The Porsche Macan and Alfa Romeo Stelvio are both high-end, sporty SUVs. Both manufacturers prioritise driving dynamics over pure practicality, resulting in vehicles that deliver genuine excitement behind the wheel. The Macan, launched in 2014 and facelifted in 2018 and 2021, has become Porsche's best-selling model and established itself as the benchmark for athletic SUVs. A fully electric model arrived in 2024, but in this comparison we are focusing on the internal combustion engine Macans. The Stelvio arrived in 2017 as Alfa Romeo's attempt to bring Italian flair and engaging dynamics to the competitive premium SUV market.
Both prioritise handling precision and driver engagement over the comfort-focused approach taken by rivals such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC. However, they achieve their sporting ambitions through different philosophies, with the Macan emphasising build quality and refinement alongside its dynamic abilities, and the Stelvio focusing a more characterful approach.
Porsche Macan vs Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Practicality
The Macan's interior quality sets a high standard that few compact SUVs can match. Materials feel first-class throughout the cabin, and the multi-adjustable driving position ensures comfort during long journeys. The Stelvio counters with its own impressive interior design, featuring high-quality aluminium and wood finishes with tactile surfaces, though it doesn't quite reach the Porsche's standards of fit and finish.
Both vehicles compromise rear passenger space due to their sporty proportions, but in different ways. The Macan suffers from limited legroom for tall adults and feels more like a four-seater than a genuine five-seat family car, with only two sets of Isofix attachments. The Stelvio's sloping roofline restricts headroom in the rear, and legroom proves challenging for taller passengers, though average-sized adults and children have adequate space.
Boot capacity favours the Stelvio with 525 litres compared to the Macan's 488 litres, expanding to 1,600 litres with rear seats folded. Both provide sufficient luggage space for a family of four, but the Stelvio wins when it comes to space.
Driving Impressions
The Macan range starts with a 261bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine shared between the base Macan and T models, delivering 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds with impressive refinement and frugal consumption. The Macan S and GTS use a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 producing 375bhp and 434bhp respectively - they are as quick as that sounds, too. The Stelvio offers a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol in 197bhp or 276bhp forms, plus a 2.2-litre diesel with 187bhp or 207bhp outputs, though the current range focuses on the more powerful options.
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio stands apart with its monstrous 503bhp twin-turbocharged V6 (later increased by 10bhp), delivering ballistic performance and an involving driving experience that targets serious enthusiasts. The Macan previously offered a Turbo variant but dropped this flagship model in the 2021 update, leaving the GTS as the range-topper with its 434bhp output.
Both vehicles excel in handling dynamics but with different characters. The Macan delivers class-leading roadholding with precision and response, hiding its weight well and changing direction eagerly. The T and GTS models feature lowered and stiffened suspension for enhanced driver engagement. The Stelvio matches this enthusiasm with super-quick steering that reacts instantly to inputs, providing fine balance and grip even when pushed hard, though some drivers may find the steering too twitchy for relaxed driving.
Technology and Equipment
The Macan surprises with generous standard equipment that defies Porsche's reputation for expensive options. All models include LED headlamps, three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, leather-trimmed powered seats, a powered tailgate and a reversing camera. Post-2021 models benefit from a new 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with detailed resolution, slick interface and Apple CarPlay connectivity, though the surrounding switch layout requires familiarisation.
The Stelvio provides an 8.8-inch central touchscreen across all versions, including entry-level models, with standard satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system. Early models featured analogue dials behind the steering wheel, later replaced by a digital screen following current trends. However, Alfa Romeo's habit of constantly changing trim levels and names creates confusion in the used market.
Both manufacturers offer extensive options lists, which benefits used car buyers as many original owners specified desirable additions. The Macan's options prove particularly popular, meaning well-equipped examples appear regularly in the used market.
Running Costs
The Macan demonstrates strong residual values due to continued demand, ranking among the best in the SUV class for value retention. However, this popularity means used prices remain relatively high compared to some rivals. Service intervals occur every two years or 20,000 miles, reducing annual servicing frequency, though Porsche's maintenance costs rank among the most expensive in the industry. Specialist servicing provides a more affordable alternative if proper schedules are maintained.
Fuel economy presents challenges for both vehicles. The most efficient Macan achieves 25.7mpg officially, dropping to 23.9mpg for the V6 GTS, resulting in high annual fuel costs. The Stelvio's diesel variants officially return around 44mpg for both power outputs, though real-world figures prove considerably lower. Petrol Stelvios target around 30mpg officially, with the Quadrifoglio claiming 28.8mpg despite its performance focus (don't expect that if you use the power as intended).
Both models face significant VED charges due to high CO2 emissions and prices exceeding £40,000 when new. The performance variants of both cars prioritise driving excitement over running costs, making fuel economy secondary for their target buyers.
Verdict
The Macan offers superior build quality, better residual values and a more refined overall package, making it the sensible choice for buyers wanting sporty dynamics without sacrificing everyday usability. Its generous standard equipment and strong dealer network provide additional peace of mind, though running costs remain high across the range.
The Stelvio appeals to buyers seeking maximum character and driving excitement, with its sharp steering and engaging dynamics providing a more involving experience than most rivals. The Stelvio's larger boot and lower used prices also offer practical advantages. However, there's only one worthy winner in this comparison: in our book it's one of the best SUVs ever made, and it's called the Porsche Macan.