VS
At a Glance
Power
206 kW
257 kW
Torque
400 Nm
700 Nm
Fuel
8.5 l/100km
8.7 l/100km
Towing
2300 Kg
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.7 s
6.8 s
Engine
1995 cc
2997 cc
Choosing between the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio delivers 206 kW while the Land Rover Defender produces 257 kW. On fuel, the Stelvio returns 8.5 l/100km while the Defender uses 8.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 338 900 for the Stelvio and R2 461 300 for the Defender. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
206 kW
257 kW
Torque
400 Nm
700 Nm
0-100 kph
5.7 s
6.8 s
Top Speed
230 Km/h
191 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
2997 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.5 l/100km
8.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
64 l
89 l
CO2 Emissions
192 g/km
227 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4686 mm
5358 mm
Width
1903-2163 mm
2008-2105 mm
Height
1693 mm
1970 mm
Wheelbase
2818 mm
3022 mm
Ground Clearance
165 mm
290 mm
Kerb Weight
1660 Kg
2591 DIN / 2666 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
8 (opt 5 / opt 7)
Load Volume
525-1600 l
389-1232-2291 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2300 Kg
3000 Kg
Load Capacity
640 l
700 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
15000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Stelvio
Value
Stelvio
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Better fuel economy (8.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 338 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.7 ss)
Less power than rival (206 kW vs 257 kW)
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (257 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Stelvio or Defender?
The Stelvio uses 8.5 l/100km and the Defender uses 8.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Stelvio is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Stelvio or Defender?
The Stelvio produces 206 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Defender delivers 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Stelvio and Defender?
The Stelvio starts from R1 338 900 and the Defender from R2 461 300. The Stelvio is cheaper by R1 122 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Stelvio or Defender?
The Stelvio has a braked towing capacity of 2300 Kg and the Defender can tow 3000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Stelvio or the Defender?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.