Reviewed byJack R. NeradJack R. Nerad
Overview
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia is a direct competitor to some of the most heralded sedans in the U.S. market. The five-passenger four-door competes with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4, to name a few. Against this formidable competition, the Giulia doubles down on performance handling, strong acceleration, and an interior that represents its Italian heritage. It offers more base horsepower than most rivals, and the Quadrifoglio ultra-performance model features an all-aluminum 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that delivers a heady 505 horsepower.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is one of the shortest vehicles in its class, 3 inches shorter than the 3 Series and 5 inches shorter than the A4. This, along with its rear-wheel-drive architecture, means the Giulia doesn't have the interior space that some of its competitors provide. Still, for a long drive with four aboard, the Giulia works OK. And it offers more driving fun than some of its competitors. If you want a softer ride, consider the C-Class; it's more sporting than the C-Classes of old, but it's still a bit more comfortable than the Giulia.
Positives
Distinctive exterior styling. Impressive acceleration and handling. Available all-wheel drive.
Considerations
Tight rear seating. Ride might feel too stiff for some passengers. Limited in-cabin storage.
Verdict
European sport sedans are known for their satisfying driving dynamics, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia delivers. You won't see one on every street corner, and that's a plus.
What's New for2023
Two trim levels are introduced this year: the luxurious Lusso and the limited-edition Estrema. The sporty 2.0-liter turbo Estrema adds technology from the Quadrifoglio, including an active suspension and limited-slip differential.
Trims and Pricing
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia is available in six trim levels: Sprint, Ti, Lusso, Veloce, Estrema, and Quadrifoglio. The first five are available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. The high-performance Quadrifoglio is rear-wheel drive only. The Veloce is the most popular trim, and it's our recommendation for most buyers. We'll explain why.
Sprint
Starting at $45,545 (including a $1,595 destination fee), the Sprint is well-equipped. It has 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, driver's seat memory settings, dual-zone climate control, and a split-folding rear seatback that expands the cargo area. Other standard features are an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, remote start, keyless entry, push-button ignition, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Ti
Priced at $47,585, the Ti adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, integrated navigation, and special doorsills.
Lusso
Priced at $50,785, the new Lusso model adds exclusive Cannelloni-design leather seating, a leather-covered dash and door panels, a special steering wheel, genuine light walnut or gray oak wood trim, and a standard 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Veloce
The Veloce trim ($51,185) combines some desirable performance equipment with an attractive appearance. It features 19-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, and a rear diffuser. Gloss-black trim pieces adorn the exterior, while sport seats, sport steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters, aluminum trim, and a black headliner highlight the interior. This is our pick as the best value.
Estrema
The Estrema ($56,685) takes the Veloce trim and adds an active suspension. This facilitates sharp handling when the car is being driven hard and a more comfortable ride in ordinary situations. The suspension adjusts to the chosen driving mode. An optional staggered wheel package adds a wider rear wheel/tire combo for enhanced vehicle dynamics and a distinctive appearance. The gloss-black brake calipers carry the Alfa Romeo script in white. The Estrema's standard leather dash, steering wheel, center armrest, shift lever, and upper door panel coverings have red stitching. Carbon fiber accents, black leather sport seats, a dual-pane sunroof, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and wireless phone charging are also included.
Quadrifoglio
The Quadrifoglio ($81,025) is one of the most potent sport sedans in its class. It has a 505-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine, active suspension, and a carbon fiber roof and hood. The performance-oriented upgrades extend to the interior with premium leather and Alcantara upholstery, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, and an advanced driving mode selector.
Engine and Performance
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia features one of the most powerful base engines in its class. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is an overachiever, producing 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. It is teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is the standard configuration, but all Giulia trims, with the exception of the Quadrifoglio, offer optional all-wheel drive.
The Quadrifoglio is fitted with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that delivers an impressive 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of peak torque. It uses an eight-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive is the only configuration available. With the 2.0-liter engine, the lower Giulia trims will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, according to Alfa's testing. That is fast enough for most sport sedan buyers, but Alfa Romeo estimates the Quadrifoglio will make the same run in just 3.8 seconds. Its top speed on the track exceeds 190 mph.
Even the base Sprint trim is satisfying to drive. All Giulias are equipped with the DNA drive-mode selector that offers three settings: Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency. While their functions aren't immediately apparent, each alters the car's transmission, engine management, and steering feel for its special purpose. As one ascends the trim levels and equipment gets more sophisticated, the driving prowess increases. The adaptive suspension standard on the Estrema and Quadrifoglio does a magical job of combining tight handling with excellent ride quality. The Quadrifoglio also has a torque-vectoring rear differential plus an active aero front splitter made of carbon fiber. Its anodized brake calipers sport red Alfa Romeo script visible through the 19-inch five-hole alloy wheels. All Giulias are a delight to drive, and the Quadrifoglio ups the ante to a visceral level.
Fuel Economy
Equipped with the 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, the 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia will average 24 mpg during city driving and 33 mpg on the highway, according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates. All-wheel drive decreases the numbers slightly to 23/31 mpg city/highway. The 505-horsepower Quadrifoglio is estimated to return 17/25 mpg city/highway.
In comparison, the rear-wheel-drive BMW 330i is rated at 26/36 mpg city/highway, and the all-wheel-drive Audi A4 is rated 26/34 mpg. The Quadrifoglio's BMW M3 rival, with 473 hp, is rated at 16/23 mpg city/highway.
Interior
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia is slightly shorter than several of its key competitors, and that is noticeable inside. Alfa prioritizes the front seat area, so room for the driver and passenger is excellent. But rear seating is more confined than in other European sedans. This is our main complaint about the Giulia's interior because it is otherwise well-designed, imaginative, and uses high-quality materials. The seats are well-bolstered and covered in rich leather. Italian cars are noted for their purposeful instrumentation and excellent driving position, and the Giulia doesn't disappoint. The steering wheel feels great, and the controls are logically placed and easy to use. The center console features a leather-wrapped gear shifter, rotary control knobs, large cupholders, and an available wireless phone charging pad. At 13 cubic feet, the Giulia's trunk isn't especially generous, but it is right in line with its competitors.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment was once the Alfa Giulia's Achilles' heel, but after a complete redo, the car's system can hold its own with the competition. An 8.8-inch touchscreen display is centered under a brow, which reduces glare. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM radio are standard, as are driver-configurable interactive widgets and horizontal scroll for added personalization. The system also offers vehicle performance pages and an expanded navigation view. Connectivity abounds with a Wi-Fi hotspot, mobile app with remote operations, SOS call, roadside assistance, vehicle finder, and stolen vehicle locator. A 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is standard on Lusso and Estrema models and optional on other trims. The infotainment system isn't the easiest or quickest we've experienced, but most buyers will find it meets their needs.
Safety
The Alfa Romeo Giulia has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for several years. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2022 Giulia its top Good ratings in all five crash-test evaluations.
The Giulia offers a robust array of advanced driver-assist systems, but many are optional. Full-speed forward-collision warning is standard on every model. Available systems include highway assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, active blind-spot assist, driver attention alert, and intelligent speed assist.
Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. theCompetition
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia is an interesting alternative to the segment's typical go-to's, including the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The 2023 C-Class is all new, and it offers a lot of features, while the current Giulia has been in the market for several years. Still, the Alfa has continuing appeal. It offers a distinctive exterior, a luxurious interior steeped in its Italian heritage, and a sporting chassis. In Quadrifoglio form, the Giulia gives hints at what a Ferrari four-door sedan might be like. The Giulia isn't for everyone, but for those who appreciate its heritage and subtleties, it will be a point of pride for years to come.
Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. Audi A4
Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. BMW 3 Series
Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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