Which Luxury SUV Delivers the Ultimate Driving Experience?
New Jersey drivers don’t just want a car—they want an experience. Whether it's a quick sprint down Route 17, a stress-free commute, or an exciting weekend drive through Harriman State Park, your SUV should be ready for anything.
Two top contenders dominate the luxury compact crossover segment: the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the 2025 BMW X3. Both pack premium features, powerful engines, and stylish designs, but only one truly stands out.
So, let’s settle the debate—which SUV is better for suburban New Jersey drivers?
Performance: Italian Passion vs. German Engineering
When it comes to performance, both SUVs are quick, agile, and refined. But only one of them makes you feel something behind the wheel.
Engine & Power
- 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4, 280 hp, 306 lb-ft of torque
- 2025 BMW X3: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4, 255 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque
More horsepower, more torque, more excitement—the Alfa Romeo Stelvio simply delivers a livelier drive. The instant throttle response means you’ll be effortlessly merging onto highways, passing slowpokes with ease, and feeling that Italian engineering comes to life.
Alfa Romeo Edge:
The extra horsepower and torque make every drive feel sportier, while BMW’s engine feels a little too controlled. If you crave excitement, the Stelvio delivers.
2025 Stelvio Vs X3: Transmission & Handling
Both SUVs come with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Standard all-wheel drive, lightning-fast steering, sports car-like reflexes
- 2025 BMW X3: Rear-wheel drive standard, AWD optional, composed but less engaging
The Stelvio was born from racing heritage, and it shows. The steering is sharper, the handling more dynamic, and the AWD system gives you confidence in every turn. Meanwhile, the 2025 BMW X3 features are meant to make you safe—it’s composed, but it doesn’t make your heart race.
0-60 MPH Time
- 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio 0-60 MPH: 5.4 seconds (fastest in its class)
- 2025 BMW X3 0-60 MPH: 6.0 seconds
Luxury isn’t just about comfort—it’s about having the power to move when you need it. Whether you’re merging onto Route 17, passing slow traffic on Franklin Turnpike, or hitting the gas on an open stretch, every second counts.
Both the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X3 bring serious performance, but the Stelvio’s quicker 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds ensures you’re never left waiting for power. The X3? Still quick, but a step behind at 6.0 seconds.
Alfa Romeo Edge:
Instant acceleration, sharper reflexes, and a drive that feels effortlessly powerful—exactly what you need for Mahwah’s fast-moving roads.
Fuel Economy: Practicality Meets Performance
- 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio MPG: 22 MPG city / 28 MPG highway
- 2025 BMW X3 MPG: 23 MPG city / 29 MPG highway
When driving through Wyckoff’s scenic roads or tackling daily commutes, fuel efficiency matters—but so performs. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X3 both balance power with efficiency, making sure you get the best of both worlds.
The BMW X3 edges ahead slightly with 23 MPG city and 29 MPG highway, while the Stelvio delivers 22 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. The difference? Minimal. But what the Stelvio offers in return is a more engaging drive, ensuring that every gallon fuels an experience worth having.
Interior & Technology: Driver-Focused vs. High-Tech Luxury
2025 Stelvio Vs BMW X3: Interior Design & Comfort
- 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Interior: Sporty, driver-centric cabin, standard leather seats, premium materials
- 2025 BMW X3 Interior: More traditional luxury, more rear seat space
Step inside, and the differences between the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X3 become clear. Both offer premium materials and comfort, but only one feels truly built around the driver.
The BMW X3 leans toward a traditional luxury feel, with more rear-seat space and a tech-heavy dashboard. Meanwhile, the Stelvio surrounds you with a cockpit-style layout, standard leather seats, and premium aluminum accents, making every drive feel like an occasion. The materials feel richer, the seating position is more engaging, and the overall design is more refined for those who enjoy the thrill of driving.
Alfa Romeo Edge:
More than just luxury, the Stelvio’s interior is designed for those who love to drive. With sportier styling, intuitive controls, and an unmistakable Italian flair, it brings a sense of excitement every time you step inside. For drivers in Ramsey, NJ who want a cabin that feels just as special as the performance, the Stelvio stands out.
2025 Stelvio Vs X3: Infotainment & Connectivity
- 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Specs: 8.8-inch touchscreen, rotary controller, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto standard
- 2025 BMW X3 Specs: 10.25-inch standard, 14.9-inch optional, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto standard
The BMW X3 offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen, with an optional 14.9-inch upgrade, packed with menus, voice commands, and gesture controls—impressive but complex.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio keeps it simple and intuitive with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a rotary controller for easy use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
Alfa Romeo Edge:
While BMW offers a larger screen and additional features, the Stelvio’s infotainment system is more intuitive, allowing for quick, distraction-free interactions. For drivers in Ridgewood, NJ, who appreciate a system that balances function with simplicity, the Stelvio delivers a more natural experience without unnecessary complications.
Cargo & Practicality: Space vs. Sportiness
- 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space
- 2025 BMW X3: 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space
The BMW wins on sheer cargo volume, but do you really need that much extra space for your daily drives? The Stelvio balances cargo capacity with a sleeker, sportier design.
Alfa Romeo Edge:
Unless you’re hauling a ton of gear daily, the Stelvio still offers plenty of space without sacrificing style.
Safety Features: Confidence on Every Drive
Both SUVs come loaded with standard safety tech, including:
- Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane-Keeping Assist
Both the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X3 come equipped with essential safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
The BMW X3 includes additional semi-autonomous driving features, but they can feel intrusive rather than intuitive. The Stelvio prioritizes driver engagement while ensuring top-tier protection without unnecessary complexity.
Alfa Romeo Edge:
The Stelvio delivers all the essential safety tech without overcomplicating the driving experience, striking the perfect balance between confidence and control.
Maintenance: Easy Ownership with Local Support
Luxury SUVs should be thrilling to drive without becoming a maintenance headache. Both the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X3 require routine care, but long-term ownership costs and service accessibility set them apart.
- 2025 BMW X3 Maintenance: More complex electronics and advanced tech mean higher repair costs over time, especially for driver-assist features and infotainment systems.
- 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Maintenance: Performance-driven engineering and a simpler, more driver-focused setup result in fewer costly repairs and easier routine maintenance.
Alfa Romeo Edge:
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio's reliability and performance-focused design mean fewer unexpected repair costs, and with Ramsey Alfa Romeo’s expert service team nearby, maintaining your SUV is easy and stress-free. Whether it’s routine maintenance or genuine Alfa Romeo parts, having a dedicated local dealership ensures you get the best care without the hassle of searching for specialized service.
Drive Home in the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
At Ramsey Alfa Romeo, we believe buying a luxury SUV should be just as exciting as driving one. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio delivers unmatched performance, style, and everyday practicality, and we’re here to help you make it yours.
With exclusive lease deals and flexible financing options, getting behind the wheel has never been easier. Whether you’re looking for a test drive, trade-in options, or expert advice, our team is ready to assist. Stop by today and see why the Stelvio is the luxury SUV built for true driving enthusiasts.
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