The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio presents athletic handling and a strong engine lineup. But its interior quality and materials leave something to be desired. Additionally, the 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio comes up short on cargo and passenger space.

Most crossover SUVs trade greatly in their ability to haul your things and cart your family around. The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, nevertheless, prioritizes the driving experience over such utilitarian concerns. The 2019 Stelvio strives to be the driver’s selection among top-ranking compact crossover SUVs. Vehicles which normally aren’t known for their athletic driving dynamics.

The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is offered in a base model and Ti configurations which are distinguished by their level of standard features. Both trims make use of a strong inline four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic. A high-performance Quadrifoglio version is also available.

Despite its middle of the pack standing, the 2019 Stelvio remains an adequate luxury compact SUV, particularly if performance is the top priority. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio configuration is among the most formidable performance crossovers on the marketplace, but even the entry-level model boasts nimble handling and lots of power. Everything else about the Stelvio is only OK. Cargo space is a bit below average, and passenger space is nothing to write home about. The cabin also has more low-rent materials than typically found in this class.

Read Next: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Crossover SUV Review

2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio configurations

The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a compact AWD little crossover luxury SUV that is offered in three versions: an entry-level base model Stelvio, a luxury-oriented Ti plus a high-performance Quadrifoglio. The nicely equipped entry-level model and Ti models include a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (280 horsepower, 306 pound-feet of torque) and an eight-speed automatic. The Quadrifoglio is a different kind of performance SUV entirely, with its stiffer suspension tuning, stickier tires and Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 (505 hp, 443 lb-ft of torque).

Base

The base model Stelvio includes rear- or all-wheel drive, and it is well-equipped with standard features like 18-inch wheels and tires, Brembo brakes, xenon headlights, roof rails, a power liftgate, keyless ignition and entrance, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and adjustable drive configurations. Technology features include a huge driver information display, a 6.5-inch central touchscreen, a rearview camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, four USB ports (two in front and two charge-only vents for rear passengers) and an eight-speaker stereo system.

Ti

The Ti comes with more standard equipment, such as 19-inch wheels and tires, front parking sensors, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

A Sport package, available for both trims, adds larger diameter wheels and tires (19 inches for the entry-level model, 20 inches to the Ti), distinct exterior and interior spec, paddle shifters and stiffer suspension tuning. In addition to that, the Ti gains sport front seats with power-adjustable side bolster.

A Ti-specific Performance package adds a driver-adjustable adaptive suspension and a rear mechanical locking limited-slip differential, even though a Ti Lusso package includes modernized front seats, added leather upholstery and upgraded interior spec.

To optimize safety, get the Driver Help Dynamic Plus package. It provides adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and forward-collision warning together with crisis automatic braking.

Related: 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Review

Quadrifoglio

Lastly, the Quadrifoglio Includes a Lot of the above as standard — the Driver Help Dynamic Plus package being a notable omission. In addition to this, it adds its high-speed engine, 20-inch wheels and tires, Brembo brakes, a navigation system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

See also: 2019 Jeep Wrangler Review: Features and Configurations

2019 Stelvio Interior

The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV seats five. It includes standard niceties such as leather upholstery and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. There’s loads of support for long drives, and optional updates such as the sport seats have better side bolstering to keep you in place. However, the Stelvio is not as comfy as some other luxury SUVs, with its firm leather and tough headrests.

Second-row seating is fairly typical of a compact crossover, with head- and legroom which is decent but not perfect. Taller adults may also feel short on headroom due to the sloping roofline.

Child Seats

The Stelvio has two full sets of rear-seat LATCH connections and yet another tether anchor to the middle seat. Like in many luxury vehicles, the lower anchors are behind plastic flaps. This makes them easy to locate, but the anchors are shining and difficult to reach. Installing a rear-facing baby car seat necessitates transferring the front passenger seat almost all of the way forward.

Cargo Volume

The Stelvio has 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats, and 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold down the rear seats. Though both numbers fall short of the course averages, the Stelvio’s cargo space is much more practical than those numbers might indicate. The second row folds almost flat and the load-in elevation is reduced, so it’s easy to become heavy stuff to the car.

Infotainment

Instead of a touch screen, the Stelvio’s infotainment system has a normal 6.5-inch display that’s controlled by a rotary knob on the center console. It requires some practice to browse through the system’s menus, but there are physical controls to adjust the temperature and volume.

Many Italian automobiles provide top-notch craftsmanship and exquisite interiors, but the 2019 Stelvio is none of them. There’s an overall lack of satisfying fit and finish for how the entire thing is put together. While this Alfa Romeo features real wood and metal spec pieces together with standard leather seats, in addition, it has lots of cheap-feeling plastic surfaces. Quadrifoglio versions up the sportiness variable with a carbon-fiber spec and contrast stitching.

2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Performance

The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which makes 280 horsepower. That’s among the greatest outputs in the class to get a base model, and the engine is a wonderful fit for everyday driving. You will have no trouble taking off quickly from a stop, and the eight-speed automatic transmission rockets through the gears to get you up to cruising speeds. Some test drivers believe the transmission’s upshifts are too quick though.

In the event the routine Stelvio is Dr. Jekyll, then its high performance alter ego would be the rampant Mr. Hyde. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio comes with a 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine that makes 505 horsepower. It could sprint from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds, which makes it among one of the speediest SUVs you can purchase. The Quadrifoglio includes standard high-performance Brembo brakes and a performance exhaust, and it could be outfitted with carbon fiber Sparco racing seats and carbon brakes.

Fuel economy estimates for your 2019 Stelvio are still not offered. The 2018 version using its regular all-wheel-drive generates 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. These quotes are about average for the class.

Handling and Braking

The Stelvio comes standard with rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is optional. The steering is quick and precise. Some critics wished the steering wheel was thicker and that there was more feedback from the road. The ride is comfortable at low speeds and over most surfaces. The rigid suspension results in a harsher ride at higher rates.

The 2019 Stelvio delivers lively handling for an SUV. It may feel more like a high-riding, athletic automobile given how well it handles sharp turns on twisty roads. The steering is light, making it easily maneuverable in tight parking lots. Some reviewers have noted it could deliver more street feedback for the driver.

This luxury crossover maintains a comfortable ride at lower rates or on broken city streets. At highway speeds, the stiffer suspension results in a somewhat bumpy ride.

Final Thoughts

The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a luxury crossover which warrants your consideration if you prioritize functionality. In other regions, however, the Stelvio lags behind the high standard set by rivals.

The Stelvio enters its second model year in 2019. It shares its basic stage, engines and configuration levels with the Giulia sedan. The 2019 Stelvio seats five such as the Giulia, but unlike its sedan stablemate, the Stelvio is available with AWD. It is a ball to drive, with sharp steering and precise handling. The 2.0-liter engine is eager to run. The Stelvio provides a nice ride quality, also.

There are compromises, of course. The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio loses some cargo volume and towing capability. The inside is a mixed bag of material options. But if you’re trying to find a sport-oriented premium crossover, this is among the best.