• Cabin quality not up to upmarket rivals’ standards
• Design is clear and easy to use, though
• Gorgeous aluminium paddleshifters

How is the quality and layout?

The Stelvio’s interior is pleasingly different to the competition. It’s rather more old-school – instead of offering a massive, cinematic infotainment display, Alfa fits a comparatively small 8.8-inch unit that’s set into the dash rather than sitting proud like an iPad glued to it.

There’s also a pleasing level of physical control surfaces retained – not only do you get a rotary dial to interact with the infotainment, but there’s still a full panel of climate controls and a physical drive mode selector.

152

Material quality is a mixed bag, however. Some aspects of the Stelvio’s interior look and feel fantastic – the seats are great, for example, as is the steering wheel with its sculpted rim and its amazing column-mounted gearshift paddles made of solid metal. Other items, such as the column stalks or central gear selector, feel decidedly low-rent.

Quality all-round sadly seems more family hatchback than premium exec. It’s at least on par with the Jaguar F-Pace, but lags behind the likes of the Audi Q5. The uncovered – but illuminated – USB port positioned off-centre in the middle console seems haphazard as well. On the plus side, the standard wireless charging pad is ideally positioned – it keeps your phone out of sight yet easily accessible.

Infotainment and tech

The 8.8-inch infotainment screen looks particularly puny next to the vast affairs fitted to the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC, but that’s not really a bad thing – it’s less distracting when you’re driving. The interface is sub-par, though. It’s confusing to operate, laggy and the graphics look a little low-rent.

The presence of a rotary selector means you don’t have to rely on the touchscreen, though, which is nice. And Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both fitted as standard equipment, allowing you to bypass Alfa’s interface.

152

New for 2023 is a fully digital dial display. This isn’t as configurable as something like the Audi Q5’s virtual cockpit, but it has three clear display modes – a standard configuration, a minimalist one with just speed and basic warnings, and a pleasingly retro twin-dial offering.

Comfort

• Firm suspension on most models
• Seats offer great support
• But its refinement could be better

The heavily bolstered seats offer a great blend of comfort and support, and are available in a selection of appealing trims – including half leather and alcantara.

The rear seats aren’t particularly impressive. They’re roomy enough, though rivals do best the Stelvio for head- and leg-room. There’s a hefty transmission tunnel and a high, narrow centre seat, though, so it’s best suited to two rear occupants.

Refinement isn’t the best. Neither engine is particularly quiet, and that’s especially noticeable if you’re familiar with the whisper-silence of a plug-in hybrid or fully electric rival. The petrol in particular suffers a slightly irritating drone at motorway speeds.