Stelvio vs Q5
Brand preference aside, the Stelvio and the Q5 are close competitors, both pitched at compact luxury suv buyers. The data points to two closely matched options rather than a clear favorite.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance5.2
- Fuel Economy & Range5.7
- Engine & Performance4.5
- Fuel Economy & Range5.6
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.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Stelvio | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 65.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Both the Stelvio and the Q5 cover engine & performance equally well on paper. On engine & performance alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on fuel economy & range; the numbers are close throughout. For fuel economy & range, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
In the off-road & towing category, the Stelvio and the Q5 land in almost the same place. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The Stelvio and the Q5 list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Stelvio | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 280 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) |
| Drivetrain | AWD (Q4) | AWD (quattro) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Stelvio | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Stelvio | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 18.5 cu ft Smallest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 56.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Stelvio | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Stelvio | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Stelvio | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 65.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111 in | N/A (not specified) |
“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?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Stelvio or the Q5?
There’s no single right answer. The Stelvio leads on the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the Q5 on the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Stelvio and the Q5.
Match the strength to your habits (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Stelvio, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Q5), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: it depends. Go for the Stelvio if the things a spec sheet can’t capture comes first for you, or the Q5 if the things a spec sheet can’t capture does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.