2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
Deciding between Italian flair and German efficiency often comes down to balancing fun and finance. If you are weighing whether to prioritize outright performance or pocketbook savings, these two premium crossovers present a clear choice. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio starts at a higher MSRP of $48,995, notably $7,495 more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's $41,500 entry point. Power seekers will notice the Stelvio boasts 280 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp, giving the Alfa a significant 59 hp advantage. However, this performance comes at a cost to fuel stops; the Stelvio returns a combined 24 MPG, while the more efficient GLA nets 29 MPG combined. Additionally, the Stelvio is physically larger, measuring 184.6 inches long versus the GLA's 173.6 inches, which slightly impacts their cargo capacities (18.5 cu ft versus 15.4 cu ft).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA wins for commuters thanks to its superior 29 MPG combined rating and lower initial cost of $41,500.
2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The Stelvio offers slightly more usable space, providing 18.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 15.4 cu ft in the GLA.
2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
With 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, the Stelvio offers substantially more raw power than the 221 hp Mercedes-Benz GLA.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA undercuts the Stelvio by $7,495 while delivering better fuel economy figures.
Choose the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if...
- Maximum driving excitement and higher horsepower (280 hp) are top priorities.
- You prefer the marginally larger dimensions and slightly greater cargo area (18.5 cu ft).
- You value the standard all-wheel drive system offered by the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price down, saving $7,495 versus the Stelvio, is essential.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, given the 29 MPG combined rating.
- You are content with a slightly smaller footprint (173.6 inches long) for easier city navigation.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 173.6" |
| Width | 74.9" | 72.2" |
| Height | 66.0" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5200 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/28 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 371.8/473.2 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 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 | 6 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 36.6 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 55.9 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 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.9 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 31.9 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 235/55R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How significant is the power difference on the road between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, providing a clear advantage over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Do either of these crossovers require premium fuel, and how does that affect running costs?
Both the Stelvio and the GLA mandate premium unleaded fuel. However, the GLA's better 29 MPG combined rating should offset some of the extra cost incurred by the Stelvio's lower 24 MPG combined figure.
Which crossover is better equipped for adverse weather conditions based on the specifications?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the base 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA utilizes a front-wheel drive setup.
How much money can I save upfront by choosing the GLA over the Stelvio?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA has an MSRP of $41,500, saving the buyer exactly $7,495 compared to the Stelvio's starting price of $48,995.
If I frequently haul luggage, how do the cargo spaces compare?
The larger Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 3.1 cubic feet more than the 15.4 cubic feet available in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
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