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 Porsche Cayenne is a richly appointed luxury SUV that earns its Porsche badge. It's one of few cars on the road that manage to feel special in standard or top trims, despite a $100,000 price difference.
Pros Strong engines Superlative handling for the big SUV Lots of options to consider Good performance from hybrid
Cons Not particularly efficient with space inside Base model isn’t really thrilling Unbelievably expensive options
There are no significant changes to the 2018 Porsche Cayenne.As far as performance and luxury go, we're confident that most shoppers will find the base Cayenne to their liking. Porsche buyers tend to crave a bit more performance, however, so we think the Cayenne S hits a good balance point for power and price.
PROS Truly impressive handling for a crossover SUV Wide selection of powerful engines available Exquisite interior and build quality Plenty of customization options
CONS Quite a few optional features should be standard given the price tag Relatively small cargo capacity for the segment
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne ranked #3 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Porsche Cayenne has a score of 8.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 58 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Potent optional engines Sharp handling Handsome, well-built interior Quiet, comfortable ride
Cons Small cargo hold Abundant buttons and knobs can be overwhelming Starting price and options are more expensive than most
