2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Car Seat Check

Introduction

Alfa Romeo made a grand return to the U.S. mass market with the 4C sports car, but it was the Giulia sedan and the Stelvio SUV that truly captured the attention of families. The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, a compact five-passenger SUV, offers a blend of style and practicality. However, its car seat compatibility has raised some concerns. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the Stelvio's performance in MotorVero's Car Seat Check, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.

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Car Seat Compatibility Overview

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio can accommodate two car seats in its second row. While it excels in some areas, it falls short in others, particularly with Latch anchor placement and space for infant seats. Here's a detailed breakdown of how the Stelvio fares with different types of car seats:

• Forward-facing convertible: Grade A - Easy installation and a good fit after adjusting the head restraint.
• Booster seat: Grade A - Fits well with raised head restraint; outboard buckles are user-friendly for children.
• Latch system: Grade B - Lower anchors are deep and high, complicating connections.
• Infant seat: Grade C - Challenging installation due to anchor placement; limited front passenger legroom.
• Rear-facing convertible: Grade B - Easier Latch connection but still requires front seat adjustment.
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Detailed Car Seat Check Results

Forward-Facing Convertible Seat

Installing a forward-facing convertible seat in the Stelvio is straightforward. The seat fits well once the head restraint is raised, and the three top tether anchors on the seatbacks are easily accessible after removing the cargo cover. This setup ensures a secure fit and ample space for the child.

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Booster Seat

The booster seat installation is equally hassle-free. The raised head restraint provides a snug fit, and the outboard buckles on stable bases make it easier for children to buckle themselves. This feature is particularly beneficial for parents who want to encourage independence in their kids.

Latch System

The Stelvio's Latch system, while functional, has its drawbacks. The lower anchors are positioned deep and high within the seat cushion, making them difficult to access, especially with infant seats that have hook-like connectors. This design flaw complicates the installation process and may deter some parents.

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Infant Seat

Installing an infant seat in the Stelvio can be challenging. The awkward placement of the Latch anchors requires moving the front passenger seat all the way forward, significantly reducing legroom. For a 5-foot, 6-inch passenger, this setup results in knees pressing against the glove box, making long journeys uncomfortable.

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Rear-Facing Convertible Seat

The rear-facing convertible seat offers a slightly better experience. The chunky connectors make the Latch connection easier, and there's more flexibility in adjusting the front passenger seat for additional legroom. However, the overall installation process still leaves room for improvement.

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Grading Scale Explained

MotorVero's Car Seat Check uses a comprehensive grading scale to evaluate car seat compatibility. Here's what each grade signifies:

• A: Plenty of room for the car seat and child; no impact on driver or front-passenger legroom. Easy to find and connect to Latch and tether anchors.
• B: One room, fit, or connection issue. Some problems accessing the third row when available.
• C: Marginal room plus one fit or connection issue. Difficult to access the third row when available.
• D: Insufficient room, plus multiple fit or connection issues.
• F: Does not fit or is unsafe.

About MotorVero's Car Seat Checks

MotorVero's team of certified child safety seat installation technicians conducts thorough Car Seat Checks to ensure the safety and comfort of your little ones. We use a Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 infant-safety seat, a Britax Marathon convertible seat, and a Graco TurboBooster seat for our evaluations. Our testing process involves adjusting the front seats for a 6-foot driver and a shorter passenger, installing the three child seats in the second row, and assessing the fit and accessibility.

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We also test the feasibility of fitting three car seats in the second row by installing the forward-facing convertible in the middle seat with the booster and infant seats in the outboard positions. This setup ensures that a child in the booster seat can reach the seat belt buckle. If the vehicle has a third row, we install the booster seat and a forward-facing convertible to evaluate accessibility and fit.

Tips for Parents

When installing car seats in the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, parents should keep the following tips in mind:

• Use the Latch system or seat belt: Both methods are acceptable for installing car seats. Choose the one that offers the best fit and ease of use.
• Be mindful of weight limits: Latch anchors have a weight limit of 65 pounds, including the child and the car seat. Exceeding this limit can compromise safety.
• Adjust front seats: Ensure that the front seats are adjusted to provide adequate legroom for both the driver and front passenger while accommodating the car seat.
• Check for proper fit: Regularly inspect the car seat to ensure it remains securely installed and properly fitted as your child grows.
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Conclusion

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers a mix of style and practicality, making it an attractive option for families. However, its car seat compatibility has some notable drawbacks, particularly with Latch anchor placement and space for infant seats. While it performs well with forward-facing convertible and booster seats, the challenges with infant and rear-facing convertible seats may be a concern for some parents. By following our tips and understanding the grading scale, you can make an informed decision about whether the Stelvio meets your family's needs.

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