Posted by Shereen Shabnam
Some SUVs are built to be practical. Others are built to be desirable. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0 manages to be both, bringing unmistakable Italian character into a segment often dominated by clinical efficiency. It is a premium SUV with soul, one that still prioritises the joy of driving while giving buyers the comfort, versatility and technology expected in a modern luxury package.
In a market crowded with polished but predictable crossovers, the Stelvio feels refreshingly emotional. It has presence, personality and just enough edge to remind you that this is an Alfa Romeo first, and an SUV second. For those who want everyday usability without giving up style or driver engagement, the Stelvio remains one of the more compelling choices in its class.
Exterior
The Stelvio is one of those SUVs that still makes you turn around for a second glance. It wears its Alfa Romeo DNA proudly, from the iconic “Scudetto” V-shield grille to its flowing body lines and athletic stance. Unlike many rivals that lean heavily into bulk and aggression, the Stelvio feels sculpted, sleek, dynamic and elegantly sporty.
For the model that I drove, the look remains sharp and contemporary, helped by Full-LED Adaptive headlights, redesigned rear lighting and beautifully proportioned details that make it feel premium without trying too hard. With the larger alloy wheels, especially in the Veloce trim, it has just the right amount of road presence. It is an SUV, but one with the heart and silhouette of a sports saloon.
Interior
Inside, the Stelvio delivers a cabin that is more driver-focused than flashy. This is not an interior designed to overwhelm with gimmicks or oversized screens. Instead, it feels purposeful, stylish and unmistakably Alfa. The seating position is excellent, the steering wheel feels just right in your hands, and details like the heated leather sporty steering wheel and aluminium gear shift paddles immediately hint at the car’s more spirited personality.
There is also a welcome sense of warmth to the space. The centre console is neatly arranged, storage is practical, and the overall finish feels refined without becoming sterile. Optional touches such as the 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system elevate the cabin further, making the Stelvio just as enjoyable for a relaxed highway cruise as it is for a more enthusiastic drive.
Technology
The Stelvio keeps its technology clean and usable, rather than overly complicated. The infotainment system is centred around an 8.8-inch multi-touch display, which remains intuitive and easy to navigate, while the updated 12.3-inch fully digital TFT instrument cluster adds a more modern and customisable feel behind the wheel. Alfa Romeo also gives drivers the option of different display layouts, including a Heritage mode that nods to the brand’s historic instrument design.
On the safety and driver-assistance front, the Stelvio is equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving capability, bringing together systems such as adaptive assistance and lane support to make longer journeys feel more relaxed. It strikes a good balance between helping the driver and still letting them feel connected to the road, something Alfa Romeo has managed better than many brands chasing pure automation.
Performance
This is where the Stelvio reminds you why Alfa Romeo still has a devoted following. Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 280 hp, paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and Q4 all-wheel drive in UAE-spec models. On paper, that is already promising. On the road, it feels even better.
The Stelvio feels lighter, sharper and more agile than many of its rivals, helped by a focus on perfect weight distribution, direct steering and the brand’s signature Alfa Link suspension. The steering is one of the car’s strongest assets as it is quick, precise and genuinely engaging. Through corners, the Stelvio feels planted and eager, while the transmission shifts smoothly enough for daily driving but still responds well when pushed.
Our Verdict
The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0 offers practicality, technology and comfort, but wraps them in a package that feels far more expressive and engaging than most of its competitors. It has style without vanity, performance without harshness, and enough personality to make every drive feel a little less routine.
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