2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs 2026 Lexus NX
Comparison Overview
Facing the choice between European flair and Japanese efficiency in the compact crossover segment? That's exactly where the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the 2026 Lexus NX land you. The most immediate difference is financial: the Stelvio starts at $48,995, significantly higher than the Lexus's $44,175 entry point, saving buyers $4,820 right away. But the true divergence appears under the hood and at the pump. The Stelvio offers a potent 280 hp and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, justifying its required premium fuel consumption with 24 combined MPG. Conversely, the Lexus NX shines brightly in efficiency, achieving an impressive 40 combined MPG, translating to a substantial 16 MPG difference on paper for a vehicle primarily designed for daily driving. While the Stelvio has slightly more length at 184.6 inches, the NX offers more usable space with 22.7 cu ft of cargo room compared to the Alfa's 18.5 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX wins on commuting factors due to its exceptional 40 combined MPG rating and a lower starting price.
2026 Lexus NX
Families will appreciate the greater practicality offered by the 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity in the NX.
2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio provides 40 more horsepower (280 hp vs 240 hp) and standard All-Wheel Drive for spirited driving.
2026 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX offers superior long-term operating costs thanks to its massive fuel economy advantage, offsetting the initial price gap.
Choose the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if...
- You prioritize spirited driving dynamics and a stronger standard engine with 280 hp.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is a non-negotiable requirement for your region or driving style.
- Styling and a premium European badge are higher priorities than maximizing fuel budget savings.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Saving money at the gas pump is paramount, given the 16 MPG fuel economy difference.
- You need the maximum utility from your compact crossover, benefiting from 22.7 cu ft of cargo space.
- You are sensitive to the initial purchase price, saving $4,820 upfront by choosing the Lexus.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 183.5" |
| Width | 74.9" | 73.4" |
| Height | 66.0" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5200 rpm | 240 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/28 MPG | 42/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 40 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 371.8/473.2 mi. | 609.0/551.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 9.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 10 |
| 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 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 36.6 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 56.3 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 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.9 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 31.9 in. | 36.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 52.5 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 235/60R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2026 Lexus NX.
Does the Stelvio require premium gas, and how much more will that cost annually?
Yes, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio requires premium unleaded fuel for its 280 hp engine. Since the Lexus NX only recommends it, the mandatory premium for the Alfa, combined with its lower MPG, will result in notably higher yearly fuel expenses.
How much larger is the cargo area in the NX compared to the Stelvio?
The 2026 Lexus NX offers 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is significantly more than the 18.5 cu ft found in the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. This 4.2 cu ft difference can matter for larger grocery runs or weekend trips.
Is the power difference between these two crossovers noticeable during city driving?
With 280 hp, the Stelvio has 40 more horsepower than the NX's 240 hp, meaning the Alfa Romeo will feel noticeably quicker, especially when merging or passing on the highway.
Which crossover is physically bigger based on external dimensions?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is slightly longer at 184.6 inches versus the Lexus NX's 183.5 inches, though their widths and heights are nearly identical.
How does the transmission type affect the driving experience in these crossovers?
The Stelvio uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, often preferred by driving enthusiasts for more distinct gear changes, while the NX employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) which prioritizes smooth acceleration and efficiency.
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