RAM 1500 vs Alfa Romeo Stelvio
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 RAM 1500 starts from $119,950 before on-road costs, while the Alfa Romeo Stelvio opens at $82,950. That makes the Alfa Romeo Stelvio the more affordable entry point by $37,000.
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 $131,945 and $91,245 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Alfa Romeo Stelvio by roughly $7,980 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the RAM 1500.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the RAM 1500.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the RAM 1500 and 6 in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Feature Showdown
The RAM 1500 features a 8.4-inch touchscreen, while the Alfa Romeo Stelvio gets a 8.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The RAM 1500 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and heated front seats that you will not find on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio counters with Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The RAM 1500 uses a Petrol V8 producing 291kW and 556Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio responds with a Petrol making 206kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The RAM 1500 has the clear power advantage at 291kW vs 206kW. In the real-world sprint, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The RAM 1500 measures 5,916mm long on a 3,672mm wheelbase, 1230mm longer than the Alfa Romeo Stelvio at 4,686mm (2,818mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the RAM 1500 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 900L in the RAM 1500 and 525L in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, giving the RAM 1500 a 375L advantage.
For towing, the RAM 1500 leads with a 4,500kg braked capacity vs 1,814kg. That 2,686kg 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 14.4m
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $3,734/year for the RAM 1500 and $2,138/year for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. That is a $1,596 annual difference in favour of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Estimated annual total: $3,734 (RAM 1500) vs $2,138 (Alfa Romeo Stelvio). The Alfa Romeo Stelvio saves you roughly $1,596 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 1500) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Alfa Romeo Stelvio). The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the RAM 1500 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio takes 5 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio will save you roughly $1,596 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the RAM 1500 has a clear edge. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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