2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $45,545–$58,833
Fuel Economy 22 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,386/yr

Key Specifications — 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Engine2.0L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic 8-spd
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG22 / 29 MPG
Combined MPG25 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,100
CO₂ Emissions359 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$45,545–$58,833

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 6.9/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.0/10, while Reliability at 5.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 5.3/10 for reliability, this suv trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Few rivals match it for performance: 8.0/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining suvs to actually drive. At 7.7/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $45,545–$58,833, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Verdict: The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio sits in the middle of the field. Until its value and reliability scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio ranks #2137 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 13% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $45,545 starting price is about 26% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →

Which Stelvio Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 6.9 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.1/10$51,551 Read review →
2025 7.1/10$51,551 Read review →
2024 7.1/10$50,050 Read review →
2023 7.1/10$48,548 Read review →
2022 7.0/10$47,047 Read review →
2021 (this review) 6.9/10$45,545
2020 6.9/10$44,044 Read review →
2019 6.9/10$42,542 Read review →
2018 6.9/10$41,041 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price

NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (6 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Pressure sensor
12/11/2021 · 21V878000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. The fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel.
Service brakes, hydraulic
04/05/2021 · 21V309000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. Hard braking may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) rotor shaft to separate, a reduction of braking assist,…
Air bags / Side/window / Curtain
30/03/2021 · 21V221000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. An improperly crimped clamp may allow the side curtain air bag cushion and inflator to separate, causing an incomplete deployment or preventing the deployment of the air bag.
Equipment / Other / Labels
03/07/2024 · 24V512000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2021-2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The tire pressure and size information on the tire placard and manufacturer labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…
Air bags / Frontal
03/07/2024 · 24V510000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat…

Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

Common Questions — 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Is the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio reliable?

We rate the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio's reliability 5.3/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio have?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio worth buying?

It scores 6.9/10 overall, ranking #2137 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 13% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio cost?

The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio starts at $45,545 and ranges up to $58,833 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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More Alfa Romeo Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Alfa Romeo models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.