2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs 2025 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
Italian flair meets Japanese precision in this thrilling crossover showdown. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio delivers an inherently sporty proposition, wrapped in gorgeous Italian sheet metal, eager to carve corners despite its 280 hp rating. Countering this is the substantial 2025 Mazda CX-90, which matches the Stelvio's 280 horsepower exactly, yet manages an impressive 332 lb-ft of torque—36 lb-ft more than the Alfa—while using cheaper, regular unleaded fuel. A huge $10,950 price gap favors the Mazda; the CX-90 starts at $38,045 while the Stelvio begins at $48,995. The Alfa is considerably shorter at 184.6 inches compared to the CX-90's 200.8 inches, suggesting the Alfa prioritizes agility over sheer space, evidenced by the Stelvio's 18.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft. Both offer an 8-speed automatic and AWD, but the driving soul of each machine offers distinctly different road experiences.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda offers a lower starting MSRP of $38,045 and achieves slightly better combined fuel economy at 25 MPG using regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Despite its higher cost, the Stelvio offers more available cargo space at 18.5 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, making it slightly more practical for hauling gear.
2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Alfa Romeo heritage suggests superior handling dynamics and a more visceral connection to the road, appealing directly to those prioritizing driving excitement.
2025 Mazda CX-90
Saving $10,950 while matching horsepower figures and achieving equal highway MPG presents undeniable superior financial value.
Choose the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if...
- Absolute driving theatre and Italian design are paramount concerns.
- Owners prefer slightly less exterior bulk (184.6 inches in length) for navigating tighter urban areas.
- Budget allows for the $48,995 entry price and the requirement for premium unleaded fuel.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- Maximizing torque output (332 lb-ft) on a budget is the primary goal.
- The ability to use regular unleaded fuel significantly impacts long-term running costs.
- Maximum space and a larger footprint (200.8 inches long) are necessary for occupants or cargo.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 200.8" |
| Width | 74.9" | 78.5" |
| Height | 66.0" | 68.2" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5200 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/28 MPG | 24/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 371.8/473.2 mi. | 444.0/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 36.6 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.9 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 31.9 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.5 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2025 Mazda CX-90.
Is the horsepower rating identical between these two crossovers?
Yes, both the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 boast an identical output of 280 horsepower from their respective drivetrains.
How does the required fuel type affect long-term ownership costs?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio requires premium unleaded, whereas the 2025 Mazda CX-90 runs on regular unleaded, creating a noticeable running cost advantage for the Mazda.
Which vehicle offers more overall hauling capability based on specs?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has slightly superior listed cargo capacity at 18.5 cu ft compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-90’s 14.9 cu ft.
What is the main financial differentiator between the two models?
There is a substantial $10,950 difference in MSRP, with the Mazda starting significantly lower at $38,045 compared to the Alfa Romeo’s $48,995 starting point.
Do these AWD crossovers transmit power similarly?
Both utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission coupled with an All-Wheel Drive system for optimized traction management.
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