“Aside from some quirks and odd decisions the car has excellent dynamics and practicality. The trade offs for a better interior, performance or features were not worth other the cost.”
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is an all-new model and Alfa Romeo’s first SUV in the U.S. Most versions use a 280-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, while the performance-focused Quadrifoglio has a 505-hp twin-turbo V6.
About the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
1st generation (U.S. launch generation), first model year.
The 2018 Stelvio is Alfa Romeo's performance-first luxury compact SUV. Alfa markets it less as a soft family crossover and more as an SUV for people who care about steering feel, quick acceleration, and Italian design. Against rivals, its core draw is that it tries to feel closer to a sport sedan than a utility appliance, while still giving buyers standard all-wheel drive, five-passenger space, and everyday luxury features.
The 2018 Stelvio lineup ranges from the well-equipped base model to comfort-focused and sport-focused Ti versions. The Ti Lusso stands out for quilted leather and real wood trim, while the Quadrifoglio pairs its 505-hp V6 with adaptive suspension, larger Brembo brakes, and a dedicated Race driving mode.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Stelvio debuts as Alfa Romeo’s first SUV in the U.S., using the same rear-drive-based architecture as the Giulia sedan.
Powertrain
Every 2018 Stelvio has AWD and an eight-speed automatic. Most trims use a 280-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; the Quadrifoglio uses a 505-hp twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard throughout the 2018 lineup. Base and Sport models have a 6.5-inch infotainment display, while the Ti, Ti Lusso, Ti Sport, and Quadrifoglio have an 8.8-inch display.
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 2.9 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 280 hp | 280 hp | 280 hp | 280 hp | |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft | 306 lb-ft | 306 lb-ft | 306 lb-ft | 306 lb-ft | |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2018 the first year of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2018 Stelvio was the model’s first U.S. year and marked the debut of Alfa Romeo’s first SUV.
Did every 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio have AWD?
Yes. Every 2018 Stelvio sold in the U.S. came with AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What engines were used in the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
Most 2018 Stelvio trims used a 280-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The Quadrifoglio used a 505-hp twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6.
What made the 2018 Stelvio Quadrifoglio different?
The 2018 Stelvio Quadrifoglio was the high-performance version. It had a 505-hp twin-turbo V6, adaptive suspension, larger Brembo brakes, a rear differential that could vary power from side to side, and a Race driving mode.
Did the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the 2018 Stelvio lineup.
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
4.2
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
(252 reviews)
“Been pretty happy with vehicle and it gets good gas mileage for an SUV and has great pickup.”
“This car will make you fall in love with it. Drives like no other. For an SUV to drive as fast as the Stelvio does comfortably is crazy. It's a head turner. Sounds great drives great.”