2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Bullishly expensive, the price of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio range starts off with the base model at an MSRP of $41,345. This is exclusive of a $1,295 destination charge, along with tax, licensing, registration, and any number of the many optional extras. Next in the line-up is the Sport at $42,795, followed by the Ti at $45,745, the Ti Lusso at $48,245, the Ti Sport at an identical $48,245, and the range-topping Ti Sport Carbon at $52,245. AWD is standard on all versions besides the base and the Sport, but it can be added as an option on both for an additional $2,000.

驾驶愉悦SUV的身体风格往往并不equate to the most dynamic responses, but Alfa has done a commendable job of making the Stelvio feel sporty anyway. The steering is light, which makes the Stelvio feel easily controllable within the city, while its fast responses at higher speeds are atypical - in the most positive way - for a crossover. Ultimate grip levels are no higher than its competitors from Germany, but it's the way that the Alfa makes the driver feel connected to the experience that remains one of its strengths. The RWD models offer an especially sporty drive, but the AWD models have greater security and resist feeling clinical or dull.

Using Alfa's cheekily named DNA (Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency) driving mode selector, you can tailor responses accordingly. Dynamic mode increases throttle response and, when combined with the available paddle shifters and the powerful engine, makes for a genuinely entertaining driving experience. In the softer Natural mode, the Stelvio is comfortable and shakes off bumps admirably, although there is an underlying firmness that always reminds you of its sporty bent. The brakes are also effective when bringing the crossover to a halt, even from higher speeds, although response through the pedal isn't great - initially, the pedal travel produces only slight stopping power before suddenly biting down hard.

It's hard not to love the 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Sharing a platform with the Giulia sedan, Alfa's first production SUV shares many of that car's desirable traits. Not only is it fun to drive, thanks to a lively turbocharged four-cylinder engine and quick-witted steering, but it's also one of the most evocative crossovers around. Alfa's improvements this year have further bolstered the Stelvio's competitiveness, from the quicker infotainment system to the newly designed center console. There are a few issues that remain, however. The seats are too hard and the interior still isn't on par with the segment's best. Long-term dependability also raises a couple of question marks. Starting at a nearly identical price to the BMW X3, the Stelvio lacks the Bimmer's solidity, comfort levels, and cargo capacity. The same comparisons can be drawn with the Mercedes GLC and the Audi Q5. So no, it isn't the best SUV you can buy in the US, but as for maintaining that unquestionable Alfa 'spark', the Stelvio hits the nail on the head.

We'd go for the mid-range Ti. Not only does it get standard AWD, but it also gives you access to the most appealing options. We'd specify ours with the Ti Performance Package at $1,650 (active suspension, aluminum paddle shifters, and a limited-slip rear differential), and the Active Blind-Spot Package at $650. There are many more options to choose from, but they start sending the Stelvio's base price far beyond the $50k mark, so we'll settle on these additions for a more palatable total of $49,340 including destination.

Jaguar's approach to what a midsize luxury crossover should be isn't too dissimilar to Alfa's. Both of these SUVs handle more like sporty sedans than tall crossovers, and both are striking to look at. The base Stelvio's 280-hp turbocharged engine is more powerful than the F-Pace's and endows the Alfa with quicker acceleration off the mark, but you can also get the Jaguar with a supercharged V6 engine pumping out 380 hp, although it requires you to part with over $60,000. Both of these vehicles unfortunately also suffer from sub-par interior materials, especially considering their prices and the strength of the competition. When not fitted with a full-size spare wheel, the F-Type has a much larger 33.5-cubic-foot cargo area. The Jag also has more comfortable seats, but the cost of the Alfa Romeo Stevio is a lot lower and it has a better infotainment system following its latest upgrade. In a close call, we'd go for the more affordable Alfa at the lower end of the range, but the supercharged V6 F-Pace provides exceptional performance - at a price.

As BMW's top-selling model in the US, the X3 has been a roaring success and is one of the segment stalwarts. It's not difficult to see why, because from the base X3 sDrive30i all the way up to the 382-hp M40i, every X3 is superbly constructed, has one of the best available infotainment systems, a spacious cabin, and plenty of cargo space. The Stelvio may be more engaging to drive, but the X3 grips tenaciously and rides with more composure. With a superior J.D. Power rating and a rock-solid cabin, it's likely that the X3 will prove the more dependable ownership prospect. Whether that's enough to steer you away from the Alfa's charming personality is up to you, but BMW had a significant head start in the SUV game and it's plainly evident in this match-up how much catching up Alfa has to do.