Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs BMW X3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio starts from $85,990 before on-road costs, while the BMW X3 opens at $86,100. That makes the Alfa Romeo Stelvio the more affordable entry point by $110.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $94,589 and $94,710 respectively.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio stands out with Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X3. The BMW X3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Alfa Romeo Stelvio gets leather upholstery while the BMW X3 offers merino leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 4-zone in the BMW X3.
Drivetrain
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio uses a Petrol producing 206kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds.
The BMW X3 responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has the clear power advantage at 206kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio measures 4,686mm long on a 2,818mm wheelbase, 69mm shorter than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 525L in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 570L in the BMW X3, giving the BMW X3 a 45L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,814kg. That 686kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.1m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and $2,138/year for the BMW X3.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Alfa Romeo Stelvio) vs $2,138 (BMW X3). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (Alfa Romeo Stelvio) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X3 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BMW X3 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X3?
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the cheapest at $85,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X3 by $110.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X3 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X3 has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio makes the most power at 206kW. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is quickest to 100km/h in 5.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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