Name: Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2017 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Rating: 55.0

Summary

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a mid-size SUV launched in 2017 as the brand’s first entry into the premium SUV market. It received a minor update in early 2023, but the core model is now several years old in a fast-moving segment.

The Stelvio has consistently been praised by UK media for its sharp steering and engaging handling, offering a more driver-focused experience than many similarly sized SUVs. Engine performance has also been well received, particularly in higher-output versions.

However, interior material quality and infotainment technology have never fully matched the strongest competitors in the class, and the overall cabin design now shows its age. Running costs are relatively high compared with newer rivals, particularly in petrol form.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio originally achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, but that result has now expired under current testing protocols due to the model’s age.

As of February 2026, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 57%. Media review scores and CO₂ emissions are only average, while high running costs and an expired Euro NCAP safety rating significantly reduce the overall result.

Stelvio highlights

Engaging handling for a mid-size SUV
Strong engine performance options
Distinctive Alfa Romeo styling
Comfortable ride quality
Wide model range including performance variants

Stelvio lowlights

Interior quality below key premium rivals
Infotainment system now dated
High running costs
Euro NCAP safety rating expired
Design and technology now showing their age

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price: From £52,000 on-road

Launched: Summer 2017
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“Minor irritations apart, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is an effective new entrant to the SUV market. It is generally well built, and offers a combination of attractive looks and sporting prowess that many rivals do not.”

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre 280 Q4 Speciale

Score: 8.2 / 10

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The Car Expert

Andrew Charman

“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio looks great and is loads of fun to drive for an SUV – but the interior materials don’t feel as luxurious as in similar cars and the suspension is on the firm side.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

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Carwow

Darren Cassey

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The handsome Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a sporty SUV that’s good to drive, but it’s expensive to buy and run compared to some rivals.”
Author: Ellis Hyde
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Model reviewed: 2023 facelift
Score: 8 / 10
“The mid-life refresh couldn’t really have come any later, because for all the updates, the Stelvio is starting to feel its age in some areas. If you want a family-sized SUV that’s both fun to drive and comfortable, though, the Stelvio should definitely be on your shortlist.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“A good SUV made even better.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Nero Edizione
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s suitably spacious inside, and more fun to drive than its rivals.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio remains one of the sportiest SUVs you can buy, fresh updates to trim and tech keeping it competitive.” (Dan Trent)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Alfa Romeo definitively put an Italian twist on the SUV formula with its bold and distinctive Stelvio and it’s always impressed with its combination of spirited driving dynamics and practicality.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Veloce (2023 facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“In the SUV segment, it’s hard to excuse shortfalls in economy and practicality for driving dynamics and style, since the latter are inevitably compromised anyway. In a competitive class, it’s difficult to recommend overlooking the Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s flaws.” (Sean Keywood)
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Car

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“If you want a crossover that sacrifices as little of the conventional-car driving experience as possible, then the Alfa Romeo Stelvio should be given serious consideration. It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s a much-needed lift given to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio in this round of upgrades. Its interior is certainly much better than before, and the infotainment is a step forward too. The driving experience hasn’t been altered either — the Stelvio remains one of the best-driving cars in its segment.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“You have to admire Alfa Romeo, it has gone from producing somewhat disappointing hatchbacks to producing excellent cars such as the Stelvio and Giulia in just a couple of years. The Stelvio is great to drive, offers excellent levels of practicality and is packed with some impressive engines.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV blends good looks, a great drive and real quality at a competitive price.”
Author: Andy Goodwin
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic 210hp Super
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Great looks, excellent efficiency and very keen pricing are all strengths, and in this sector of the market those things are considered important to company car drivers.”
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Daily Mail

Score: 8 / 10
“In its debut outing, Alfa has immediately taken the fight to the established SUV titans.”
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Evo

Score: 8 / 10
“Impressively dynamic and desirable SUV undone by quality niggles and odd styling.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Milano
Score: 8 / 10
“It is tempting to say go and buy a Stelvio while we’re in a period of the Treasury discouraging the purchase of low-emission diesels, and while there isn’t an electric alternative; make the most of the opportunity to own a Stelvio while you can.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“All in all, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a good all-rounder, doing a thoroughly decent job in all areas and a really good job in some. It might not be one of the best SUVs, but if you like the flamboyant styling, and you enjoy your driving, it’s definitely worth considering.”
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Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“The Stelvio manages to capture Italian charisma and enjoyable handling in a practical, family-friendly package. It’s not as flawlessly executed as a pricier Audi Q5, but it has plenty of appeal – especially if you want a dose of style with your family SUV.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Regardless of the engine or spec, few SUVs are as nice to drive as the Stelvio, particularly if you opt for Q4 all-wheel drive. It corners sharply, has a sweet eight-speed transmission, and boasts ride characteristics more akin to a sports car. It is a 4×4 fit to wear the illustrious Alfa Romeo badge.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The first Alfa Romeo SUV is a stylish and sporting option.”
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The Sunday Times

Score: 8 / 10
“Because it’s a big, practical car with a huge boot and folding seats and lots of cubbyholes that’s also an Alfa Romeo – it’s the only SUV that’s quite tempting.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Alfa Romeo has built a very good car. Like the Giulia, the Stelvio offers a compelling alternative in a market dominated by ordinary German models.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“All things considered, Alfa has done an admirable job on converting its value into an SUV package. Perhaps it isn’t as stirring as Alfas of the past, but this time who knows, you might actually buy one.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 60%

Notes on safety rating

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Stelvio to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of February 2026, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

If the Stelvio is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	33 mpg	D
Diesel models	46 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	195 g/km	D
Diesel models	162 g/km	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	36	D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£339	D
Year 2	£895	D
Year 3	£1,484	D
Year 4	£1,798	E
Year 5	£2,436	E
Overall	£6,952	E

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio can be quite an expensive car to run depending on the model you choose, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Petrol models offer 33 mpg on average, which is lower than petrol equivalents in the rival BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC model lines. Diesel models offer around 46 mpg on average, making them a more economical choice.

Insurance premiums are fairly average when compared to the market as a whole, as are service and maintenance costs for the first five years from new.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 10
Average repair cost: £723.45
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has a middling reliability score, according to workshop and extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. However, it’s worth noting that this score is based on very few cars to date, so it could change for better or worse over time.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Overall ratingC51%
New car warranty duration5 years
New car warranty mileage75,000 miles
Battery warranty duration0 years
Battery warranty mileage0 miles

Alfa Romeo’s new car warranty is better than average, and better than several premium brands in a similar price bracket as the Stelvio.

The duration is five years, with a limit of 75,000 miles.

Warranty on a used Alfa Romeo Stelvio

If you are buying an ‘Alfa Romeo Certified’ Stelvio from an official Alfa Romeo dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included.
If you are buying a used Alfa Romeo Stelvio from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used Alfa Romeo Stelvio from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Date: September 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2020 to 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 973
Defect: The automatic headlight position sensors may not have been calibrated and therefore the function does not comply with the requirements of ECE R48.
Remedy: Recalibration of the automatic headlight position sensors and alignment of the headlights.

Date: January 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2020 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 157
Defect: Due to a production nonconformity there may be the possibility of a fuel leak from the fuel pressure and temperature sensor.
Remedy: Replace the front fuel supply pipe and sensor.

Date: September 2021Model types: AllBuild dates: 06/2021Number of vehicles affected: 37Defect: The vehicle may not comply with ECE Regulation 16 Amendment 07 where all seats must be equipped with a safety belt reminder function with visual and audible indication of seat belt status.Remedy: Conduct a software update to ensure the seat belt indication is available for all occupied seats.

Date: January 2020
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 57
Defect: The seats may not lock in the correct position.
Remedy: Check and replace the seat frame if necessary.

Date: September 2019
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2016 to 08/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 2,402
Defect: More fuel than actually present in the tank could be displayed on the instrument panel.
Remedy: Update the software of the control module which governs fuel level management.

Date: July 2019
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2016 to 06/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 493
Defect: Undesired acceleration of the vehicle may occur whilst active cruise control is operational.
Remedy: Update the software in the brake system module.

Date: May 2018
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2016 to 04/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 1,451
Defect: Due to a potential nonconformity, some electric-electronic components may malfunction as a result of water infiltrations and their performance may be compromised. The vehicle may not function as the driver expects it to during use including unintended activation and opening of the rear liftgate door at vehicle speeds up to 3.1 MPH. An unintended activation and opening of the rear liftgate door may result in a loss of unrestrained cargo. Lost cargo may create a road hazard and could cause a following vehicle to crash without prior warning.
Remedy: Sealing and/or application of sealants in specific places will ensure full parts conformity is restored.

Date: March 2018
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2017 to 12/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 11
Defect: The brake/clutch system components may be damaged and system performance may decay as a result of the potential presence of mineral oil in the brake-clutch fluid because the components are not compatible with mineral oil. As a result brake/clutch system performance may deteriorate.
Remedy: Replace the components in the brake-clutch system.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been eight DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, seven of which are shared with its Giulia saloon sibling. These cover headlights, fuel system, seats, software and brake issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Alfa Romeo dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Stelvio, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.