DETROIT _ Alfa Romeo's Stelvio SUV adds more tech and connectivity than a Fortnite convention for 2020, raising its driver assistance and infotainment capabilities to a level worthy of its outstanding power and handling.
The result: A host of small annoyances disappear and it's easier to appreciate the Italian luxury SUV's distinctive looks and outstanding performance. Automakers seldom put this much effort into a model that's been on the road for four years, as the Stelvio has. Fiat Chrysler did, making the 2020 Stelvio much more competitive. The five-seat SUV is in dealerships now.
The Stelvio's strengths have always been looks, handling and power. Its main drawbacks were entertainment controls, connectivity and driver assistance features, elements that almost certainly contributed to stubbornly low ratings in leading quality studies. The 2020's upgrades are big steps in the right direction.
How much?
The five-passenger Stelvio is Alfa's first SUV. The model line starts with a $41,995 280-horsepower model. The base Stelvio competes with SUVs like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT5, Infiniti QX50, Jaguar F-Pace and Mercedes GLC. All Stelvios have an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The top of the line Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a rocket with a Ferrari-engineered 505-hp 2.9L V6. It starts at $80,600.
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio competes in a new class of super SUVs that includes the BMW X3 M Competition, Jaguar F-Pace SVR, Mercedes AMG GLC S 63 and Porsche Macan GTS.
Don't knock on that clubhouse door without serious hardware. The Stelvio's 505 hp puts it in the middle of the pack. The Porsche Macan GTS is the only one in the bunch with less than 500 hp, and it still races from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
I tested a loaded Stelvio that stickered at $93,340.
Standard equipment on my Stelvio Quadrifoglio:
Carbon fiber drive shaft
Torque vectoring differential
Adaptive suspension
8.8-inch touch screen
14-speaker Harman Kardon audio
Leather dash and door uppers
Aluminum steering column-mounted paddle shifters
20-inch summer tires and five-spoke wheels
Heated steering wheel and front seats
Options on the model I tested:
Wireless charging
Colored brake calipers
Brembo carbon ceramic brakes
Heated rear seats
Standard and optional safety features
Blind spot and cross traffic alerts
Blind spot assist
Lane keeping alert and assist
Drowsy driver alert
Forward collision warning
Pedestrian and bicycle alert and braking
Adaptive cruise control
Highway and traffic jam assist lane and vehicle following
Automatic high beams
Traffic sign recognition
Front and rear parking sensors
