RDX vs Stelvio
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The RDX and the Stelvio show how Acura and Alfa Romeo each approach the compact luxury suv class. Most of what matters is shared here; the differences are real but modest.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Stelvio wins
- Space & Practicality RDX wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Space & Practicality7.8
- Engine & Performance5.2
- Space & Practicality2.1
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The RDX has 59% more cargo space
The Stelvio gives up a lot on cargo (behind rear seats): 18.5 cu ft, compared with 29.5 cu ft on the RDX. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The Stelvio has 26 lb-ft more torque
The Stelvio gets a small bonus on torque, with 306 lb-ft against the RDX’s 280 lb-ft. The Stelvio’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | RDX | Stelvio |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 184.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 65.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 111 in |
Engine & Performance
Stelvio leads
The engine & performance comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the Stelvio marginally ahead. In its favor, the Stelvio has 26 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Stelvio.
Torque
RDX: 280 lb-ft Stelvio: 306 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
RDX leads
This section belongs to the RDX. In space & practicality, it leads the Stelvio by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The RDX stands out with 59% more cargo space. The RDX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. Prioritize space & practicality, and the RDX is where you should land.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
RDX: 29.5 cu ft Stelvio: 18.5 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The RDX and the Stelvio list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | RDX | Stelvio |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 306 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | N/A (not specified) | AWD (Q4) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | RDX | Stelvio |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | RDX | Stelvio |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 29.5 cu ft (winner) | 18.5 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 58.9 cu ft | 56.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | RDX | Stelvio |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 3,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | RDX | Stelvio |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | RDX | Stelvio |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 184.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 65.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 111 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RDX if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (29.5 cu ft vs 18.5 cu ft)
- you’re loyal to Acura and happy with it
Choose the Stelvio if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (306 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Alfa Romeo does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RDX or the Stelvio?
We’d point most buyers to the RDX. The main exception is if having 26 lb-ft more torque matters more to you than the rest.
Executive Summary
The RDX versus the Stelvio is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Acura and Alfa Romeo made different bets. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 59% more cargo space, and that goes to the RDX. The Stelvio’s strongest argument is 26 lb-ft more torque.
I’d steer space & practicality fans toward the RDX and engine & performance fans toward the Stelvio.
My pick: the RDX for most people, with the Stelvio as the smarter choice if you know that 26 lb-ft more torque would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.