Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce Facelift Review

A quick drive in this Alfa Romeo Stelvio - and a quick check on YouTube after - has left me with one simple question: Why isn't this SUV more popular amongst ASMR creators?

Step into the Stelvio, and one of the first things that strikes you is just how large those paddle shifters are. Made from aluminium, these not only ring out when you rap your nails against them while waiting in traffic, but also deliver a satisfying click whenever you utilise them on the go.

But is the rest of the car as satisfying a proposition?

The head lights of this updated Stelvio (left) are now Matrix LED items and now feature three LED modules

Visual appeal

The numbers tell one story. At $349,888, this Alfa looks like an outright steal next to the $402,888 BMW X3 xDrive30i or the $443,888 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. Add the fact that this Stelvio develops a total of 276bhp, matching the Mercedes' 278bhp and trumping the BMW's 241bhp output, and (for those less brand-conscious at least) the right pick should be obvious (all prices as of 5 October 2023).

But of course, picking a car that will trigger all the right responses takes more than that. Thankfully, the Stelvio is one looker from the outside.

Up front, the grille pattern of the grille and two lower intakes have been altered, but the more prominent change comes in the form of new head lights, which now house three modules each (a nod to the Alfa Romeo SZ Zagato). These are paired with new taillights that now utilise smoked glass for a glossy black finish.

In the cabin, the instrument cluster (left) is now fully digital and offers a total of three different layouts

Sensory experience

Step within the Stelvio and the main change comes in the form of a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This new digital display comes with a total of three different layouts, with the particularly attractive 'Heritage' layout sporting inverted numbers on the speedometer (a nod to Alfa's cars from the 60's and 70's).

This new cluster, unfortunately, does little to lift what is an otherwise dated cabin. The Alfa's 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display only manages to rival the already superseded BMW iDrive 7 system present in the BMW X3 for visual appeal, and can't hold a candle against the 11.9-inch MBUX system in the Mercedes GLC.

Material use (those paddle shifter aside) throughout the cabin of the Alfa also falls short from the standards set by the aforementioned rivals. Textured black surfaces or silver plastics are the norm here when competitors have now adopted the use of materials including high-gloss black plastics or open-pore wood.

The seats of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio offer excellent lateral support without being constrictive, while sporting some cushy headrests

Space available for passengers at the rear also feels short of what's available in the X3, although the boot is a sizeable 525-litre item that is not only deep but also accessed via a wide opening.

The layout of all the switchgear in the Alfa also scores high on ease of use: There's physical air-conditioning controls here, and the infotainment system comes with a nifty rotary controller that's perfect for those that would rather not reach out to the infotainment screen. And while we are here: The seats of this Stelvio are also perfectly shaped, offering great support for the torso and thighs - alongside some cushy headrests - without ever feeling constrictive.

That engine start/stop button on the steering wheel also feels like such a convenient touch that I'm wondering why it isn't standard on every car.

The 276bhp 2.0-litre engine delivers strong performance all through the mid and upper-rpm ranges

Responsive drive

And the Stelvio is a real pleaser once you thumb that button to stir its 2.0-litre engine to life. It's a unit that asks to be pushed hard, delivering a pleasing snarl and a fair bit of induction noise to boot once the rpms are pushed into the mid-ranges. Those that make automobile related ASMR recordings shouldn't find disappointment here.

Regular drivers will also take delight in the car's eight-speed transmission that delivers smooth and quick gear changes, aiding the car's overall sense of urgency.

The Stelvio's wide tailgate opens up to a sizeable 525-litre boot

This sporty drivetrain pairs well with the car's fairly firm suspension and quick steering, the former also keeping body roll well in check. Having said that, the ride in the Stelvio does transfer more than a fair share of road imperfections into the cabin, delivering a ride that feels less settled than segment rivals.

After two afternoons with the car, we managed an average fuel consumption of 8km/L - a respectable figure considering the high power output of the vehicle, and the fact that it comes with all-wheel drive.

Those looking for an option that delivers on driving thrills while undercutting segment rivals should find the Stelvio an appealing option

Satisfactory pick

So, should you make this Alfa Romeo Stelvio your pick? At $349,888, those willing to look beyond the sub-standard material use in the cabin and the car's less settled ride will see the Stelvio as an outright steal. But add in the fact that it can still deliver all the audio stimulation and the thrills associated with a good motoring session, and it's not hard to see the car winning a loyal fanbase of its own.

Shopping for a premium compact SUV? There's also these options to consider:

The Lexus NX comes with an intuitive infotainment system, and a powerful 2.4-litre engine

The Audi Q5 comes with a handsome exterior and offers a comfortable cabin and ride

The Porsche Macan offers an agile drive alongside high levels of polish