The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti has quickly garnered attention in the competitive SUV market, blending Italian passion with practical performance. As someone deeply involved in the automotive repair world, my interest was piqued when I decided to experience this vehicle firsthand. My initial impressions, particularly regarding the transmission, mirrored some early concerns, yet understanding the nuances of the Stelvio Ti revealed a compelling and rewarding ownership prospect.
Initially, my test drive experience with the Stelvio’s transmission evoked memories of driving a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. There was a sense of gear hunting, a hesitation that felt somewhat unrefined. This was a stark contrast to the CVT in my previous Forester XT, which, despite common criticisms of CVTs, I found quite agreeable. Coming from a background that appreciates manual transmissions – having previously owned an STI for that very reason – the Stelvio’s automatic initially felt like a potential drawback. However, realizing that the transmission is adaptive, learning the driver’s style over time, shifted my perspective. Knowing the previous owner was an older gentleman suggested the Stelvio was yet to learn my driving habits. The fact that it’s a German-engineered transmission, housed within a vehicle built entirely in Italy, speaks to a robust and sophisticated design. This international collaboration hinted at a level of engineering beyond initial impressions.
The journey to acquiring the Stelvio Ti was driven by a confluence of needs and opportunities. With my wife and I working remotely, our 2015 Forester XT served as a reliable workhorse for home projects, while our STI saw increasingly less use, often leading to battery depletion. The surge in used car values presented an opportune moment to sell the STI for nearly its purchase price. This left us with just the Forester and a Mazda used by my step-son. When the Mazda was unfortunately totaled in an accident, the decision point arrived: replace the Mazda in a challenging market or upgrade our primary vehicle. Needing an SUV for DIY tasks and home improvement projects, but also yearning for something more engaging than the typical SUV, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio began to emerge as a frontrunner. The allure of the Giulia was strong, but practicality dictated an SUV. Furthermore, my wife’s preference for memory seats and my desire for a heated steering wheel narrowed the field considerably.
My cross-shopping included Acura, Lincoln, Volvo, BMW, Mercedes, and Mazda, among others. However, inventory shortages at the time limited options significantly – models like the Volvo XC60 were simply unavailable nearby. As I systematically eliminated contenders, the Stelvio’s unique character and performance focus kept drawing me back. Serendipitously, an Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti was available at a local exotics dealership, owned by an Italian gentleman with a long history with the Alfa Romeo brand. His personal story, having been an Alfa dealer in the past and retaining a passion for the marque, added a layer of reassurance. Learning that he had meticulously serviced this particular Stelvio and was offering it at a very fair price, coupled with a personal connection through his daughter and my wife, solidified the decision.
My 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti appears generously equipped, boasting premium sound, sport seats that I find exceptionally comfortable, and a comprehensive suite of features. The newer infotainment system was a key desire, although the wired-only Android Auto is a minor inconvenience in an era of wireless connectivity. Immediately upon purchase, practical upgrades began, starting with Weathertech mats throughout. I’m also exploring a start/stop delete module from Stuff4Car, seeking to refine the driving experience further. While eager to explore modifications, I intend to spend time with the Stelvio Ti in its stock form to fully appreciate its inherent capabilities. The dream of a Giulia Quadrifoglio remains, perhaps alongside a Subaru Sambar Kei truck for more utilitarian tasks, but for now, the Stelvio Ti serves as the ideal balance of practicality and driving pleasure.
Despite Alfa Romeo’s historical reputation for reliability concerns in the US market, research suggested that these perceptions might be outdated, particularly for the 2.0L Stelvio. While acknowledging potential maintenance considerations with high-performance models like the Quadrifoglio, the standard Stelvio engine seemed robust. The depreciation factor, often cited as a drawback, actually presented a buying advantage in my case. As someone who undertakes vehicle maintenance personally, the Stellantis parentage gives hope for reasonable parts availability and cross-compatibility in the future. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti, therefore, represents not just a vehicle purchase, but an entry into a unique blend of Italian automotive passion and everyday usability, a combination that promises a rewarding ownership experience.
