Used 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio for sale 

For the year 2020, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio will be available in as many as five variants, Stelvio, Stelvio Sport, Ti, Ti Lusso and Ti Sport. However, unlike last year’s models, standard on the 2020 Stelvio is an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit offered as standard across the range. Also standard is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The most noticeable distinguishing factor between the trims is the fact that while the Stelvio and Stelvio Sport variants are available with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive units, while the other higher-end trims come equipped only with the all-wheel drivetrain.

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The Stelvio Ti Sport is the most viable option in the Stelvio lineup. It offers a lot more features which suit this midsize luxury SUV a lot better. Pairing the Ti Sport with the Cold Weather Package and the Driver Assist Dynamic Plus Package enhances this SUVs usability.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio derives power from the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that powers the playful Giulia. Rated at 280 hp and 306 lb.-ft. torque, the powertrain sends power to either the rear wheels or all the wheels of this SUV from Alfa Romeo. The smooth transition of power from the engine to the wheels is brought around by a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Only the Stelvio and Stelvio Sport variants can be paired with either a rear-wheel drive unit or an all-wheel one. The other higher trims, Ti, Ti Lusso and Ti Sport, are available only as all-wheel drive variants.

How fast is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio?

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio sources power from the same 2.0-liter turbo-four that gives the Giulia its sporty character. So the Stelvio isn’t that different. Also its 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder is more responsive than the 2.0Ts we see on some of its rivals. Hence, the Stelvio drives more like a car than an SUV.

With quick, uninterrupted shifts from the ZF transmission and a rear-biased powertrain, the Stelvio takes off more aggressively than the Nazis took on the Jews.

All SUVs in this comparison get similarly sized engines. However, the one on the Stelvio makes the most power, making this Alfa Romeo the quickest of the lot.

What about the braking performance of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio?

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is quick to accelerate, but it stops all the more quickly, or rather abruptly. The standard Brembo brakes provide ample bite to shed the speed of this SUV. Though the brake pedal is a touch too sensitive. It needs to be manipulated with utmost care and precision.

Go down too hard on the pedal, and you might stop after the car does, such is the feedback from those brakes. The response in general is not in proportion to the pedal travel. Initially, the brakes bring down speed significantly, but then clamp down all of a sudden for no reason at all.

So nose-dive is one issue you might find yourself struggling with more often than not. The brakes really take away from the otherwise rewarding drivability of the 2020 Stelvio.

Even though the Stelvio is one of the heaviest SUVs in this segment, it manages to stop fairly well. But it’s the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 that is the quickest to come to a halt.

What about its driving dynamics?

Driving the Stelvio feels a lot like driving a taller Giulia because that is technically what the Stelvio is. It sources power from the same aggressively tune 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes 280 hp and 306 lb.-ft. torque. Also ensuring that power is never scanty throughout the range is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Thanks to its innately stiffer chassis, the beautifully balanced Stelvio changes directions exceptionally well for an SUV that weighs over 4,000 pounds. The damping on the standard suspension is such that this Alfa Romeo feels composed and comfortable at the same time. Body roll is very much contained while getting in and out of the corners, though not as much since it might be nimble for an SUV but it is no sedan.

The Soft Suspension button on the Dynamic mode setting quickly softens the otherwise stiff suspension to allow you to comfortably glide over bumpy pavements that otherwise might cause discomfort to this SUV or its occupants. Overall, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio makes up for a comfortable SUV that is also fairly composed for spirited driving sessions.

The 2.0-liter turbo-four of the Stelvio just doesn’t seem to surprise. Despite being more than capable of hurriedly hauling this SUV around town, it is also significantly fuel efficient. But a lot of it has to do with the intelligent ZF automatic.

The transmission keeps the engine from revving-up while cruising. It also aids the engine to smartly channel power mostly to the rear wheels of this Alfa Romeo. As a result, the eager Stelvio is also fairly efficient.

Although the BMW X3 sDrive30i doesn’t have the biggest fuel tank, it’s engine is the most fuel efficient. Thereby, the Bimmer offers most range.

Stepping inside the Alfa Romeo Stelvio reveals its Italian-ness. Leather upholstery covers the seats while aluminum trim accentuates the dash, doors and center console. Both the driver and passenger seats are 6-way power adjustable to accordingly alter level of support. The driving position is also comfortable with everything in the front pointed towards the driver for ease of access.

Even the second row is adequately accommodating to ensure passenger comfort over long commutes. Availability of headroom is plenty, though legroom is a bit compromised. What really impresses about this Alfa Romeo is its laminated front window glass which works wonders by not letting any outside noise disturb your indulgence in this midsize luxury utility vehicle.

When it comes to passenger accommodation the Audi Q5 leads the pack with its most spacious second row.

Does it come loaded with tech inside?

In order to make the Stelvio more period-correct, Alfa Romeo have finally gotten rid of the earlier 6.5-inch and 8.8-inch non-touch infotainment units, and replaced with a single 8.8-inch touchscreen as a must-have across the Stelvio range. The new touchscreen, though not as tactile as BMW’s iDrive or Audi's MMI, is still pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it.

This new touchscreen infotainment features the following tech:

• AM/FM
• Bluetooth
• Navigation
• SiriusXM with 1-year radio subscription
• HD Radio

What about utility?

As a practical family SUV the Alfa Romeo Stelvio doesn’t quite impress as much. However, that mostly has to do with the fact that this Alfa Romeo is relatively short in length. Hence, it can only free up so much space on the inside which has to be divided into parts to accommodate people as well as their belongings. Still, the Stelvio does pretty well to be as accommodating as possible.

The BMW X3 sDrive30i is the longest over all with the longest wheelbase. Thus, it offers the most cargo space.

Creature comforts on offer in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio

As a midsize luxury utility vehicle, the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia comes equipped with following comfort features:

• Heated seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 10-speaker premium audio system w/subwoofer
• Automatic high beam headlamp control
• Infrared windshield
• Front/rear park assist sensors

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s strongest suit is not its 8.8-inch touchscreen nor is it the way it performs despite being an SUV. It is the way this SUV looks. The Stelvio’s design, which draws inspiration from its low riding cousin, Giulia, is a testament to Alfa Romeo’s flawless design theory.

Up front, the traditional tri-lobed grille looks a lot more in place on this SUV than it does on the Giulia. The signature squinting headlights, that surround the shield grille, run deep into the fenders. The side profile of this Alfa Romeo looks sporty thanks to relatively tall sidewalls.

At the back things look a muscular than sporty. While the LED taillights enhance gracefulness, the bold exhaust tailpipes on either side are simply seductive to look at. However, a lot of styling elements differ as you move up the trim ladder, there’s no denying that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is one of the most handsome SUVs in the market.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is the lightest of the lot, while the Audi Q5 is the heaviest. However, it’s the BMW X3 which is the longest overall.

What are those eye catching features?

The most enticing exterior features of the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia that make this SUV stand out amongst the rest are:

• Shield grille
• LED headlamps
• Colored brake callipers
• 18-inch double y-spoke aluminum wheels
• Dual-pane sunroof
• LED taillights
• Blacked-out exhaust tips

To ensure utmost safety and security for the driver, occupants and the Stelvio itself, Alfa Romeo has equipped this SUV with safety features like:

• Premium alarm system
• Full-speed forward collision warning plus
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Airbags
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Cross-path detection

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs. Audi Q5 TFSI Premium

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio drives great, looks better, but doesn’t quite satisfy as a proper midsize utility vehicle, and that is what makes the Audi Q5 stands out. At an additional price of about 2,000, the Q5 offers much more accommodating cabin, bigger boot and significantly more range with its larger fuel tank.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is no match to the overall package that the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is. The GLC 300 is adequately powerful, relatively economical and significantly more accommodating. Also, it offers a lot of features as standard, while the Stelvio is devoid of several standard features. 

Besides looking and performing the way it does, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio hardly has anything to offer. The base variants are severely devoid of features that most other SUVs offer as standard. There are several other SUVs in the market that offer more or less similar appearances and performance without compromising on the other aspects of being a utility vehicle.