Before It’s Gone: The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Emphasizes the Importance of Driving | Carscoops

      In a landscape filled with uninspired crossovers, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio stands out by prioritizing pure driving enjoyment over digital distractions.

      by Stephen Rivers

      PROS ›› Exceptional driving dynamics, striking design, superb seating CONS ›› Some interior materials feel low-quality, absence of V6, outdated technology

      Today, luxury crossovers are abundant, but few evoke genuine excitement or originality. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio avoids blending into the myriad of safe, touchscreen-driven options, and that uniqueness adds to its allure.

      While many competitors are focused on installing larger displays and increasing weight, diluting steering feedback for wider appeal, the Stelvio emphasizes aesthetics and driver interaction above all. This focus distinguishes it even among a competitive array of choices from Germany, the US, France, Korea, and beyond.

      More: New Alfa Romeo Stelvio Leaks Out, Resonating Strong Mandalorian Vibes

      It's been nearly ten years since the Stelvio was first introduced, a significant time frame in the automotive industry that could mark a transformation. During this time, it shifted from being groundbreaking to somewhat neglected. However, despite facing newer, flashier competitors, the Stelvio still retains its uniqueness: it offers a refreshingly analog experience in an era rapidly embracing digital technology.

      To be sure, it comes equipped with requisite screens and a variety of safety features, but once you start the engine and take hold of the metal paddle shifters, the Stelvio quickly reminds you it was designed primarily for the driver, with others in mind as an afterthought.

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      Certainly, this vehicle isn’t without its flaws. The materials within the cabin do not quite match the quality of class leaders, and the tech can be temperamental. Still, if you’re on the hunt for a crossover that feels alive, the Stelvio offers something that very few dare to: an engaging personality.

      In 2025, such traits are becoming increasingly rare. Before it transitions to electrification, we took one last ride in Alfa’s legendary SUV to see if it still possesses that magical allure. Naturally, to gauge this, we had to evaluate it in real-world conditions, including highway driving and navigating busy urban environments. Spoiler alert: it remains as enchanting as ever, though we do miss the four-leaf clover.

      Aesthetically Pleasing Like a Masterpiece

      Photos by Stephen Rivers / Carscoops

      The Stelvio shines in its striking exterior design. While we can't credit the great Italian artist directly, its design is undeniably appealing. Throughout just a week, I received at least two compliments daily while driving this vehicle.

      Perhaps this is due to how the Stelvio gracefully mirrors the Giulia's design while being more substantial. The broad headlights, angular grille, and intricate wheel design contribute significantly to its aesthetic. While the rear might not be particularly striking, it doesn’t require additional flair, as the front carries enough character and presence to compensate.

      The unique hue of this example deserves recognition as well. Many of the compliments I received not only focused on the design but specifically noted the striking Verde Fangio color. This hue is also available on the Tonale and Giulia.

      Interior Design Lacks a Bit of Spark

      No cabin is flawless, but the Stelvio’s impressive exterior charm somewhat diminishes when entering the interior. The dashboard, seats, and overall finish are appealing, presenting a nice blend of asymmetry across the dashboard and effectively utilizing space. The center console features four main control surfaces, all adorned with delightful details that enhance usability.

      The dashboard pays homage to older Alfa Romeo designs and hosts a compact yet not overly small infotainment system. Clearly, screens aren't the primary emphasis here, which can be a refreshing change.

      Photos by Stephen Rivers / Carscoops

      Personally, I appreciate the steering wheel's physical buttons and switches that provide solid feedback. Positive features also include having separate volume controls, one for the front passenger near their seat and another for the driver on the steering wheel.

      Where the interior falls short is in the quality of materials used. This is a $59,140 Italian luxury crossover, and I’m not exaggerating when I say the dash pad feels reminiscent of something produced at a Nerf factory.

      Perhaps the lack of vibrant colors gives it away, but the tactile experience is nearly indistinguishable. The same can be said for the door panels, where rather than leather or a synthetic substitute, we are met with foam reminiscent of Nerf.

      Moreover, this foam isn't surrounded by premium materials either. Most surfaces are plastic, with just a few areas of leather or rubber sparsely distributed. Alfa Romeo could have incorporated more of the elegant metals used for the paddle shifters or real wood and more leather to enhance the cabin's ambiance. However, opting for less expensive materials allows Alfa to allocate funds where they matter most.

      This means higher investment in other areas, such as the superb seats in this vehicle. The front seats offer generous