DecodedCarsAlfa Romeo Stelvio vs Lexus RX
2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs 2026 Lexus RX — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Lexus RX is more fuel-efficient: 36 vs 24 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $1,100 a year less in fuel for the Lexus RX (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Lexus RX is the bigger car, about 8 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has had fewer recall campaigns (18 vs 26).
The two cars
The 2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,660 lb (Base/Ti).
The 2026 Lexus RX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,288 lb (350 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2024 Stelvio and the 2022 RX have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 Stelvio and the 2017 RX.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Alfa Romeo Stelvio if…
- You want something easier to park (8 in shorter)
- You put reliability history first (18 vs 26 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Lexus RX if…
- You want lower fuel bills (36 vs 24 MPG)
- You want more room (8 in longer)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Lexus RX
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 275 hp, versus about 355 hp for similar 2026 models.
Full 2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio specs →Full 2026 Lexus RX specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →