2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the 2026 Subaru Ascent is the $8,200 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Ascent starting at $40,795 compared to the Stelvio’s $48,995. Power delivery favors the Stelvio, producing 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, outpacing the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Fuel economy is marginally better for the Alfa Romeo, achieving 24 combined MPG on required premium fuel, versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG on regular unleaded. Physically, the Ascent is significantly larger, measuring 196.8 inches in length and 71.6 inches in height, substantially eclipsing the Stelvio's 184.6-inch length and 66.0-inch height. Cargo capacity slightly favors the larger Ascent at 17.8 cu ft compared to the Stelvio's 18.5 cu ft, although the absolute volumes are quite close. Both utilize AWD with automatic transmissions, though the Stelvio uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic while the Ascent uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Ascent
Ascent’s lower MSRP and requirement for regular unleaded fuel translate to lower running costs for daily driving.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent's greater exterior dimensions (196.8 inches long vs. 184.6 inches) suggest superior overall interior volume for passengers and cargo.
2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Stelvio delivers 280 hp and 306 lb-ft, offering a measurable performance advantage over the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent provides comparable AWD utility with an $8,200 lower starting price point.
Choose the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if...
- Performance metrics, specifically 280 horsepower, are prioritized over purchase price.
- A driver prefers the responsive nature of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- The buyer prioritizes the slightly tighter dimensions (184.6 inches length) for urban maneuverability.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Minimizing initial outlay is key, capitalizing on the $8,200 price disparity.
- Utilizing regular unleaded fuel instead of premium is a requirement for the budget.
- Maximum exterior height (71.6 inches) and overall length are necessary for space utilization.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 196.8" |
| Width | 74.9" | 76.0" |
| Height | 66.0" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5200 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 277 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/28 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 371.8/473.2 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| 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 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 36.6 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 61.1 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 | — |
| 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 | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.9 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 31.9 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.5 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Does the lower MSRP of the Subaru Ascent necessitate significantly less cargo space than the Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
No, the 2026 Subaru Ascent offers 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is narrowly behind the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio's 18.5 cu ft, indicating minimal practical cargo deficit despite the significant price difference.
How does the fuel requirement affect the long-term operating cost comparison?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio mandates premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Subaru Ascent utilizes regular unleaded, creating a potential ongoing expense disparity favoring the Ascent.
Which vehicle offers better highway cruising efficiency based on EPA estimates?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio claims slightly better highway cruising, rated at 28 MPG, compared to the 2026 Subaru Ascent’s 26 MPG rating.
What is the primary mechanical difference in their AWD automatic transmissions?
Stelvio utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, giving the driver more distinct gear changes, while the Ascent employs a Continuously Variable-speed Automatic Transmission (CVT).
How much larger is the Subaru Ascent physically compared to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
The Ascent is 12.2 inches longer in overall length (196.8 vs 184.6 inches) and 5.6 inches taller (71.6 vs 66.0 inches) than the Stelvio.
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