This review critically examines the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce, highlighting its strengths as a performance-driven SUV and acknowledging its limitations regarding family utility and interior quality. The vehicle excels in delivering an engaging driving experience, attributed to its potent 280-horsepower turbocharged engine, precise steering, and balanced chassis. Despite its striking Italian aesthetic, the cabin features some less than premium materials and a slow infotainment system. Priced at nearly $58,000 with options, the Stelvio Veloce targets drivers who prioritize dynamic performance and style over spaciousness and advanced cabin tech.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce, though not the high-horsepower Quadrifoglio variant, retains a remarkable capacity to thrill. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivers a lively 280 horsepower. This setup, combined with a quick-ratio steering system, a semi-virtual steering axis, and a double-wishbone front suspension, ensures that drivers feel intimately connected to the road. Standard features like Brembo front brakes, a carbon fiber driveshaft, adaptive cruise control, and heated seating enhance both performance and comfort. For a starting price just under $49,000, and an as-tested price of $57,635, the Veloce offers a compelling package for enthusiasts.

The visual appeal of the Stelvio Veloce is unmistakably Italian, setting it apart from its German counterparts. Its sculpted front, distinctive Trefoil grille, and triple-round DRLs contribute to a commanding presence. While it shares many design cues with the more powerful Quadrifoglio, subtle differences like two-tone wheels and twin exhaust ports allow the Veloce to carve out its own identity without compromising its performance-oriented image. The optional 20-inch aluminum wheels and Vulcano Gloss Black body kit further enhance its athletic stance, giving it an artistic expression that contrasts with the more utilitarian designs of competitors.

Inside, the Stelvio Veloce provides a driver-centric environment with intuitive controls and comfortable sport leather seats. The digital gauge cluster mimics classic analog dials, and physical controls for climate and audio minimize distractions. The inclusion of long paddle shifters emphasizes its sporting intentions. However, the interior does present some drawbacks. Despite its price, some materials feel less premium, with hard plastics and carbon fiber-like trim that don't quite match expectations for an Italian performance SUV. The infotainment system, while large, suffers from small fonts, a cluttered menu, and noticeable lag, which can detract from the overall user experience.

Practicality for families is not the Stelvio Veloce's strong suit. Rear legroom is constrained, and cargo space is limited compared to rivals. These aspects reinforce that the Stelvio Veloce is designed for the driving enthusiast, not necessarily for those needing ample passenger and cargo capacity. Its true purpose lies in its dynamic capabilities and the sheer joy it brings on the open road.

Behind the wheel, the Stelvio Veloce truly shines. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces a surprisingly aggressive growl, signaling its readiness for spirited driving. The steering is precise, providing excellent feedback, and the chassis, with its near 50/50 weight distribution, ensures agile handling and minimal body roll during aggressive cornering. Weighing 300 pounds less than the Quadrifoglio, the Veloce feels nimble and responsive, confidently tackling turns and accelerating with authority. It offers a seamless connection between the driver, the vehicle, and the road, a quality often found only in higher-tier performance SUVs like the Macan.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce offers an exhilarating driving experience characterized by impressive handling and a captivating Italian design. While there are compromises in interior material quality and infotainment usability, these are often overshadowed by the vehicle's dynamic performance and the pure thrill of driving. Ultimately, the Stelvio Veloce presents a compelling choice for individuals who value a strong connection to their vehicle and are willing to prioritize performance and style over family-friendliness and top-tier interior luxury.