The variety of Stelvios we’ve seen on the native roads seems to be rising, which makes us blissful because it means extra persons are discovering the Alfa Romeo mystique, however it’s been awhile since we’ve pushed one. We felt it was time to spend some extra time behind the wheel and Alfa occurred to have a Stelvio Lusso readily available and was feeling indulgent on the day we requested. It arrived wearing Alfa Rosso paint, trying as Italian as potential.

The Stelvio hasn’t misplaced it’s attractiveness. It’s nonetheless the identical attractive five-door SUV that first graced our shores a number of years in the past. From the V-shaped grille, by way of the muscular fenders to the tiny Alfa Romeo badge on the again hatch, it stands out as one thing particular in an overcrowded market of infinite SUV’s. Inside, the Lusso is wrapped in wealthy cream-colored leather-based and full of a mix of particular design touches and digital luxuries to boost the driving force’s expertise. The seats are agency and cozy, well-bolstered to maintain you in place however not so bolstered that they’re troublesome to recover from. Each the entrance and rear seats are heated, as is the steering wheel, however not ventilated like one may count on in a luxurious mannequin.

Underneath the hood lies Alfa Romeo’s candy little 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected four-cylinder engine. It makes 280 hp and 306 lb-fts of torque. Whereas the specs don’t appear particularly overwhelming, the engine is a tiny powerhouse that strikes the Stelvio a lot faster than you’d count on. Whereas it has first rate low-end grunt, the mid-range and upper-range torque actually make the Stelvio really feel particular. The turbo helps the engine pull onerous by way of the rev-range making passing maneuvers fast and worry-free. The facility is transmitted by way of an 8-speed automated transmission that makes clear, clean shifts. Whereas the Lusso lacked the attractive aluminum paddle shifters most Stelvios we’ve pushed have, we have been in a position to make use of the shifter lever to manually upshift and downshift by way of the gears.

For all of the pace the small engine creates, the Stelvio is blessed with giant brake rotors and pink Brembo calipers that do a incredible job of slowing and stopping it time after time after time.

The suspension is nice. It’s agency and sporting however does an important job of mitigating potholes and freeway growth joints. The steering is extremely sharp however it tracks straight as an arrow down the highway.

If pushed conservatively, the Stelvio returns excellent mileage. It’s rated at 28mpg on the freeway and 22 mpg in metropolis driving. Our mileage wasn’t fairly that good however then we prefer to dip into the throttle a bit when driving them. You possible will too.

The Stelvio begins at $51,525. Our Lusso stickered at $59,868. It appears just a little on the excessive facet however you’d be onerous pressed to seek out as keen an SUV because the Stelvio. In a world of lifeless SUV’s, the Stelvio stands out as one of many extra sporting and satisfying SUV’s to drive.