2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs 2026 Acura RDX
Comparison Overview
Deciding between Italian flair and Japanese precision often trips up crossover shoppers. You're looking at two strong contenders, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio starting at $48,995 and the 2026 Acura RDX kicking off at a more accessible $45,100—a difference of $3,895 right out of the gate. While both offer standard AWD, the Alfa packs a bit more punch with 280 hp versus Acura's 272 hp, paired with a slightly thirstier 24 MPG combined rating requiring premium fuel. The Stelvio is also slightly smaller overall at 184.6 inches long. However, if storage is key, the RDX crushes the Alfa in practicality, offering a substantial 29.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Stelvio's meager 18.5 cu ft. Ultimately, it’s a trade-off between a lower entry price and more utility in the RDX versus slightly higher performance in the Stelvio.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Acura RDX
The lower MSRP of $45,100 makes the RDX easier on the budget for the daily grind.
2026 Acura RDX
The RDX provides significantly more usable space, boasting 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
With 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, the Stelvio offers a clear edge in raw output over the RDX.
2026 Acura RDX
Saving nearly four thousand dollars while still getting capable AWD and decent efficiency leans the value proposition toward Acura.
Choose the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if...
- Brand prestige and Italian styling are top priorities for your purchase.
- You prefer the higher output figures: 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque.
- You don't mind the mandatory use of premium unleaded gasoline.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Maximizing cargo space, with 29.5 cu ft available, is crucial for your lifestyle.
- Saving $3,895 upfront on the purchase price is important.
- You prefer a 10-speed automatic transmission over the Stelvio's 8-speed unit.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Acura RDX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 187.4" |
| Width | 74.9" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.0" | 65.7" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5200 rpm | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/28 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 371.8/473.2 mi. | 359.1/461.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 17.1 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 10.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 9 |
| 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 | 3 months |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 36.6 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 60.0 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 | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.9 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 31.9 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 50.0 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 235/55R19 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2026 Acura RDX.
How much more cargo space does the RDX really offer over the Stelvio?
The 2026 Acura RDX offers 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the 18.5 cu ft provided by the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Is the extra horsepower in the Stelvio noticeable compared to the RDX?
The Stelvio has 280 hp compared to the RDX's 272 hp, meaning the Alfa has an 8 horsepower advantage right off the line.
Does one vehicle get better mileage than the other?
Both vehicles achieve 24 MPG combined, but the Stelvio manages slightly better highway driving at 28 MPG versus the RDX's 27 MPG.
What is the main financial difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has an MSRP of $48,995, making it $3,895 more expensive than the 2026 Acura RDX starting at $45,100.
Are both crossovers smaller in physical size?
They are similar in size, but the Stelvio is slightly shorter in length at 184.6 inches and slightly taller at 66.0 inches compared to the RDX.
Do I have to use premium fuel in both models?
Yes, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio specifically requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Acura RDX only recommends it.
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