Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia a good car? A road-tested, heart-on-sleeve verdict
I’ve spent enough time in the Alfa Romeo Giulia to know two things. One: it makes your pulse skip a beat every time you walk up to it, even after a long week. Two: it’s not for people who want their sport sedan to feel like an appliance. The Alfa Romeo Giulia is gloriously alive—steering that twitches with intent, a chassis that just begs for a back road, and engines that feel like they were tuned by people who argue about espresso grind size. Is it perfect? No. Is it good? Oh, very.
Alfa Romeo Giulia overview: why it still matters
The 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia is that rare premium sport sedan that prioritizes feel. It goes head-to-head with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, but chooses passion over perfectionism. The proportions are spot-on—long hood, tucked tail, wheels that actually fill the arches. I noticed right away that it sits on the road with real purpose, like it’s braced for a corner even when you’re parked at the curb.
- Engines: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (about 280 hp), or the mighty Quadrifoglio 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 (505 hp)
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available on most trims
- 0–60 mph: roughly 5.1–5.5 seconds for the 2.0T; around 3.8 seconds for the Quadrifoglio
- EPA economy (approx.): up to 24/33 mpg city/highway (2.0T RWD); Quadrifoglio around 17/25 mpg
Performance and technology in the Alfa Romeo Giulia
Slide behind the wheel and the first thing that jumps out is the steering. It’s quick. Not nervous—just eager. On a stretch of broken B-road near my place, the Giulia stayed surprisingly composed when I tried it on rough pavement. The ride is firm, but never brittle, and with the adaptive dampers in “soft,” it turns long commutes into a kind of low-drama glide. In “Dynamic,” it wakes up like a double espresso.
Brakes are strong with a slightly digital feel at very low speeds (Alfa’s brake-by-wire setup still takes a day to get used to), and the available limited-slip differential helps you slingshot out of tight bends. The 2.0-liter four makes a fat wedge of torque in the midrange; it’s the kind of engine that moves smartly without theatrics. The Quadrifoglio? Different animal—raspy, elastic, a bit unhinged in the best way. It’s the one that makes valets grin and neighbors suspicious.
Driver aids and infotainment: helpful, not headline-grabbing
Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring—check. All present, all useful. The infotainment has improved over the years and now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; wireless functionality shows up on newer models. It’s not the flashiest system in the segment, and the UI can feel a half-step behind BMW’s and Audi’s, but it gets the job done. The physical start button on the steering wheel? Never gets old.
Comfort and convenience: living with the Alfa Romeo Giulia
The front seats are a sweet spot—supportive bolsters without the squeeze, comfy even after a three-hour motorway slog. The cabin is quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back about who gets the aux cable, and the materials feel properly premium. Rear space is fine for adults under six feet; lanky friends will want the front set a touch higher. The trunk isn’t cavernous, but it swallowed a pair of carry-ons and a weekend bag with room to spare. Ski weekends? You’ll appreciate the split-fold rear backrests.
- Pros: Lovely steering, excellent seating position, strong engines, distinctive design
- Cons: Infotainment lags class leaders, dealer network isn’t everywhere, some owners report occasional electrical gremlins
AutoWin Floor Mats: a simple upgrade for your Alfa Romeo Giulia
If you’re fussy about keeping the cabin tidy (guilty), a set of AutoWin Floor Mats makes a lot of sense. They’re shaped to fit, easy to clean, and add a bit of tailored polish that suits the Giulia’s vibe. The brand covers a wide spread—from classic Giulias to modern cars—so you can match the look to your trim without resorting to generic rubber rectangles.
For classic Giulia owners, there’s even a dedicated set:
They’re built from durable materials that shrug off grit and coffee mishaps—quick wipe, done. Browsing the full range is straightforward here: AutoWin.
Alfa Romeo Giulia vs the usual suspects
On paper, the Giulia trades a bit of tech sheen for a sharper drive. In practice, that trade often feels worth it.
| Premium Sport Sedan | Engine & Power | 0–60 mph (approx.) | EPA mpg (combined, approx.) | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0T | 2.0L turbo I4, ~280 hp/306 lb-ft | 5.1–5.5 s | 26–27 mpg | Light on its toes, eager steering, playful |
| BMW 330i | 2.0L turbo I4, ~255 hp/295 lb-ft | 5.5–5.7 s | 28–30 mpg | Balanced, superb tech, slightly cooler emotionally |
| Audi A4 45 TFSI | 2.0L turbo I4, ~261 hp | 5.3–5.5 s | 27–28 mpg | Calm, planted, polished |
| Giulia Quadrifoglio | 2.9L twin-turbo V6, 505 hp/443 lb-ft | ~3.8 s | ~20 mpg | Track refugee wearing a suit |
Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia a good car? Final answer
For drivers who care—really care—about how a car feels, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is one of the great modern sport sedans. It’s not quite as gadget-forward as some rivals, and ownership can be a touch pricier given maintenance and a smaller dealer footprint. Reliability on early cars was mixed, though later model years show meaningful improvements. But the payback is a sedan that turns every mundane errand into a minor occasion. In my book, that’s worth a lot.
FAQ: Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia reliable? Mixed historically; later model years have improved. A few owners mentioned minor electrical or sensor hiccups, but many report drama-free miles with regular servicing. A solid warranty and good dealer support help.
- What engines does the Giulia use? A 2.0-liter turbo four (~280 hp) in most trims, and a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 (505 hp) in the Quadrifoglio, co-developed with Ferrari.
- Does the Giulia require premium fuel? Yes—premium unleaded (91 octane or higher) is recommended for best performance and efficiency.
- Is there a manual transmission? In the U.S., the Giulia has been primarily 8-speed automatic. Manual availability varies by market and generation; most U.S. cars are automatic-only.
- How do I reset the oil light? Turn ignition to “On” (engine off), then press the throttle fully three times within 10 seconds. The indicator should reset; consult the owner’s manual for your model year specifics.
