2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia

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. 

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. 

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Also Read:

• Check out the in-depth review of the 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The Giulia’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four makes 280 horsepower, sounds intoxicating, and feels gutsy when driven hard– CarAndDriver

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Engine and Transmission

Power for the Alfa Romeo Giulia comes from a 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine that makes a healthy 280 hp and 306 lb-ft. of torque. For a base engine, this engine has a great deal of power in this segment for this price. An 8-speed automatic from ZF performs the transmission duties and sends the power to the rear wheels while the AWD system costs an extra $2,000. 

This engine is very refined and the power delivery is just great. While the chassis and suspension are equally eager to drive you to ecstasy, they are perfectly complemented by the engine emitting a pleasant mix of tones but teh Giulia is a quiet car. The quick and silky smooth shifts of the gearbox blend in nicely to deliver outstanding performance. 

Models	2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia	2018 Jaguar XE	2018 Audi A4	2018 BMW 3 Series
MSRP	$38,195	$35,725	$36,000	$40,250
Engine	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	AWD	RWD
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	280 hp @ 5,200 RPM	247 hp @ 5,500 RPM	252 hp @ 5,500 RPM	248 hp @ 5,200 RPM
Torque	306 lb-ft. @ 2,000 RPM	269 lb-ft. @ 1,200 RPM	273 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM	258 lb-ft. @ 1,450 RPM

The Giulia houses the most powerful engine in this segment with a starting price of just over 38 grand. The Audi A4 makes 28 horses less than the Giulia but comes with a standard AWD system. The BMW 3 Series and the Jaguar XE stand on the same stage in terms of power but the Jag is the most affordable option here. 

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Acceleration

The Alfa Romeo Giulia can be as agile as you want. The 280 horses under the hood pull this sedan from 0-60 MPH in about 5.1 seconds, which is pretty impressive. The quarter-mile mark is covered in 13.8 seconds and has a top speed of 149 MPH. For a compact car, these performance stats are great.  

For those looking for quicker agility, the Giulia Quadrifoglio does the same in just 3.8 seconds. Every pull on the pedal gives you a little shove in the back. Alfa has worked hard on making the Giulia fun to drive and they succeeded. It's incredibly agile and very reactive to inputs, not at the cost of refinement. 

Models	2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia	2018 Jaguar XE	2018 Audi A4	2018 BMW 3 Series
0-60 MPH	5.1 sec	6.6 sec	5.4 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter Mile	13.8 sec	15.0 sec	14.0 sec	14.0 sec
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Top Speed	149 MPH	121 MPH	130 MPH	155 MPH

With so much power driven to the wheels, the Giulia is obviously the quickest car in this segment. Despite being heavier than the Jaguar XE, the BMW 3 Series keeps up with the Audi A4 in both performance tests. But the Jag isn't much agile and therefore, eats the dust of the 3 Series. 

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ride and Handling

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is an absolute riot to drive. When it comes to handling, it's a class leader in this respect. The double-wishbone front suspension helps to keep the front wheels planted and level as possible throughout the corners. The weight distribution of near 50/50 makes it such an enjoyable car to drive. The whole car settles in well-balanced oversteer when poked but it’s especially lovable through direction changes with the steering wheel wiggling in your hand.

The Giulia is fitted with a really firm suspension and therefore, the ride is too hard. If you hit a pothole, the whole body thumps around the road, it's not a very enjoyable experience at all. The optional Ti Performance package adds an adaptive suspension and a limited-slip rear differential. So the adaptive dampers will help to round off the hard edges while the limited-slip rear differential helps to speed up at corners without losing grip. 

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Braking

The braking in the Alfa Romeo Giulia is handled by 13-inch ventilated discs at the front and 12.5-inch ventilated discs at the back. With these brakes in action, the Giulia stops from 60-0 MPH in 125 feet. Comparatively, the braking distance is about average in the segment but Alfa Romeo could have done better. 

But considering the power it makes and its agility, the Giulia's braking performance is not that bad either.  The brakes are a bit snatchy but have a progressive feel. The pedal is soft and the stopping power is gradual. There is almost zero fade, which is really good. Even the pedal travel is minimal and urges the driver to speed. 

Models	2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia	2018 Jaguar XE	2018 Audi A4	2018 BMW 3 Series
Brakes Front	13.0 in	12.8 in	12.6 in	12.3 in
Brakes Rear	12.5 in	12.8 in	12.4 in	11.8 in
Curb Weight	3,521 lbs	3,395 lbs	3,611 lbs	3,541 lbs
60-0 MPH	125 ft.	123 ft.	105 ft.	123 ft.

The Audi A4 amazes with its outstanding braking capabilities. It takes just 105 feet to come to a smooth stop from 60 MPH. Once again, the BMW 3 Series and the Jaguar XE go hand-in-hand with their braking abilities. The Giulia's braking distance is kind of longer than its rivals but overall, its brakes have done a wonderful job. 

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. 

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. 

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

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

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. 

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.

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia FAQs

Is the 2018 Alfa Romeo reliable?

The J.D. Power has not rated the Alfa Romeo for its reliability. It is a new model so it is too soon to judge its reliability. 

Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia good in snow?

The Alfa Romeo Giulia offers immense traction and grip and therefore, is an excellent choice for drivers in colder climates. 

Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia expensive to maintain?

Compared to other premium compact cars, the Giulia's ownership costs are less. 

Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia good on gas?

With a combined mileage of 27 MPG, the Alfa Romeo Giulia impresses with its efficiency. 

What is Giulia's Cold Weather package?

This package adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated washer nozzles for $795.