Photography Courtesy Alfa Romeo
It’s fast. Way fast.
And that speed comes with a price: During just regular driving–like, trying to be responsible–I’m not even seeing 17 mpg.
Fortunately we (again) live an era of $3/gallon gas. Otherwise, I might find myself walking.
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio does beat walking, however, the pace notwithstanding.
The seats are snug. Not comically bolstered like the old Nismo Juke but think more Civic Type R. Plenty of side bolster for back and legs.
Solid steering feedback–let’s call it in the same class as an N-branded Hyundai–and all the brakes.
The ride is on the firm side. It’s not too tiring after an hour-plus behind the wheel, but the presence of those low-profile tires always lurks. And then it gets really firm when you engage the sport mode.
Some wind noise–like, a hint more than I’d like on the highway.
Okay, the gigantic paddle shifters: They don’t rotate with the steering wheel. (Are people really using them in an SUV?)
Good amount of knobs and buttons, but the center screen sometimes seems slow to react–like the little mouse powering it could use a nap or it’s time for a software update. Not nearly as intuitive as other options, too. Backup screen could be bigger, too.
Does the fit and finish live up to a vehicle with an MSRP nearing the six-figure mark? Not that anything’s lacking, but those knobs and switches don’t feel that special–think more GTI than Genesis. The GTI is a fine automobile, but its touch points are priced accordingly.
The regular Stelvio starts at about $45,000. To get into a new Quadrifoglio, you’re looking at close to $90,000.
