2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia

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Rating7.7

Ranked #16 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$38,195 - $73,700
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 6, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Muscular engine

Average trunk volume

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard

Engaging handling

Cabin materials aren't up to snuff

Straightforward infotainment operation

Infotainment system's graphics look dated

Low ownership costs

Great safety scores

Specs & Features

$38,195

price

280 hp @ 5200 rpm

horsepower

306 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl RWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia is available for sale at a base MSRP of $38,195. It comes in five trim levels which are Base, Sport, Ti, Ti Lusso, and Ti Sport. The Giulia is driven by a 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine that makes 280 hp and 306 lb-ft. of torque. This engine is fuel-efficient as well as muscular enough to rocket from 0-60 MPH in 5.1 seconds. The $73,700 Giulia Quadrifoglio is focused on performance and gets a 505-hp V6 engine that can dash to 60 MPH in just 3.8 seconds. 

The cabin of the Giulia adds a touch of Italian style to create an elegant atmosphere. However, it fell short in terms of luxury and technology when compared to its rivals. The Giulia has great safety ratings and hosts some of the best driver aids. Moreover, it stands out from the crowd with low ownership costs but its predicted reliability is just above average. The Giulia stands firmly in the premium compact segment against the BMW 3 Series, the Audi A4, and the Jaguar XE. 

Buying Advice

Go for the Ti model but upgrade with Driver Assist Dynamic Plus and Driver Assist Static packages to load the sedan with top safety features. We strongly advise you to buy the $1,500 Ti Performance package that adds adaptive dampers, a limited-slip rear differential, and paddle shifters for a better driving experience. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Alfa Romeo Giulia has made some serious waves, attacking the usual market leaders with big claims- Carbuzz

In the world where the premium compact segment is dominated by the Germans, the Alfa Romeo Giulia injects a bit of an Italian flair and is aimed at people who really do like to drive. Far more exciting than the humdrum German rivals, the Giulia is provocative, nothing short of aesthetic perfection. Now in its second year, the Giulia continues to win the hearts of driving enthusiasts. 

Surprisingly, the true cost to own the Giulia is less than its rivals. It is estimated to be $8,900, which is pretty good for a sports sedan. This cost includes fuel, maintenance, repair, etc. According to our calculations, the miles per dollar ratio is 7.02 which means that the Giulia can drive up to 7.02 miles for every dollar you pay. That's really impressive thanks to its fuel-efficient engine. 

Features
7.0/10

Popular equipment packages are available on most models, including the base car- Autotrader

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is offered in five trims namely Base, Sport, Ti, Ti Lusso, and Ti Sport. The base model can be purchased at $38,195 while the range-topping Ti Lusso trim costs $42,695. The performance-oriented Giulia Quadrifoglio is priced at $73,700. A $1,295 destination fee adds to the price tag. All the trims are available in both RWD and AWD drivetrains. 

The Giulia comes with a lot of standard features to keep up with its competitors. Besides this, the Giulia is also a host to a lot of optional packages. One among them is the optional $1,250 Nero Edizione package that adds black mirror caps, headlamp bezels, colored brake calipers, Gloss Black window trim, dark black grille, and monochromatic center wheel caps. 

Model Base Sport Ti Ti Lusso Ti Sport
MSRP (RWD) $38,195 $39,445 $40,195 $42,695 $42,695
MSRP (AWD) $40,195 $41,445 $42,195 $44,695 $44,695
Key Features 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Adds/ Upgrades to Base trim  Adds/ Upgrades to Sport trim Adds/ Upgrades to Ti trim Adds/ Upgrades to Ti Lusso trim
  Auto-dimming rearview mirror 18-inch alloy wheels Heated front seats 18-inch aluminum wheels Sport leather seats
  Dual-zone automatic climate control Sport front fascia Heated steering wheel Luxury leather seating with Cannellioni Design Steering wheel-mounted aluminum paddle shifters
  8-speaker sound system Rear diffuser 8.8-inch touchscreen display Leather dash Black brake calipers
  17-inch alloy wheels Gloss Black window trim 18-inch polished aluminum wheels Light Walnut or Dark Grey Oak interior trim  
  10-way power front genuine leather seats   Heated washer nozzles    
  Ambient lighting   SiriusXM    
  Sport-tuned suspension   Front parking sensors    
  Power, heated exterior mirrors        

We Recommend

Go for the Ti model but upgrade with Driver Assist Dynamic Plus and Driver Assist Static packages to load the sedan with top safety features. We strongly advise you to buy the $1,500 Ti Performance package that adds adaptive dampers, a limited-slip rear differential, and paddle shifters for a better driving experience. 

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

Given its power outputs, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia is reasonably fuel efficient- The Car Connection

When you buy an Italian car and enjoy it, you also have to prepare for its quirks like sub-par fuel economy. However, the Alfa Romeo Giulia brings a pleasant surprise here with close to best-in-class fuel economy figures which are 24 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG combined. The AWD models drop down the fuel economy by 1 MPG. 

These fuel ratings are surprisingly one of the best in the segment. Moreover, the Giulia comes with a small fuel tank compared to its rivals which means that it is very efficient. Owing to this 15.3-gallon tank, the Giulia delivers 436 miles in mixed proportions. This range reduces to 413 miles for AWD versions. Therefore Giulia owners will probably enjoy the performance and efficient combination. 

Models 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia 2018 Jaguar XE 2018 Audi A4 2018 BMW 3 Series
MPG (City) 24 21 24 23
MPG (Highway) 33 30 34 34
MPG (Combined) 27 24 27 27
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallon) 15.3 16.6 15.3 15.8
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles) 367/505/436 349/498/423 367/520/443 363/537/450

The fuel estimates of the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4 are almost the same as the Giulia. But the latter is slightly more efficient leading to a better driving range between them. The Jaguar XE's fuel economy is lower than the Giulia and its driving range is also the least in this competition. 

Interior
6.0/10

Inside, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia looks and feels like a high-performance Italian sports sedan- Kelly Blue Book

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Seating and Comfort

The Alfa Romeo Giulia has a nicely appointed interior. For the most part, the material quality is absolutely good but it doesn't feel as luxurious as its German rivals. You sit down low in the Giulia but it's comfortable. The low roofline and low seats mean getting into the Giulia is a bit of a mission. The front seats are very wide and comfortable. There's plenty of adjustments so you should be able to find a decent driving position. 

The steering wheel is wonderfully tactile and can be manually adjusted. The rear doors do not open wide as the front ones. At the back, although legroom is decent, the headroom is moderate. Taller adults will probably complain about long journeys. As is typical with this class, the middle seat is best reserved for a small child. The enormous transmission tunnel is another reason for not seating an adult in the middle. 

Models 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia 2018 Jaguar XE 2018 Audi A4 2018 BMW 3 Series
Passenger Capacity 5 5 5 5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg (in)

38.6/56.1/42.4 37.0/56.8/41.5 38.9/55.9/41.3 40.3/55.1/42.0

Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

37.6/53.6/35.1 37.3/54.7/35.0 37.4/54.5/35.7 37.7/55.1/35.1

This section is quite competitive as the rivals offer the same levels of space as the Giulia. On looking closely, the BMW 3 Series offers more headroom in the front row than the Giulia and the rear seats are also spacious. Although the Audi A4 is on the same stage as the Giulia in terms of space, the A4 feels more luxurious. On the other hand, the materials found in the Jaguar XE are similar to the Giulia. 

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Infotainment System

The base and Sport models come with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display while the other trims upgrade to a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen. The screens can also be controlled via a rotary dial on the center console. Both the screens offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The infotainment system is not intuitive as BMW's iDrive system but it works just fine.

The system is connected to an 8-speaker sound system. Some of the buttons and dials feel quite cheap. Similarly, the graphics on the larger screen are below average and the menu layout is confusing which means it is a frustrating experience. Also, the screen is dim meaning it's hard to see under direct sunlight. For its price, the Giulia doesn't offer many tech features. 

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Interior Features

The main cabin features of the Giulia are mentioned below:

  • Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel
  • 10-way power front genuine leather seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Wood interior accents
  • Ambient lighting
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Proximity keyless entry
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Push-button start
  • 8.8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 8-speaker sound system
  • 7-inch digital instrument cluster

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Cargo Capacity

A trunk volume of 12 cubic feet is offered in the Giulia, which is average for the class. The boot is nice and square so it is good enough to store two large bags. Moreover, the rear seats can be split-folded in 40/20/40 for more cargo space. The opening is nice and wide and the loading lip is not much high either.

There's a lot of storage inside the cabin for your odds and ends. A large cubby underneath the armrest is deep enough to hold your phone and other small items. The door bins are very small to hold a water bottle and are practically useless. The glovebox is large in size and can store a water bottle. You also get dual cupholders in the front and at the back.  

Models 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia 2018 Jaguar XE 2018 Audi A4 2018 BMW 3 Series
Cargo Volume (cu-ft.) 12.0 15.9 13.0 13.0

The Jaguar XE is the clear winner in this field and is a go-to choice for whoever wants more cargo space. With 13 cubic feet of cargo space, both the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series shake hands together as they share the same spot on the table. The Giulia offers the least cargo space here but for a sports sedan, that's still good. 

Exterior
8.0/10

The sex appeal expected of an expensive, high-performance Italian car drips from the Giulia’s every curve– CarAndDriver

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Dimensions and Weight

From the outside, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is a handsome thing. You cannot mistake it for anything else in the market. On the front end, that deep V-shaped grille with the Alfa Romeo emblem sitting right at the top and center resembles the brand's long-time styling DNA. The headlights on the Giulia are HID headlamps with LED DRLs. Those DRLs do tie in with the design of the grille quite well. The large air vents below are functional and match the grille design. 

The low ground clearance of the Giulia effectively contributes to stable handling and the potential for increasing speed. The base models get 17-inch alloy wheels but the Ti trims come with 18-inch aluminum wheels. At the back, the lip spoiler is a bit raised while the LED taillights have a sharp arrow design. Together, the rear of the Giulia looks as stylish as the front end. On the lower fascia, you will see dual chrome-tipped exhausts hidden inside the diffuser. 

Models

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia

2018 Jaguar XE

2018 Audi A4

2018 BMW 3 Series

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,521

3,395 

3,611

3,541 

Length (in)

182.6

183.9

186.1

182.8

Width (in)

73.7

77.4

72.5

71.3

Height (in)

56.5

55.7

56.2

56.3

Ground Clearance (in)

4.0

4.3

5.5

5.5

Wheelbase (in)

111.0

111.6

110.0

110.6

Track Width(in) F/R

61.3/63.9

62.8/62.9

61.9/61.2

60.3/61.9

Both the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4 sit 1.5 inches higher than the Giulia. Therefore, it will be easier to ride over high bumps. Also, the A4's overall length of 186.1 inches can be a bit tough while maneuvering at tight spots. The Jaguar XE is wider in proportions than the Giulia. Therefore, its rear row's shoulder room is more. 

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Exterior Features

Some cool exterior features of the Giulia are:

  • HID headlamps
  • LED DRLs & taillights
  • Door courtesy lights
  • Exterior entry lights
  • Dual exhaust chrome tips
  • Black grille with chrome accents
  • Rear decklid 
  • Chrome window trim
  • 17 & 18-inch wheels

Safety
9.9/10

Sadly, the conservative stability control cannot be disabled- Edmunds

Only IIHS has rated the Alfa Romeo Giulia for its safety. It was honored with the Top Safety Pick award as it performed great in all crash tests. It received 'Good' ratings in all crash tests and a 'Superior' rating for the front crash prevention. The headlights were also rated 'Good' for well it illuminates the road at night.

The standard safety feature list in the Giulia is very few. Therefore, you need to opt for the Driver Assist Dynamic Plus and Driver Assistance Static packages that add some of the best driver-assist features to protect you from the risk of an accident. The list of active safety features available in the Giulia are:

  • Adaptive Cruise Comtrol
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Front & Rear Parking Sensors
  • Rearview Camera
  • Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Automatic High Beam
  • Adaptive Headlights

Competition
9.0/10

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs 2018 Jaguar XE

The Jaguar XE is a cheaper alternative to the Giulia. It is the least powerful car here and hence, is not a strong performer. Also, it is less fuel-efficient than the Giulia. Its cabin is as spacious as the Giulia but its trunk volume is one of the best in the segment. The Giulia has better crash-test scores but the XE offers a long list of driver-assist features. 

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs 2018 Audi A4

Although the Audi A4 makes less power than the Giulia, its overall performance is very good but its fuel efficiency is on par with the Giulia. The A4's cabin feels more luxurious but equally spacious as the Giulia. Also, cutting-edge technological features are available in the A4 and its cargo space is a tad bit more than the Giulia. On the safety front, the A4 offers more standard safety features. 

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs 2018 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series costs around $2,000 more than the Giulia. Sure, the 3 Series offers better acceleration but the Giulia is a better choice for its athleticism in terms of performance. Nothing special on fuel economy but the 3 Series has an edge when it comes to cabin plushness and cargo capacity. It is also available with more driver aids than the Giulia. 

Final Verdict

As a sports sedan, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia is compelling thanks to a lively driving experience, unique styling, and the brand's sexy image but it has a few quirks. If you need a sports sedan and have set aside over $40k for it, some of the most respected automotive brands are within your reach. The Germans will offer high-end luxury and their cars will be solidly built inside out. There are several British and Japanese options as well so why pay more? The answer is, none can seduce you the way an Italian Alfa Romeo can.

Trims

    Base
    $38,195 onwards
    • 6.5-Inch central display
    • Driver information display
    • Dual-Zone climate control
    • Eight-Speaker audio system
    • Power-Adjustable front seats
    • Rear parking sensors
    • Remote keyless ignition and entry
    • Xenon headlights
    Sport
    $39,445 onwards
    • 18-Inch wheels
    • Front & rear fascias
    • Gloss black window trim
    • Painted brake calipers
    Ti
    $40,195 onwards
    • 8.8-Inch touchscreen infotainment display
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Satellite radio
    Ti Lusso
    $42,695 onwards
    • Comfort-Oriented front seats
    • Interior air quality system
    • Upgraded leather interior trim
    • Upgraded steering wheel
    Ti Sport
    $42,695 onwards
    • 19-Inch alloy wheels
    • Sport front seats
    Quadrifoglio
    $73,700 onwards
    • Engine: 2.9L 6cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 505 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 443 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.1 sec
    • Top Speed: 172 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$38,195- $73,700

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.7

Horsepower

505 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

443 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$33,000- $45,750

Gasoline

7.39

206 hp @ 6800 rpm

182 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$31,950- $49,500

Gasoline

8.35

186 hp @ 4400 rpm

221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$36,000- $50,000

Gasoline

8.03

190 hp @ 4200 rpm

236 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$49,700- $61,400

Gasoline

7.27

252 hp @ 5000 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$69,700- $130,700

Gasoline

8.37

340 hp @ 5300 rpm

325 lb.-ft. @ 2900 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,900- $59,075

Gasoline

8.49

400 hp @ 7000 rpm

354 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm

5

Read Review

$43,650- $49,925

Gasoline

8.16

292 hp @ 5400 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm

5

Read Review

$71,900- $74,400

Gasoline

8.29

450 hp

406 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

5

Read Review

$34,900- $50,950

Gasoline

7.33

180 hp @ 5000 rpm

200 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

5

Read Review

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.4 sec14.9 sec129 mph
    3.4 sec12.7 sec193 mph
    3.9 sec12.5 sec155 mph
    2018 BMW M3

    Ranked #3

    4.1 sec12.3 sec155 mph
    2018 Audi S6

    Ranked #4

    4.4 sec13.1 sec155 mph
    2018 Audi S3

    Ranked #5

    4.7 sec13.6 sec155 mph

    2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      24 mpg33 mpg27 mpg15.3 gal.367.2/504.9 mi.
      43 mpg44 mpg44 mpg13.2 gal.567.6/580.8 mi.
      2018 Audi A4

      Ranked #2

      27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg15.3 gal.413.10/566.10 mi.
      2018 Audi A3

      Ranked #3

      26 mpg35 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.377/507.5 mi.
      25 mpg36 mpg29 mpg17.8 gal.445/640.8 mi.
      24 mpg37 mpg29 mpg14.8 gal.355.2/547.6 mi.

      2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        182.5 in.73.7 in.56.5 in.4 in.111 in.
        206.7 in.74.9 in.58.7 in.5.3 in.126.4 in.
        204.1 in.74 in.58 in.7 in.122.4 in.
        201.4 in.75.3 in.58.5 in.6 in.117.9 in.
        2018 Audi A7

        Ranked #4

        196.2 in.75.2 in.55.9 in.4.4 in.114.7 in.
        195.9 in.73.4 in.56.9 in.-113 in.

        2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          12 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.218.9 cu.ft.
          10.4 cu.ft.91 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.
          2018 Audi A7

          Ranked #3

          24.5 cu.ft.127.3 cu.ft.97.1 cu.ft.
          13.7 cu.ft.97 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.
          15.4 cu.ft.96.5 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.
          14.7 cu.ft.91 cu.ft.15.9 cu.ft.

          2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            218.9 cu.ft.12 cu.ft.218.9 cu.ft.-
            13.2 cu.ft.10 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.210 ft.
            13.2 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.-
            2018 Audi S6

            Ranked #4

            57.5 cu.ft.14.1 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.76 ft.
            41 cu.ft.13 cu.ft.15.2 cu.ft.98 ft.
            20.8 cu.ft.18.2 cu.ft.18.2 cu.ft.-

            2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -905 lbs.3521 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1149 lbs.3619 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3373 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3739 lbs.
              -825 lbs.3805 lbs.
              -905 lbs.4820 lbs.

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