We don’t get the chance to look at many Italian vehicles, but we’ve got the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce SUV for you today.
Exterior
For me, the jury is still out on this color, but it is a great looking luxury SUV with the signature Alfa grill, 21” wheels with red brake calipers, distinct lines, and a rear spoiler.
Powertrain
Under the hood is a 2-liter, inline 4-cylinder that is turbocharged and connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It's putting out 280-horses and 306-pound feet of torque.
Top speed is 144 miles per hour, impressive for a 4-cylinder. My tester is all-wheel drive.
Interior
Entering the cabin, it exudes luxury, yet it is simple and uncluttered. At first glance you see a flat bottom steering wheel which houses the start button, aluminum gas and brake pedals, and massive fixed shift paddles which I love. The benefit there being you can still shift when in a turn.
The gauge cluster is also simple with an analog tachometer and speedometer and a driver info center in the middle.
Nicely integrated on the center dash is an 8.8” infotainment system screen that can be used as a touchscreen or operated from a round knob on the center console. Although this screen is smaller than most these days, it’s easy to operate and intuitive.
From the screen, you operate the Harman Kardon sound system, navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and if you scroll to the left you’ll see performance pages.
Front seats are power and somewhat bolstered and are actually quite comfortable. They are heated, but not cooled. Aluminum trim and contrast stitching are nicely done throughout the cabin.
The center console houses the gear shifter, wireless phone charger, the round knob to change the main screen, and there is the DNA knob to change drive modes and I will say, every mode is different.
The D is for dynamic, of course my favorite, N is for neutral which is normal driving, and A is for Advanced Efficiency if you want a less responsive feel but want to maximize fuel economy.
Back seat room is good and you get air conditioning vents, buttons for the heated seats, USBs, and a fold down center armrest. Headroom is quite good as well.
Utility
Cargo area is very large. The tailgate is power, there is lighting and power back there, and a cargo cover. There are handles to lower the back seat for more cargo.
Standard Equipment
This is a luxury SUV and comes very well appointed. You get a panoramic power moonroof, remote start, the 14-speaker stereo system, all power features, and much more.
Safety
On the safety front, you get adaptive cruise, collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, a backup camera, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.
Verdict
Two things that are annoying to me. First, the is a fairly pronounced turbo lag with this SUV. You go to take off, after about a one second delay the turbo kicks in and off you go, but you have a tendency to step on the gas harder due to this, then it sort of lunges. I want to think it may just be this particular vehicle, but I’m not 100% sure.
Second, the start/stop system is maddening, but there is a button to disable it, you just have to do it every time you start the vehicle. If you forget to do it at startup, believe me you will disable it after the first stop.
I admit I have not always been an Alfa fan, but much has changed in recent years. Although a 4-cylinder, performance is good, handling is balanced, as is steering, and the Stelvio Veloce is really a joy to drive.
Fuel economy is 22 city and 28 highway and the MSRP is $59,990 including the $2200 upcharge for this color, which I could live without.
Alfa Romeo has earned its place as a contender in the luxury SUV market.
- What I liked most: The interior and handling.
- What I would change: Eliminate the turbo lag.
- MSRP: $50,200 base price/as equipped $59,990 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 22 city/28 Highway/ 24 Combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 16,900 miles.
- Weight: 4,007 pounds/5,204 GVWR.
- Spare Tire: Inflator Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 184.6” long/74.9” wide/66” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gallons with fuel filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Ocra GT Tri-coat.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
-
2022 Stelvio Veloce in a few words: A good driving SUV with a very nice interior, and a good value overall.
-
Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, with roadside assistance, 1-year/10,000 miles of free maintenance.
- Final Assembly Location: Cassino, Italy.
- Manufacturer's website: Alfa Romeo
