Most SUV aren’t the machines that appeal to us, but the 2022 Alfa Romeo isn’t most SUV. This is a heartthrob of Italian descent with a 505 hp twin-turbo V-6 and a soundtrack that moves souls like a power ballad. Set the sportiest driving mode, grab a smooth steering wheel and get ready to be entertained everywhere. Whether charging in a straight line, through corners, or at a stop, the Stelvio QF feels more like a sports sedan than a compact luxury crossover.
The only change to the 2022 Alfa Romeo SUV is the new standard functionality. This includes a number of previously optional driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, automatic driving lights, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and front, and rear parking sensors. It is now equipped as standard with automatic mirror dimming, inline navigation, heated front, and rear seats, and cordless charging of the phone.
Alfa Romeo SUV interior
The interior of the Alfa Romeo SUV has some quality flaws, but its leather-covered finishes and contrast stitching are much better than the materials of the regular Stelvio. With comfortable QF front seats, an almost ideal driver position, and a large shift lever in the pillars ensure the driver doesn’t feel too far off the track.
It also has many of the standard features requested such as 14-way electrically adjustable front seats, with perfect ambient SUV interior lighting, heated steering wheel, and front-seat cushions, and more. The Stelvio has comfortable rear seats, but the headroom and storage space inside is mediocre. However, we managed to accommodate eight pieces of hand luggage behind the back row and another 11 bags with the seats folded down.
Infotainment
Every Alfa Romeo SUV has an 8.8-inch touchscreen, which is also operated via a practical rotary control on the center console. In addition to standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated navigation and chargers for cordless telephones are standard; WiFi hotspot is optional.
The infotainment system offers razor-sharp graphics, intuitive menus, and a customizable layout. Unfortunately, some symbols and information are difficult to see and some navigation instructions are delayed. Audiophiles will appreciate the standard Harman/Kardon audio system with 12 speakers and 900 watts from Alfa Romeo SUV.
Engine, transmission, and performance
The sole engine is a hypnotic 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. It is exclusively paired with an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission that transfers power to all four wheels.
The version we tested hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs we’ve ever tested. The most impressive feature of this hot crossover – along with its stunning bodywork – is the sleek chassis that can move and turn. With the standard adaptive damper set, you can choose the tightness of the ride, but only the bumpiest roads will degrade ride quality.
Otherwise, the Alfa Romeo SUV goes around the corner incredibly easily and rewards the driver with communicative steering behavior. The sticky performance tires and sturdy brakes of our test vehicle helped get QF from 70 mph to zero in 157 feet, an achievement worthy of a sports car.
Alfa Romeo SUV Price
Alfa has raised the starting price of the Stelvio QF by several thousand dollars to accommodate various new standard features. The version we chose would have overlooked the optional Sparco racing seat due to its limited quality and lack of heating elements. However, we’re going to add a carbon package that adorns the wing mirrors, V-shaped grille, and carbon fiber steering wheel and includes a leather-covered gear knob.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED: $94,095 (base price: $82,095)
ENGINE TYPE: Twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port, and direct fuel injection
Displacement
- 176 in3, 2891 cm3
Power
- 505 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
- 443 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
- 8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
- Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink
- Brakes (F/R): 15.4-invented, cross-drilled ceramic disc/14.2-invented, cross-drilled ceramic disc
- Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4, F: 255/45R-20 101Y AR R: 285/40R-20 104Y AR
DIMENSIONS
- Wheelbase: 110.9 in
- Length: 185.1 in
- Width: 77.0 in
- Height: 66.3 in
- Passenger volume: 89 ft3
- Cargo volume: 19 ft3
- Curb weight: 4309 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
- Rollout, 1 ft: 0.2 sec
- 60 mph: 3.3 sec
- 100 mph: 8.5 sec
- 130 mph: 15.8 sec
- 150 mph: 23.9 sec
- Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.3 sec
- Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
- Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
- ¼-mile: 11.8 sec @ 116 mph
- Top speed (mfr’s claim): 176 mph
- Braking, 70–0 mph: 152 ft
- Braking, 100–0 mph: 305 ft
- Road holding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
- Observed: 13 mpg
- 75-mph highway driving: 21 mpg
- Highway range: 350 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
- Combined/city/highway: 19/17/23 mpg
