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Deanne on the right with her sister Leah and brother-in-law Don Hendrickson by the Manti Temple as we ventured into central Utah with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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Inside the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Competizione.

Courtesy photo

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The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Competizione.

Courtesy photo

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Inside the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Competizione.

Courtesy photo

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The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Competizione.

Courtesy photo

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It’s been almost five years since we had our last opportunity to get into an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, so we were definitely hoping for some nice spring weather for our week with the 2024 version. Mother Nature cooperated this time out as we were in the midst of “third spring” in Utah, which is somewhere between “fourth winter” and mud season.

The week boasted temperatures that actually got into the high 60s at times and made for some great drive time, and an awesome trip into central Utah to Manti, where we were able to tour the newly renovated Manti Temple, with some in-laws along for the ride.

We know for a fact that the automotive world is filled with many different choices; however, few evoke the same level of passion and excitement as an Alfa Romeo. Just the name has us dreaming of Italian landscapes and trips to places unknown.

With a rich history steeped in racing heritage and Italian flair, each Alfa Romeo model represents a blend of performance, style and emotion. The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Competizione, one of the brand’s two SUVs, is no exception. After spending considerable time behind the wheel exploring its capabilities on various road conditions, and with numerous people along for the ride, we again came to love everything about the Stelvio.

From the moment we saw the Stelvio, it was clear that it was no ordinary SUV. Drawing inspiration from Alfa Romeo’s iconic designs of the past, the Stelvio boasted sleek lines, a sculpted hood and a very aggressive stance that commanded attention wherever we drove.

The Competizione trim took things up a notch with exclusive design elements, including larger wheels, a more pronounced front grille and sportier accents throughout, plus red brake calipers. Whether parked curbside or cruising down the highway, the Stelvio added an aura of sophistication and performance that made it uniquely Italian!

Steping inside the Stelvio Competizione, we were greeted by a cockpit that blended luxury with functionality, adding to the overall ambience of the SUV. Premium materials, such as leather upholstery and carbon fiber trim, adorned the interior, creating a refined and upscale look.

The ergonomically designed seats offer excellent support and comfort, whether we were embarking on a long road trip for the day or just navigating city streets around our home. The cabin was well-appointed with the latest technology, including an intuitive infotainment system, a high-resolution touch-screen display and advanced driver assistance features that enhanced our safety and provided convenience.

At the heart of the Stelvio lies a potent powertrain that delivered exhilarating performance at every turn. Under the hood, the engineers have placed a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine that produces an impressive 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Competizione accelerated with authority and took us from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5.4 seconds. If this were not fast enough, there is a Quadrifoglio trim that boasts a V-6, 505-horsepower engine the will get you there in a mere 3.6 seconds

With all these great features in mind, on the Friday of our test week, it was time to grab Deanne’s sister and brother in-law, Leah and Don Hendrickson, and make a run for Manti, 80 miles away from our home.

They certainly enjoyed the fact that we had a sportier SUV for the week, especially with all the heads that would turn and questions we would get about the uniquely designed SUV. They quite enjoyed the heated rear seats, as the morning proved to be quite chilly as we set off at 7:30 a.m.

They both fit nicely in the rear seats and were completely comfortable for the trip. The quiet cabin made it easy for us to all communicate and tell stories on the way down and back. We couldn’t have ordered up a better way to travel on a perfect Friday in central Utah!

Behind the wheel of the Stelvio, as we found every time we got in, the journey becomes an engaging and dynamic experience. The SUV’s responsive throttle and razor-sharp handling made it a joy to drive on winding roads, while its smooth and composed demeanor ensured comfort and refinement on longer journeys.

Selectable driving modes, including Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency, allowed us to tailor the vehicle’s performance to suit our preferences and driving conditions, which went from Snow to Sun during our week. Whether you’re seeking spirited performance or relaxed cruising, the Stelvio delivered in spades.

In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the Stelvio came equipped with a host of advanced safety and technology features designed to enhance driver confidence and convenience. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, which provided us peace of mind on every journey.

Meanwhile, the infotainment system boasted seamless smartphone integration, navigation and a premium sound system, keeping us connected and entertained at a concert-quality level whether we were alone or had the in-laws along for the ride.

At the end of the week, the Stelvio proved to be a standout SUV that offered a winning combination of performance, style and luxury. From its stunning design and exhilarating performance to its refined interior and advanced technology, it delivered a driving experience that was both thrilling and rewarding.

Whether we were carving through mountain roads or cruising down Interstate 15, the Stelvio left us with a lasting impression. If you are looking for the ultimate expression of Italian excellence, look no further than the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Competizione.

Base price: $49,725

Destination charge: $1,595

Price as driven: $59,870

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