2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs. 2021 Acura RDX

01/27/2021

2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs. 2021 Acura RDX: A Passion That Can't Be Matched

It takes a lot of creativity to be different in the automotive world. And only a few manufacturers dare to take the innovative/creative route. In the performance SUV segment, key elements like styling, finesse and unique mechanical components are usually absent from what the big brands have to offer.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, on the other hand, is an SUV like no other. It encompasses all these missing principles, starting from a fine Italian sports car canvas, and interpreting its own version of the performance SUV, sparing no detail along the way to create a versatile, yet highly passionate machine.

Here, we compare it with the Acura RDX - an SUV that claims to be different and "off the beaten path," but falls short in several key facets.

The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio takes the lead with better power

The Acura RDX uses a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to produce 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This is the only powerplant offered in the lineup.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio also uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine in its Sprint, Ti and Ti Sport variants, but thanks to Alfa Romeo's extensive motorsport experience and engineering on the track, this one outputs 280 horsepower and a road-gripping 306 lb-ft of torque.

Its class-exclusive carbon fibre driveshaft, the all-aluminum construction of its engine and other engineering feats, enable the Stelvio boasts an almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution, providing the driver with an unrivalled driving experience at the wheel that will never be offered by the RDX.

But the engineers and artisans didn't stop there. They channelled all their racing expertise in the Quadrifoglio variant, which is a 505-horsepower version of the Stelvio. This model is not only way more powerful than the RDX, it also features the most direct steering with a 12:1 ratio and other components that helped it record a lap time of 7:51.7 on the Nürburgring.

A passionate interior in the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Taking place in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio unleashes emotions that the more standard RDX will never be able to trigger. It features a Formula One-inspired, flat bottom steering wheel and materials and textures that go well above the RDX's more value-oriented finishes.

The Quadrifoglio model brings leather/Alcantara sport seats, genuine carbon fibre interior trim and many other elements taken from the automotive competition world.

Outside, an extraordinary variety of colours is available with the Stelvio - with four new colours added for 2021. You won't find this kind of selection with the Acura RDX.

Contact us for more information about the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

- Des Sources Alfa Romeo