Used 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sport SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sport SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
180 day review
TAF, Altoona, PA, 12/18/2018
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I have owned my Stelvio since June. Fantastic car to drive - engine, transmission and steering are great. The interior and technology is second rate. The seats have limited positions so any day of 3+ hours of driving is gonna hurt. My wife has an F-Pace and the cabin is far more sophisticated (and even that is not best in class). Stelvio stereo upgrade ( Harmon) is only average. … Unfortunately, I was sold by local dealer that infotainment upgrade on my vehicle was imminent- doesn’t look like that is happening which is very disappointing. Overall, was looking for something fun to drive and unique. The car checks those boxes. If you are looking for high end comfort, sophistication and refinement -this is not your answer.
Air Conditioning and Acceleration Delay
Al, Stamford, CT, 09/05/2018
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Almost a perfect crossover. The only two things I see needing improvement is the slight hesitation from a stopped position, and the air conditioning system. With a performance car, you can't have hesitation, yet at times there seems to be half to full second before the engine reacts to gas pedal. That is most important. Not so important, but of note, is the air conditioning system is not … very good. The car never really gets so cold you turn the temperature gauge down, it's always fighting to stay or try to keep you cool. Not sure if it is the system or the fans don't blow enough air, but the interior of the car isn't that big that this should be an issue. First version of the suv, so i am sure these are easily rectified in 2019.
As an update to my review, about 4 months into owning the car, the front parking sensor began malfunctioning....it essentially is aways going off. The shut off switch is left side dashboard below the air vent....i have to turn it off every time I start the car or the alert noise will go off. Car has been in for service twice; both times temporarily relieved the issue, but continues to come back. Have the sensor entirely replaced if this happens. The stereo system occasionally reboots itself, no one knows why.
Still thrilled with the SUV.
***Update to Review***
I have since swapped my 2018 for 2020 and have found that both issues still exist with the build of the car. The air conditioning is directly related to the car being black on black and with the very large glass sunroof, it is nearly impossible to keep the heat out.
The acceleration issue and shifting pause is still there. The dealer told me the AI of the car is still learning, but that doesn’t sound likely. The car has a slight hesitation from the starting line. The car also, if you slow to a near stop (thru a stop sign as an example or a red light that changes to green as you approach), does not immediately “find a gear” when you push the gas pedal. The car appears to do nothing for a few seconds before engaging. Needs to be addressed at the Alfa service shop. Not sure why they don’t test for this prior to releasing the car.
Still all in all, I love my car. But these shouldn’t happen on a car of this level.
Beautiful Car - engine blown at 31k miles
Disapointed, Natick, MA, 05/29/2020
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2018 Stelvio is a beautiful and fun to drive SUV. Several recalls since it was bought new in 2018. Car went into limp mode this past weekend and was sent by flatbed back to the dealer. We were just informed that 2 of the 4 cylinders have no compression and will require a new engine.
Not reliable,
Dante , 10/18/2020
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
My 2018 Stelvio has been in the shop for 10 weeks. Brought back 3 times for the same electrical problem. Called Alfa Care and told they would look into it. Never called back. Shop told me they can't get the part. My wife's Guilia is still in the shop, 6 weeks!!! Unable to get parts. A car company that can't get parts for cars it manufactures. No help from Alfa Care. I can't see Alfa … staying in North America, same issues that it had in the 80's. Poor reliability and poor customer service. Will stay with Mercedes and Porsche.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sport SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Among the more fun-to-drive compact luxury crossovers available
- Pro:Powerful and exciting engine
- Pro:Distinctive styling and wheels help it stand out in the crowd
- Con:Somewhat snug back seat
- Con:Low tow capacity versus segment
- Con:Odd brake pedal feel makes it hard to modulate easily
Which Stelvio does Edmunds recommend?
While the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers an enjoyable experience at all trim levels, the Ti outfitted with the Sport package represents the best of what this SUV has to offer. The Ti provides a more premium experience, adding more attractive interior materials and heating for the front seats and steering wheel. The Sport package completes the experience with supportive seats, great-looking 20-inch wheels, satisfying shift paddles, and your choice of red, black or yellow brake calipers.
Full Edmunds Review: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV
Driving
8.0From a powerful turbocharged engine to quick, precise steering, the Stelvio's focus on driving engagement is sure to make your commute more memorable. Still, a slight hesitation when accelerating from a stop and a vague brake pedal feel might be annoying for some drivers.
Comfort
8.0The Stelvio's sporty intentions doesn't come with the expected penalties to ride quality. Higher-spec Ti trims gain more comfortable and 12-way adjustable seats, though the second row may seem cramped to larger passengers.
Interior
7.5The flamboyance of the exterior doesn't continue inside. Available wood and aluminum trims add a sense of luxury, but the overall impression is somewhat plain. You'll find richer interiors inside most competitors.
Utility
6.0The Stelvio's compact dimensions mean it doesn't have as much cargo space as many of the SUVs in its segment. Its tow rating is at the lowest of the group, and it is not intended to go off-road.
Technology
6.0A rotary controller and straightforward graphics make the entertainment system easy to navigate, though it could use a back button. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality arrive in the fall; models sold before then will not be able to upgrade.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio in Ohio is:
not availableLegal