2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs The Competition

When it comes to compact luxury crossover SUVs, shoppers now have more choices than ever before. These impressive vehicles offer all the style and sophistication of a sedan blended with the go-anywhere capability and performance of an SUV. If you’ve been considering a compact luxury SUV, it’s only logical that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has caught your eye. Alfa Romeo Louisville wants to help make your research process easier with our in-depth comparison guide. We’ll take a closer look at exactly how the Stelvio matches up against its biggest rivals including the Lexus RX 350, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, the Porsche Macan, and others.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Lexus RX 350

Our first matchup puts the Alfa Romeo Stelvio up against one of the most popular vehicles in the crossover luxury SUV segment – the Lexus RX 350. The Stelvio starts with a price advantage of more than $2,000 over the RX 350, and builds on this advantage when we start to look at performance, where the Stelvio takes a small horsepower advantage and uses it to achieve a much better result, as you can see from the huge difference in 0-60 times. Clearly, performance just isn’t a priority for Lexus the way it is for Alfa Romeo.

You’ll also enjoy a higher level of standard equipment including comfort and convenience features when you drive a Stelvio. For example, the remote start system of the Stelvio can be operated via app or keyfob, while Lexus doesn’t give you the choice, the only option is the app. Looking further, the Lexus only has heated seats for front seat passengers, while the Stelvio offers it for both front and back seat passengers. Even the standard equipment in the RX 350 can’t keep pace with that of the Stelvio.

Comparing interior comfort features, only the Stelvio offers 4-way lumbar adjustability for both the driver and passenger. You’ll also receive seat memory, rear seat audio controls, and genuine leather seating surfaces instead of the synthetic leatherette found on the RX 350. No matter which way you look at it, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio proves to be the better choice.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs BMW X3

Next up is the BMW X3, a popular model, but one that is notorious for its lack of standard equipment. This would be fine if the X3 had a lower starting price, but the Stelvio starts at a more reasonable price, and then stays reasonable thanks to extensive standard equipment. Drivers craving an extra boost of adrenaline on their commutes will be impressed by the Stelvio, offering greater horsepower and torque than the X3. Its potent turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission combine to produce a thrilling ride.

Stelvio drivers will have more access to a variety of helpful convenience options which help improve every drive. For example, a simple touch of the door handle allows you to lock or unlock the doors of the Stelvio for quick entry. The proximity key of the BMW X3 only allows you to start the engine. Similarly, the Stelvio comes standard with a remote start system which comes in handy on chilly winter mornings. You’ll have to pay extra to receive similar equipment on the BMW X3.

A standard overhead storage console provides the perfect place to keep your valuables stored securely out of sight inside the Stelvio. Rear seat audio controls also offer back seat passengers freedom to choose their favorite songs. Both options are not available at all on the BMW X3.

In terms of comfort, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio comes standard with genuine leather seating surfaces as compared to the leatherette found inside the X3. Leather is offered in the X3, but again, it costs even more money. 4-way lumbar adjustability and seat memory are included as standard for both the driver and front passenger on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The BMW X3 cannot match the Stelvio in these areas.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

The third competitor to challenge the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV. Right off the bat, it’s clear that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is both more spacious and more powerful than its competition. Once again, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio delivers more horsepower and torque than the GLC 300 for a more rewarding driving experience.

When it comes to lighting, superior visibility not only provides a stylish accent to your vehicle – it can also make a tremendous difference in your safety when driving in harsh weather conditions. The Stelvio comes standard with bi-xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and LED brake lights. Mercedes-Benz buyers will have to make do with standard LED headlights.

Standard ParkSense rear parking sensors also help take the guesswork out of squeezing the Stelvio into a tight space. Selecting the Alfa Romeo also means receiving a greater number of audio speakers for an improved listening experience along with standard rear audio controls to give rear passengers control of their favorite tunes. Finally, you’ll also receive more headroom up front, for a more comfortable driving experience overall.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Porsche Macan

Up next, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio goes up against the Porsche Macan. Choosing the Stelvio means you’ll save more than $13,000 over the Porsche SUV. You’d think paying such a high premium for the Porsche crest would get you more performance, equipment, and comfort features. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

The Stelvio not only delivers superior fuel efficiency across all three categories of MPG, it’s also more powerful than the Porsche Macan. Stelvio drivers will enjoy the best of both worlds, all while doing so at a lower price. The superior stopping power of its Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes provides confidence when you need them most. A more-sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission also contributes to the superlative power delivery and efficiency of the Stelvio.

Included as standard on the Stelvio are an auto-dimming rear view mirror and remote start system, both of which add convenience. Turning our focus towards the interiors of both SUVs, the Alfa Romeo offers 2.5 additional cubic feet of cargo capacity. Furthermore, you’ll also receive seat memory for the driver’s seat along with power 4-way lumbar support for both the driver and passenger. If comfort is a priority, the clear choice is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Volvo XC60

Our next competitor is the Volvo XC60. While many think of Volvo vehicles as “the practical choice,” that’s simply not the case when you compare it to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

In addition to offering a price advantage, the Stelvio offers many features you can’t buy on the XC60 at any price. The Stelvio has a more cavernous cargo area behind the seats, as well as discrete audio controls for rear seat passengers. This allows all of the occupants in your Alfa Romeo to fine-tune their listening experience, making for a more comfortable ride. Standard wireless smartphone charging adds convenience by keeping your devices ready for the journey ahead.

Let’s take a moment to discuss performance. Even though it’s more fuel-efficient, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers substantially more horsepower and torque than the Volvo. It also offers wider wheels and tires for a sure-footed grip on the road, which helps with road holding for both performance and safety.

Put simply, the Volvo XC60 is no competition for the Stelvio. In addition to its handsome, sporty exterior and engaging driving experience, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the more practical choice as well when compared to the Volvo XC60.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Infiniti QX50

The Infiniti QX50 is a small, sporty SUV like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. However, there’s more to performance than just good looks.

The Infiniti QX50 simply cannot match the horsepower and torque of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Although the Stelvio boasts superior performance, it can also boast superior fuel economy as well. That’s a great combination any way you look at it. The Stelvio can also boast a greater range thanks to a fuel tank that is nearly a full gallon larger than the one found in the Infiniti. When you hit the road in the Stelvio, you’ll spend less time filling up and more time enjoying the ride.

Your passengers will certainly enjoy the larger interior volume of the Stelvio, especially rear seat passengers. There’s more headroom in the backseat for Stelvio passengers than you’ll find in the Infiniti.

Your passengers will also enjoy the ride thanks to a better standard stereo in the Alfa Romeo. With 8 speakers instead of 6, your music will sound much better to everyone in the car, assuming you can all agree on something. Remember, the Stelvio offers rear audio controls as standard – a very rare feature in this class of vehicle.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Audi Q5 Sportback

As we’ve stated before on this list, there’s a big difference between looking fast and being fast. This comparison between the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Audi Q5 Sportback drives that point home even further.

The Alfa Romeo earns its premium price tag by outperforming the Audi with a more powerful engine and a better transmission. Both vehicles are fairly matched when it comes to fuel economy.

When it comes to interior volume, though, the Audi falls short – literally. The Alfa Romeo boasts better headroom front and rear, and with the rear seats folded down, there’s more cargo space available in the Alfa Romeo as well.

While the Audi does look sporty with its racy roofline, it simply cannot perform at the same level as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio on a day-to-day basis. The Stelvio offers a more engaging driving experience – and it’s more practical to boot. Audi can’t match the standard wireless charging pad and remote start system included as standard across the Stelvio model range.

We will acknowledge that the styling of the Audi is fairly handsome, but it’s very understated and commonplace. You certainly won’t see yourself coming and going in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. It’s a special kind of vehicle for a special kind of driver. It just so happens that it’s also the best at what it does.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Jaguar F-PACE

We’re nearing the end of our list. Let’s do a comparison between two very impressive high-performance luxury SUVs. This is where the fun begins – especially for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, which proves superior yet again.

The Stelvio costs nearly $10,000 less than the Jaguar F-PACE, despite having more horsepower and torque, as well as a higher top speed and a much quicker 0-60 time. Although you will likely never see such speeds in your Stelvio, it’s good to have high-performance braggings rights like this. After all, we are talking high-performance luxury SUVs here.

It’s worth noting that, yet again, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio proves to be more fuel-efficient than its competitor despite offering substantially better performance. In addition, the Stelvio is more maneuverable than the Jaguar F-PACE, with a tighter turning radius that will make backroad jaunts that much more fun. The Stelvio will tackle those tight corners better than the Jaguar can.

Finally, passengers in the Stelvio will have more room to remain comfortable. The Jaguar can’t beat the Alfa Romeo when it comes to front and rear seat headroom. As impressive as the F-PACE is, you’re paying an awful lot of money for a high-performance SUV that just doesn’t measure up to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. Stelvio starting at price refers to the base model with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.