The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has a lot of competition. The segment is full of high-end options, including the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Macan. Yet Alfa Romeo seems undaunted.

To stand up to its competitors, the Italian automaker is building on its illustrious heritage by building cars like the Stelvio (and easy to do with). Named after one of the most famous highways in the world, the Stelvio Pass in northern Italy, the Stelvio is not your typical SUV. It's fast (especially in its Quadrifoglio livery) and has a stamina that rivals even the best sports cars. Craftsmen create each one at the Cassino factory in a process that evokes as much emotion as engineering.

However, let me set aside for a moment my love of Italian cars of all breeds. I personally like Alfa Romeo, but I'll save the editorial comment for another time. Let's look at the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio in a more complete and unbiased way.

Trim levels and exterior colors

The new Alfa Romeo Stelvio is available in four different trim levels: Sprint, Ti, Ti Sport and Quadrifoglio. There are also three different appearance packs: Nero Edizione, Lusso and Carbon. Nero Edizione is available on every trim level, Carbon is available on the Ti Sport and Quadrifoglio, and Lusso is only available on the Ti.

Some items that were once optional on the Stelvio are now included as standard. For example, if you choose Ti or Ti Sport, a double-glass sunroof and navigation become standard. Ti Sport models go even further and offer a standard limited slip differential, dark exhaust pipes, a rear diffuser and 20-inch wheels. Ti Sport and Quadrifoglio are available with 21-inch wheels.

As for body colors, there are a lot of them!

  • Alpha White
  • Rosso Alpha
  • 3-layer coating Rosso GTA
  • Misano Blue Metallic
  • Trofeo White Triple Coat
  • Vesuvio Gray Metallic
  • Lunare White metallic
  • Vulcano Black metallic
  • Verde Visconti Metallic
  • Anodized blue metallic
  • Ocra GT Junior Three Layer Coat
  • Stromboli Gray Metallic
  • Verde Montreal knitted coat
  • Silverstone Gray Metallic
  • Monte Carlo Blue Metallic
  • Three-layer coat Rosso Villa d'Este
  • Rosso Competizione three-layer coat

Ocra GT Junior Triple Coat, Rosso GTA Triple Coat, Rosso Villa d'Este Triple Coat, and Verde Montreal Triple Coat will be available in 2021.

"2021 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Internal Procedures

Step into the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and find a sporty and athletic cabin with plenty of bold accents and trim. Highlights include the F1-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, the Alfa DNA Pro drive mode selector, and the leather-wrapped shifter (under which sits the Italian flag emblem). Like the exterior colors, the 2021 Stelvio has plenty of interior themes. Here is the list:

  • Black / Red interior (two-tone)
  • Black / Chocolate Salon (two-tone)
  • Ice interior with decorative stitching Ice
  • Black interior with Dark Gray accent stitching
  • Crema interior (exclusive to Ti Lusso package)
  • Interior Black / Ice (two-tone) with Dark Gray decorative stitching
  • Black interior with red stitching (exclusive to Quadrifoglio)
  • Black/red interior with red stitching (exclusive to Quadrifoglio)
  • Black interior with green and white decorative stitching (exclusive to Quadrifoglio)
  • Black/Ice interior with green and white decorative stitching (exclusive to Quadrifoglio)

"Interior Interior of Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2021. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi hotspot and remote start. Roadside assistance, vehicle search, stolen vehicle search and assistance, and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates are standard. Wireless charging available.

Most of the main functions of the Stelvio are accessed and controlled via the 8.8-inch central touch screen. Using the touch screen, drivers can view the Stelvio's feature pages and expand the navigation map. The seven-inch central instrument cluster provides the driver with important information while driving.

Security features and packages

The 2021 Stelvio comes standard with a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and Alfa Romeo Full Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus. There are two different security packages, Active Assist 1 and Active Assist 2. Below is a breakdown of each.

Active Assistance 1

This safety package is available on the entry-level Sprint trim. It includes Active Blind Spot Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, and an infrared windshield.

Active Assist 2

This safety package is available for Ti, Ti Sport and Quadrifoglio. It differs from the above package as it includes more advanced driver assistance features. The full package includes Active Blind Spot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Attention Alert, Highway Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Assist.

Alfa Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio 2021. Photo: FCA US LLC.

2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: engine and transmission

There's a ton of action under the hood of the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The Sprint, Ti and Ti Sport models use a 2.0-liter direct injection turbo engine. The aluminum-intensive motor generates 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft. torque. Top speed is 144 mph with zero to 60 acceleration in 5.4 seconds.

Naturally, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio kicks things up a notch with a twin-turbo V6 from the Ferrari garage. The beefy engine puts out 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. torque. Top speed is 176 mph, zero to 60 in just 3.6 seconds. In keeping with Alfa Romeo's racing heritage, the impressive Stelvio Quadrifoglio lap record set a few years ago at the Nürburgring (seven minutes 51.7 seconds) still stands.

The same attributes that help the Stelvio Quadrifoglio on the track will carry over into everyday riding. Things like Brembo brakes, a torque-vectoring rear diff, independent adaptive damping suspension, and a weight distribution of around 50/50 will help ensure balance and balance behind the wheel.

The Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive system is standard on the Ti, Ti Sport and Quadrifoglio. This is optional on Sprint models for an additional $2,000. Aluminum paddle shifters are optional on the Stelvio if you want to drive the eight-speed automatic transmission yourself.

Alfa Photo: FCA US LLC.

2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Warranty

Alfa Romeo vehicles are covered by a four-year/50,000-kilometer bumper-to-bumper warranty called the Basic Limited Warranty, which covers most mechanical and electrical components. The Alfa Romeo warranty is longer than most manufacturers' warranties, but shorter than the standard transmission warranty. If you plan to earn more miles than usual on your Stelvio, extended warranty options are available. This free and helpful Alfa Romeo Warranty Guide will help you determine if you need additional coverage.

2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio prices

Here's the starting recommended price for each trim level. The figures below include shipping and destination charges of $1,295.

  • Sprint: $42,745
  • Ti: $48,395
  • Ti Sport: $51,595.
  • Quadrifoglio: 82045 USD.

If you're looking to buy a new Stelvio, check out this helpful search tool* or the form below the gallery. This will show you all the inventory in your area and show you which dealers offer you the best price.

Carl Anthony is the Managing Editor of BlogAvto and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He is on the board of directors of the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, a former president of the Detroit Working Writers, and a devoted fan of the Detroit Lions.

2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Gallery

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Photo and source: FCA US LLC.

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