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 2018 Jaguar F-Pace ranked #4 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Jaguar F-Pace has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 21 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Sports-car-like handling Comfortably seats five adults Extra-large cargo hold Fuel-efficient optional turbodiesel engine
Cons Minor irritations with the infotainment system Optional turbodiesel engine is sluggish off the line
Jaguar adds a third engine option for the 2018 F-Pace. A 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the new engine for the base model. A more powerful 296-hp version is also new and arrives midway through the model year. It replaces the 340-hp version of the supercharged V6.
PROS Available supercharged V6 delivers quick and powerful acceleration Bigger cargo space than many rivals Handles and brakes like a sport sedan Fuel-efficient diesel option gets 29 mpg combined
CONS More road and wind noise in the cabin than competitors The larger the wheels, the poorer the ride comfort Mediocre infotainment system with clunky smartphone integration Interior materials feel cheap for a luxury SUV at this price
The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace is a statement of style over sedans. It looks like it belongs, which we suppose is the point.
Pros Great road manners and sporty feel Variety of engine and trim choices Attractive styling Widescreen infotainment unit
Cons Safety features and rearview camera are added-cost options Interior too dark and plain in some colors Ride can be harsh in larger wheel size configurations
