Crossovers are boring, the thought goes. They just aren’t sporty.
That is often the case, too often really. But we all know that some are massaged and built for sporty driving. And while some OEM claims that a crossover is sporty are simply false, that’s not necessarily the case with the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Competizione.
On paper, the Competizione trim looks more like a styling exercise, and it definitely isn’t a true enthusiast’s vehicle like the Quadrifoglio version of the Stelvio is, but Alfa wisely didn’t stop at matte paint, red brake calipers, 21-inch wheels with a trim-specific design, Harman Kardon audio, and cosmetic trim bits such as stitching and badging. The key bit for this limited-edition trim is an active suspension.
This one has the same powertrain as most other Stelvios – a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. It’s a bit disappointing that Competiziones don’t get a bump in power, but it also makes sense that Alfa doesn’t offer the Quadrifoglio’s engine.
The transmission is an eight-speed automatic and this one is all-wheel drive.
Slightly more than 300 lb-ft of torque is good enough to give this Alfa some verve, but it’s heavy enough to remind you that it is a crossover. That seems to be trend with the handling, as well – it’s sporty enough to be fun, at least relative to vehicle type, but you are reminded at times that even the sportiest crossovers are going to be a bit too porky, thanks to their design and size.
There’s also a bit more body roll when cornering than I would like, but that is to be expected with a crossover, even one tuned for sport. Speaking of sport, flipping the vehicle into Dynamic mode will liven up the experience a bit – though it will also make already stiff ride stiffer and sacrifice a bit of overall smoothness. It’s fun to mess with to add some flair to the drudgery of daily commuting, but most folks will probably save it for special occasions in order to make life a little more smooth during daily driving.
Inside, the cabin is typical of current Alfas – stylish with a decent amount of actual physical controls, plus a knob for infotainment control and the uniquely placed ignition button, which lives on a steering-wheel spoke. Stellantis family influence is noticeable, most clearly in the infotainment system, and some materials are just a tisch downmarket-feeling for the price.
At least the engine sounds sporty with just a bit of snarl.
Standard features included full-speed forward-collision warning plus, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with full stop, blind-spot and cross-path detection, front and rear park-assist sensors, remote keyless entry, remote start, hands-free power liftgate, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, wireless device charging, heated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, dual-pane sunroof, and LED exterior lighting.
Options included matte paint – looks great, a pain to maintain – and a $6,100 Customer Preferred Package that added leather sport seats, a body kit, active suspension, limited-slip differential, rear diffuser, Harman Kardon audio, 21-inch wheels to replace the 19s, paddle shifters, and painted brake calipers.
Another option package included traffic-sign recognition, an active driving-assist system, smart cruise control, traffic-sign information, active blind-spot assist, and driver attention alert.
All told, the out-the-door price was $59,870.
For that money you end up with a difference-splitter between the all-sport, all-the-time Quadrifoglio and the lesser Stelvio trims that seem to prioritize style over sport.
This Stelvio is fun enough to entertain, and still quite stylish. But it’s still a crossover, for better or for worse.
Yes, you can build a sporty crossover, and you don’t even have to go as whole hog as Alfa does with the Quadrifoglio. If you want Italian style, entry-luxury accommodations, and enough “sport” to allow you to thumb your nose at Lexus RX buyers, well, this one is worth a look.
[Images: Alfa Romeo/Stellantis]
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