2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce AWD Review: The Italian Stallion of Sporty SUVs

Holli Fourniquet   |  

May 13, 2025

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What’s New in 2025

• Bolder tri-lobe LED Matrix headlights
• Redesigned taillights and grille for more presence
• Veloce becomes a package, not a standalone trim
• Updated pricing structure (slightly lower than 2024)
• Still rare enough to turn heads across town

Meet the Italian That Thinks It’s a Sports Car

Most people don’t even know Alfa Romeo makes SUVs. And to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect when the keys landed in my hand. But from the moment I hit that engine start button on the steering wheel, we were turning heads all over East Texas.

Pull into a gas station and prepare to give a full explanation because most folks won’t even recognize the badge. And that’s kind of the charm. The 2025 Stelvio Veloce is exotic without being unattainable, bold without being brash.

The Verde Fangio Metallic green paint gives this SUV main-character energy, though whether it’s worth an extra $2,200 is still up for debate. Tucker calls it “ninja turtle green,” and honestly, he’s not wrong. It certainly gives off serious personality.

Under the Hood: Not Just Another Crossover

We took the Stelvio on a short weekend getaway, and we packed it to the roof. Luggage, gear, snacks (so many snacks). And even fully loaded, it had no problem getting out of its own way.

The 280 horsepower engine feels stronger than it looks on paper. Especially in Dynamic mode, it launches with confidence and holds gears like it’s prepping for track day.

Design That Dares to Be Different

From its coupe-like silhouette to those Vulcano black accents, red brake calipers, and 21-inch wheels with five-hole cutouts, it has presence. The wheels alone are art. One guy at the grocery store just pointed at the wheels and said, “Now those  are cool.” (Personally, I think they look like flowers, which I don’t mind.)

Cargo space sits at 18.5 cubic feet, which was plenty of space for what we needed on our roadtrip. No complaints on cargo room—though, no spare tire. Just a Fix-a-Flat kit. So, plan accordingly if your family adventures take you off the beaten path.

Inside: Driver-Centric, But a Bit Dated

Step inside and you’re greeted by well-bolstered adjustable sport seats, a digital gauge cluster, and real metal paddle shifters. The seats were comfortable and felt like a hug.

Still, the all-black interior didn’t do it for us. We both agreed the red-accented option would’ve given it the flair to match the outside.

Tech-wise, the small screen and wired-only CarPlay felt like a missed opportunity. Tucker tried using the center touchscreen and asked, “Why is it so slow?” Oof. From the mouths of babes. The whole interface just feels clunky compared to competitors (even cheaper competitors).

Comfort & Utility: Mostly a Win

We installed Tucker’s car seat fairly easily in the backseat and had room to spare. The 40/20/40 split makes loading gear easy.

But backseat passengers beware, those seats are flat. Like picnic bench  flat. Not exactly the place for a nap on long drives. They really lacked the comfort you’d expect from a premium vehicle. It’s functional—but not plush.

However, the heated outboard seats and a fold-down center armrest were a hit. We did wish for a little more rear seat contouring, though, especially on winding roads.

Driving Experience: The Alpha in Alfa

Out on our favorite East Texas backroads, the Stelvio came alive. It’s light on its feet, corners with confidence, and just feels… athletic. This is not your average grocery-getter.

Dynamic mode truly transforms the Stelvio, making it feel agile and responsive. It corners flat, grips well, and gives off genuine performance vibes. But in Natural mode, throttle response lags. And Advanced Efficiency? Skip it unless you’re on a long highway stretch—it dulls everything good about the drive.

The chassis tuning is impressive, with minimal body roll and precise steering. But that sporty edge comes with a firm ride that reveals every bump in the road. But it’s a blast on smoother pavement or twisty backroads.

Daily Driving: A Mixed Bag

Around town, the Stelvio feels less refined. Throttle response is inconsistent, and the transmission doesn’t always know what you want. It’s easy to love on the open road, but in traffic, you might find yourself frustrated. For $60K, we really expected a smoother balance.

Bottom Line:

If you want something fun, different, and full of character, the Stelvio Veloce delivers.   The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce is a sport-first SUV for drivers who value emotion over amenities. It’s not perfect. It’s not even practical in every way. But it’s alive in a way few crossovers are, and sometimes, that’s more than enough. It’s definitely an SUV that makes every errand feel just a little more exciting!

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