Alfa Romeo Stelvio review - Interior, design and technology

Mildly revamped with subtle exterior styling tweaks, Alfa has also introduced a range of welcome improvements to the Stelvio's interior. New TFT instruments, an up-to-date touchscreen infotainment system, along with a leather-lined gear lever and more expensively trimmed centre console, all contribute to a much more premium feel.

The Stelvio also contains a lot more autonomous technology than before. All models gain speed-sensing cruise control, active brake assist and one of the most advanced lane-sensing systems available on any car in its class. In short, the Stelvio's onboard technology is now genuinely competitive with the class leaders.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are now standard, as is a rear-view camera, with Bi-xenon headlights also added to the kit list.

Depending upon the model and option packs you go for, the interior can be made even smarter and more charming with real metal and wood inlays – the sweep of wood across the centre of the dash is a particular highlight. There’s also a huge choice of optional leather seat upholstery– from traditional black to sporty red and stylish tan.  

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

Alfa’s 8.8-inch infotainment has been gently improved over time, and in isolation is a decent-enough system. But against its rivals, its shortcomings are highlighted. The display itself is neatly integrated into the dash, but the screen is quite small. The graphics are also a little on the dull side and the screen just doesn’t have the clarity and level of detail you get in rival systems. There is no option of a digital instrument cluster, either. 

While the touchscreen reacts well enough to inputs, a huge bonus is that this system can also be operated via a swivel wheel on the centre console; it makes using the set-up while driving a lot easier and safer. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are both included as standard, while a wireless phone charging pad also features on Veloce versions.