Overview
Most SUVs aren’t machines that pull at our heartstrings, but the 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio isn’t most SUVs. It’s a high-riding, Italian-bred heartthrob with a 505-hp twin-turbo V-6 and a soundtrack that stirs the soul like a power ballad. Engage its sportiest drive-mode setting, grip its delicate steering wheel, and prepare to be thoroughly entertained. Whether its charging in a straight line, knifing through a corner, or screeching to a halt, the Stelvio QF feels more like a sports sedan than the compact luxury crossover it is. While its ride height and bulbous rear hatch can’t hide its true identity, Alfa Romeo makes it look beautiful. Despite a small back seat and the brand’s spotty reliability record—and the fact the Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan is lighter, lower, and at least as visceral—the 2022 Stelvio QF does what few SUVs can: deliver a truly dramatic driving experience.
What’s New for 2022?
The only changes to the 2022 Stelvio Quadrifoglio involve newly standard features. These include a suite of previously optional driver assists such as adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors. It also now comes standard with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, built-in navigation, front and rear heated seats, and wireless phone charging.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Alfa has raised the starting price of the Stelvio QF a few thousand dollars to account for the addition of various newly standard features. The version we’d choose would forgo the optional Sparco racing seats due their restrictive qualities and lack of heating elements. However, we’d add the Carbon package that dresses the exterior mirrors, V-shaped grille, and steering wheel with carbon fiber and includes a leather-wrapped shift knob.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The sole engine is a hypnotic twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 that makes 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. It pairs exclusively with a paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. One version we tested rocketed to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs we’ve ever tested. The most impressive trait of this hot crossover—along with its stunning body—is an ethereal chassis that rides as well as it turns. A set of standard adaptive dampers allows you to select the firmness of the ride, but only the bumpiest roads diminish the ride quality. Otherwise, the Stelvio QF corners with remarkable poise and rewards the driver with communicative steering feedback. The sticky performance tires and beefy brakes on our test vehicle helped haul the QF from 70 mph to zero in 157 feet, performance befitting that of a sports car.
Marc UrbanoCar and Driver
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2022 Stelvio Quadrifoglio is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Those numbers are slightly higher than the similarly powerful AMG GLC63 S (15 mpg city/22 highway) and considerably better than the X3 M (15 mpg city/20 highway). The last Stelvio QF we ran on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route—part of our extensive testing regimen—fell short of expectations with a result of 21 mpg. For more information about the Stelvio’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Stelvio QF’s interior has some build-quality flaws, but its leather-covered and contrast-stitched surfaces are much improved versus the materials found on the regular Stelvio. The QF’s supportive front seats, nearly perfect driving position, and enormous column-mounted paddle shifters ensure the driver never feels too far from the racetrack. It also has many desirable standard features such as 14-way power-adjustable front seats, ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel and front-seat cushions, and more. The Stelvio has a comfortable back seat, but headroom and interior cubby storage are unremarkable. Still, we managed to fit eight carry-on suitcases behind its back row and another 11 bags with the seats folded.
Marc UrbanoCar and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every QF includes an 8.8-inch touchscreen that also operates through a handy rotary controller on the center console. Along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation and a wireless phone charger are standard; a Wi-Fi hotspot is optional. The infotainment system features crisp graphics, intuitive menus, and a customizable layout. Unfortunately, some of the icons and information are hard to see and some navigation directions were delayed. Audiophiles will appreciate the Stelvio’s standard 12-speaker, 900-watt Harman/Kardon audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Stelvio QF comes with an assortment of standard driver-assistance technology, including automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. For more information about the Stelvio’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard automatic high-beam headlights
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Alfa Romeo’s limited and powertrain warranties align with luxury rivals such as Audi and Porsche. However, none of these brands can compete with BMW’s lengthy complimentary maintenance period.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Q4
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-in vented, cross-drilled ceramic disc/14.2-in vented, 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
Roadholding, 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
More Features and Specs