The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio returns with minor changes after a facelift last year. Middle trims gain some standard features, and the base trim gets renamed to Sprint. Active safety tech has been repackaged across the lineup.
The Stelvio is a compact luxury crossover related to the Giulia sedan, and it’s become a bestseller for the brand. Rivals include the BMW X3, Porsche Macan, and Jaguar F-Pace.
The Stelvio comes in four trims: Sprint, Ti, Ti Sport, and Quadrifoglio. The Sprint badge is new to the line this year, but it keeps the same features as last year’s base trim. Prices start at $41,945 and extend up to $82,245 for a Quadrifoglio (both including destination fees).
The Stelvio offers a choice of two engines, but the more powerful of the two is reserved for the exciting Quadrifoglio trim. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard on all but the Sprint trim.
| Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
| 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder | 280 hp | 306 lb-ft | 25 mpg (RWD), 24 mpg (AWD |
| 2.9L Twin-Turbocharged V6 | 505 hp | 443 lb-ft | 19 mpg |
The base engine’s 280 horsepower is excellent for the class. Fuel economy is best with rear-wheel drive, but still only average compared to some rivals.
The Stelvio seats five, but its short wheelbase leaves it with less cabin space than you might expect. Rear leg room is limited to 31.9 inches, which will be a squeeze for most adults.
Cargo capacity is also modest for the class. The Stelvio starts with only 18.5 cubic feet of space, though folding the seats opens the hold up to 56.5 cu ft.
The Stelvio has a wide range of active safety features, but few of them come standard.
Automatic emergency braking is included on all models, but advanced features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors are hidden away in packages even on higher trims. The Stelvio is a relatively low-volume model, so it hasn’t been crash-tested by either the NHTSA or the IIHS.
Last year’s facelift brought an update to the Stelvio’s infotainment system, which now runs through an 8.8-inch touchscreen. A rotary controller in the center console provides a second way to navigate menus.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come standard, and both rows get multiple USB ports. Navigation, wireless charging, and premium sound are available.
The Stelvio Sprint is the cheapest way into the lineup, but it comes with a feature set worthy of the luxury price tag. The Sprint is the only trim that starts with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive costs $2,000 extra.
In addition to the standard infotainment system, the Sprint comes with keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather upholstery. On the outside are Xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a power liftgate.
To get adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitors, buyers will need the Active Assist 1 Package ($595), which also includes parking sensors and lane departure warnings. If you’d rather dial-up excitement, the Performance Package ($995) adds a limited-slip rear differential and wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
A wireless charging pad is available for $250, but otherwise the Sprint’s options list is minimal.
The Ti trim gains new standard features for 2021, including a dual-pane sunroof and navigation. Also included are heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and 19-inch rims. All-wheel drive is standard on Ti models (and higher trims).
The Ti gets a new safety package (Active Assist 2, $1,695), which adds lane-keeping assist and driver attention alerts to the features of Active Assist 1. Also new is the Premium Package ($2,300), which brings Harman Kardon sound, wireless charging, and a heated second row.
The Ti also opens up new standalone options like leather-trimmed doors ($800) and a hands-free liftgate ($300).
The Ti Sport does exactly what the name promises, adding a few sporty touches to the Ti’s basic formula. The limited-slip rear differential is standard on this trim, as are a firmer suspension, paddle shifters, and bucket seats in the front row. The exterior gets gloss black accents and 20-inch wheels, while the interior gets aluminum trim.
Most options and packages remain the same as the Ti trim. The sole addition is the Carbon Package ($2,500), which swaps in carbon fiber trim on the grille, side mirrors, and interior.
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio goes toe-to-toe with the X3 M and Mercedes AMG GLC63, thanks to its 505-horsepower V-6 powerplant. The Stelvio has a top speed of 176 mph, and its 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds is among the best in any production SUV.
To match the power, the Quadrifoglio gets a unique transmission, a retuned all-wheel-drive system, an adaptive suspension, and a torque-vectoring rear differential. Both interior and exterior get aggressive accents, and carbon-fiber trim comes standard.
The Quadrifoglio retains most of the packages of the Ti Sport, but with generally lower prices. The remaining features in the Premium Package cost $995, and the Carbon Package $1,500. The exception is the Active Assist 2 Package, which includes the same features but rises to $2,200.
Compare Stelvio Trims Side-By-Side
The Stelvio Ti is the sweet spot for value, and we’d add the active safety features. If you’re looking for a mix of performance and practicality, few SUVs can match the Quadrifoglio for thrills.
