2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
Deciding between dazzling Italian flair and bulletproof Japanese reliability often trips up crossover shoppers. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio grabs attention with 280 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, aiming squarely at drivers who prioritize driving feel, despite needing premium fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a slightly more conservative 265 hp but achieves that with cheaper regular unleaded. Budget-wise, the Highlander starts $3,725 lower than the Stelvio's $48,995 MSRP. While both achieve a shared 24 MPG combined, the Highlander is significantly larger, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the Stelvio's 184.6 inches. However, that extra size doesn't translate to more storage; the Stelvio boasts 18.5 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Highlander offers only 16 cu ft. It’s a trade-off between lower ownership costs and more dramatic styling.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander
Its lower initial MSRP and use of regular unleaded fuel offer clear day-to-day savings over the Stelvio.
2026 Toyota Highlander
Although both are crossovers, the Highlander’s significantly greater physical dimensions suggest more overall passenger space.
2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
With 280 hp, the Stelvio offers more power right out of the box than the Highlander's 265 hp.
2026 Toyota Highlander
Saving $3,725 upfront while offering nearly identical 24 MPG combined performance delivers better immediate financial value.
Choose the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if...
- Maximum dynamic styling and handling reputation matter more than long-term running costs.
- You prefer a slightly more compact exterior measuring 184.6 inches long.
- You don't mind paying extra for premium unleaded fuel to access the standard 280 hp.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Keeping initial purchase price down by $3,725 is a primary deciding factor.
- You need the practicality boost from the extra 2.5 inches of width and 2.1 inches of height.
- You prioritize using regular unleaded fuel for everyday driving economy.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 194.9" |
| Width | 74.9" | 76.0" |
| Height | 66.0" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5200 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/28 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 371.8/473.2 mi. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 8.0 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 | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 36.6 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 59.0 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 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.9 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 31.9 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | P235/65R V |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
How much longer is the 2026 Toyota Highlander than the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
The Highlander is substantially longer, measuring 194.9 inches from bumper to bumper, which is over 10 inches longer than the Stelvio's 184.6 inches.
Does the size difference mean the Highlander has more cargo space?
Surprisingly, no. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio provides 18.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, beating the 2026 Toyota Highlander's 16 cu ft.
Which crossover has better fuel economy on the highway?
Both models achieve the same excellent highway rating of 28 MPG. However, the Stelvio requires premium fuel while the Highlander runs on regular unleaded.
Is the horsepower difference significant between these two AWD models?
The Stelvio holds a 15-horsepower advantage with 280 hp compared to the Highlander’s 265 hp, though the Highlander counters with slightly more torque at 310 lb-ft.
What is the direct dollar saving by picking the Toyota over the Alfa Romeo?
Buyers save $3,725 immediately by opting for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, whose MSRP is $45,270 versus the Stelvio's $48,995.
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