It's not often I get the chance to get behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo, so it's always a great day when it happens. Luckily for me, one of those days occurred fairly recently at the Texas Auto Writers Association's (TAWA) Texas Auto Roundup in March. The Roundup event brings TAWA automotive journalists together to evaluate vehicles and awards are later handed out in various categories. (Alfa Romeo also brought a Stelvio to the 2018 Roundup.)
2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce
So what's so exciting about driving an Alfa Romeo? Three words: Alfa Romeo DNA. Those words signify sporty and super fun to drive thanks to Alfa Romeo's excellent driving dynamics and handling.
The Italian-built 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce at this year's Roundup, held at the Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, did not disappoint.
It's certainly striking in special order Orca GT Tricoat ($2,500), with 21-inch Dark aluminum wheels and red Brembo brakes, dual dark exhaust tips and a rear port diffuser. It's dark "V-Scudetto” grille is also instantly recognizable. This model's MSRP: $58,495.
I'm a big fan of the Stelvio cabin. Alfa Romeo designers do an incredible job evoking a real driver enthusiast feeling the moment you open the door. (The same is true for the new 2024 Tonale plug-in hybrid.)
The Stelvio's interior is incredibly driver-centric, race-inspired and luxurious. In this case we're talking sport leather seats with excellent power adjustable side bolstering, a sport leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headliner and aluminum interior trim.
I don't mind the partially digital driver's display in the Stelvio, it looks sporty and fits the cabin.
Standard Veloce features include front and rear heated seats, a navigation system, wireless charging and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. Oh and you also get a dual-pane sunroof.
It's not just about looks though. The feeling only amplifies when you push the start button on the steering wheel, then hit the aluminum gas pedal. The Stelvio's fun-to-drive DNA makes its presence known immediately.
Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 280-horsepower and a impressive 306 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with aluminum paddle shifters. Alfa Romeo cites a 0 to 60 time of 5.4 seconds.
I took the 2022 Stelvio out on 2 two-lane country highway. Acceleration is terrific. Steering and handling are precise and seat bolstering keeps you snugly in place. A lot goes into the Stelvio's terrific driving dynamics, including its standard all-wheel drive and near 50/50 weight distribution.
2024 Tonale
Note, the Stelvio is a gas-only model. Alfa Romeo is introducing a new plug-in SUV, the 2024 Tonale, which is slightly smaller than the Stelvio. We checked it out at a media event last year:
For more details on the the Alfa Romeo Stelvio or Tonale visit the Alfa Romeo website.
