2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio ignites the crossover segment with raw Italian passion, boasting 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, promising an immediate thrill from its standard all-wheel-drive architecture. It prioritizes visceral engagement, even demanding premium unleaded fuel for its spirited performance. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC leans into refined efficiency, offering a slicker 9-speed automatic transmission and a more frugal 27 combined MPG, notably beating the Stelvio’s 24 combined MPG figure. While the GLC provides a larger 21.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Stelvio's 18.5 cu ft, the Stelvio counters with an extra 25 horsepower, clearly positioning it as the driver's choice against the more pragmatic Mercedes. Pricing is remarkably close, with the Alfa starting at $48,995 and the Mercedes at $49,550.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
Choose the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if...
- Maximum acceleration and driver feedback are the top priorities in a compact utility vehicle.
- Standard all-wheel drive capability is preferred for year-round security.
- You prefer a slightly lower entry price point at $48,995.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...
- Maximizing fuel range and efficiency is crucial, achieving 32 highway MPG.
- Greater cargo volume, specifically 21.9 cu ft, is necessary for hauling gear.
- A smoother, potentially more composed ride from the RWD setup appeals more than standard AWD.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 185.7" |
| Width | 74.9" | 74.4" |
| Height | 66.0" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 113.1" |
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 Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 295 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 | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear 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 | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 371.8/473.2 mi. | 417.6/556.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 17.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 11.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 5 |
| 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 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 36.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | 10-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 |
| 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. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 31.9 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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 GLC.
How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio produces 280 horsepower, which is 25 more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC's 255 horsepower, suggesting a more potent pull from the Alfa.
Which crossover offers better real-world efficiency?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC wins on efficiency, rated at 27 combined MPG compared to the Stelvio's 24 combined MPG, despite both requiring premium fuel.
Does the drivetrain configuration affect handling characteristics?
Yes, the Stelvio comes standard with all-wheel drive, favoring balanced traction, whereas the GLC utilizes a rear-wheel-drive base, which typically offers a sportier balance for performance driving.
How much more space does the Mercedes offer over the Alfa?
The 2026 GLC provides notably more utility, featuring 21.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 18.5 cubic feet available in the 2025 Stelvio.
Are the dimensions very different between the two models?
The vehicles are similar in footprint; the GLC is marginally longer at 185.7 inches versus the Stelvio’s 184.6 inches, but the Stelvio is slightly taller at 66.0 inches.
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