DecodedCars2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Base/Ti, Quadrifoglio
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.9L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 184.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,660–3,858 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints7 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 20 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.9L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,660 lb (Base/Ti).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 5% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Stelvio — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Stelvio →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base/Ti | 184.6 in | 74.8 in | 65 in | 111 in | 63.4 / 65 in | 3,660 lb | 52/48 |
| Quadrifoglio | 184.6 in | 74.8 in | 65 in | 111 in | 63.4 / 65 in | 3,858 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stelvio | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -5% | $3,300 | 359 |
| Stelvio AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | 0% | $3,400 | 364 |
| Stelvio AWD | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 463 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
Recalls (6)
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 7, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V667000 · 62,910 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The printed circuit board and software for the rearview camera may contain defects that cause the rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the radio, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the rearview camera software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 25, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A2C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Seat Belts › Front · Jul 3, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V510000 · 337,128 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
- Risk
- A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 3, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V512000 · 9,037 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2021-2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The tire pressure and size information on the tire placard and manufacturer labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- Incorrect tire information can result in under-inflated tires or installing the incorrect-size tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- FCA will mail corrected tire placards and manufacturer overlay labels. Owners may bring the labels into a dealer for free installation. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 27, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2024 through November 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 81B.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Pressure Sensor · Nov 12, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V878000 · 11,419 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. The fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel line sensor housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 11, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y91.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 4, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V309000 · 9 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. Hard braking may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) rotor shaft to separate, a reduction of braking assist, and a loss of ABS.
- Risk
- The loss of braking assistance and ABS functionality can reduce overall braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the ABS HCU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · Mar 30, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V221000 · 1,222 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. An improperly crimped clamp may allow the side curtain air bag cushion and inflator to separate, causing an incomplete deployment or preventing the deployment of the air bag.
- Risk
- An incomplete deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag inflatable curtain assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 19, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y15.
Not every 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Stelvio years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Stelvio | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Stelvio | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 Stelvio | 25 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 Stelvio | 25 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 6 |
| 2022 Stelvio | 25 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2020 Stelvio | 25 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 19 |
| 2019 Stelvio | 25 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 8 | 36 |
| 2018 Stelvio | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 11 | 132 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Alfa Romeo. How we calculate this →