Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Volvo XC90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Alfa Romeo Stelvio a rating. ANCAP's published record does not give the Volvo XC90 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC90 gets a 11.2-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, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo XC90. The Volvo XC90 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Volvo XC90 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has the clear power advantage at 206kW vs 183kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio measures 4,687mm long on a 2,818mm wheelbase, 266mm shorter than the Volvo XC90 at 4,953mm (2,984mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 499L in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 301L in the Volvo XC90, giving the Alfa Romeo Stelvio a 198L advantage. The Volvo XC90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Volvo XC90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 2,300kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Alfa Romeo Stelvio's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio costs about $1,995 a year (7 L/100km) and fuel for the Volvo XC90 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $314 a year less for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Alfa Romeo Stelvio) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo XC90). Capped-price servicing: no data (Alfa Romeo Stelvio), 5 years (Volvo XC90).

Where each one leads

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio: the lower starting price ($85,990 against $97,990), more power (206kW against 183kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (499L against 301L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,995 a year against $2,309).

The Volvo XC90: the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 2,300kg).

The Verdict

Alfa Romeo Stelvio scores higher, 68 vs 67

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio scores 68 to the Volvo XC90's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 5 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Alfa Romeo Stelvio ahead by 15 points), fuel economy (Alfa Romeo Stelvio ahead by 10 points), value (Alfa Romeo Stelvio ahead by 7 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio costs about $314 less (7 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 499L in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 301L in the Volvo XC90.

Common questions