leather, and heated front and rear seats. That is unusually complete base-trim content for the period.
A strong 280-hp engine, engaging chassis, leather, and extensive standard safety kit make the Sprint compelling near $48,000 with AWD. Cabin materials, space, and aging infotainment keep it from matching the GV70's overall value.
Sprint, Ti, Veloce, and Quadrifoglio create four meaningful price/content steps, with RWD or AWD on Sprint and a 505-hp halo model. Choice is limited by a single mainstream engine, gas-only powertrains, and fixed AWD above Sprint.
The Stelvio remained Alfa Romeo's U.S. volume model, but 7,752 sales are niche-segment volume and represented a sharp 26% year-over-year decline.
Alfa's Italian styling, motorsport heritage, and enthusiast appeal give the Stelvio more emotional cachet than its sales suggest, though reliability concerns and a sparse dealer footprint constrain mainstream luxury desirability.
Stelvios were commonly negotiable well below sticker and supported by lease incentives, creating substantial buyer benefit, albeit partly reflecting weak demand and resale.
The 2022 Stelvio was in year five of the generation: fundamentally mid-cycle rather than new, but the 2020 cabin/technology update and newly standard 2022 safety features kept it viable. The supplied Wikipedia history places the significant facelift after this model year, so 2022 did not receive the later lighting, grille, or digital-cluster refresh.
Reviewers consistently celebrated its steering, chassis, performance, and styling, but marked it down for cabin quality, tight packaging, and dated technology. It was an enthusiast favorite rather than a class winner.
