Named after a famous winding pass in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio is perfect for carving up canyons. A turbo 2.0-liter four makes 280 hp and pairs with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. For more power, the Quadrifoglio flaunts a 505-hp 2.9-liter turbo V-6; an adaptive suspension is standard. Alfa claims a zero-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds. Inside, the Stelvio offers an optional 900-watt Harman/Kardon audio system, but we’re pretty sure that sweet engine is all you’ll want to hear. Assembled at Alfa’s Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy, the Stelvio is built on the same platform as the Giulia and will be offered in three trim levels: Stelvio, Stelvio Ti, and the high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which has enough distinct features and tuning to be considered a separate model. While the Stelvio and Stelvio Ti both rely on a 280-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four for motivation, the high-performance Quadrifoglio utilizes the 505-hp 2.9-liter turbocharged V-6 from the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Aluminum is used extensively in the construction of every Stelvio, including the front and rear subframes, the suspension components (control arms in front, multilink in the rear), the doors, and the fenders; the rear crossmember is partly made of composite plastics to pare more weight.
If you want a crossover that sacrifices as little of the conventional-car driving experience as possible, then the Alfa Romeo Stelvio should be given serious consideration. It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance. All Stelvios ride on double wishbones at the front and multi-link at the rear (Alfa says it’s ‘four-and-a-half-link’), as well as what Alfa says is the most direct steering set-up in the segment. Q4 four-wheel-drive is standard, albeit with a rear-bias to the power distribution: 100% in normal driving conditions and up to 50% pushed to the front when circumstances demand it. You can also option in a mechanical LSD at the rear if you’re planning on hot laps (as if!).
Alfa Romeo has high hopes for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio; the model will even offer carbon fiber shell racing-style seats made by Sparco as well as carbon ceramic Brembo brakes. To save fuel, the Quadrifoglio's V-6 employs cylinder deactivation that allows it to run on just three cylinders during low load situations.
Pros Italian style Promise of serious performance Gorgeous interior Base model offers solid specs
Cons No RWD may be a lose in smile states Big gap between 4-cylinder and twin-turbo V-6 Too little, too late?
The Audi Q5 is certainly the segment's most modern offering, delivering a high degree of technology, comfort, and conservative style. The 2018 Audi Q5 is a five-seater compact crossover SUV that's all-new for 2018 and squares off against competitors like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, and the Jaguar F-Pace.
Pros High-tech interior Terrific ride quality Refined powertrain Standard all-wheel drive Good interior packaging
Cons Styling is derivative Tech requires acclimation Not particularly sporty Some rivals have more personality
The 2018 Audi Q5 ranked #1 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Audi Q5 has a score of 8.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Long list of standard features Lively acceleration Spacious cabin
Cons Above-class-average starting price
Entering its second-generation, the 2018 Audi Q5 is all-new. It now offers more power from the standard engine, a revised all-wheel-drive system, more available technology features and crisp, new styling.
PROS All-new chassis helps deliver smoother ride than before Quiet, comfortable cabin features top-notch interior craftsmanship All-wheel drive comes standard Wide array of technology options
CONS Diminished space for luggage behind rear seats Only one engine offered
