For a certain kind of buyer looking for a focused sport sedan, the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia is a must-have. There's really no other entry-level four-door that comes close to matching its superb driving dynamics and unique road presence. But many will be put off by the compromises to passenger comfort and overall refinement it makes in its achieving this goal.
You have plenty of good choices for a small luxury sedan. But when you really get down to it, these well-intentioned four-doors can seem a bit stale. Handsome but derivative styling? Check. Well-appointed but soulless interior? Yep. Sanitized driving experience? Drive one and you've driven them all. But there is one sedan that stands out: the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
The 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti (Turismo Internazionale) expertly fuses Italian passion with daily usability, offering an incredibly engaging alternativ...
Partially by virtue of Alfa's small vehicle lineup, the Giulia's interior looks like nothing else on the market (well, except the Stelvio SUV with which it shares a common platform). Equal parts high-tech and sporty, the cabin looks every bit worthy of the Giulia's premium price tag. And even a short stint behind the wheel reveals the Giulia's sport sedan credentials, with superb steering feel and responsive handling. There's also the Quadrifoglio with its bonkers 505-horsepower V6. The Giulia isn't faultless — check out our Expert Rating to read our in-depth analysis — but its personality is a perfect antidote to small luxury sedan blandness.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.4
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
How does the Giulia drive? Even powered by the standard turbocharged four-cylinder, the Alfa Romeo Giulia feels like a proper sports sedan. Its 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds is among the segment's quickest for a base engine-equipped vehicle, and it feels even quicker thanks to the significant punch of acceleration once the turbo engages. The steering wheel is nicely weighted, and the body responds quickly to steering inputs. Handling is superb, with little body roll and razor-sharp accuracy. Be sure to opt for summer tires if you want a good time; selecting the all-seasons severely degrades driving pleasure.
A few faults drag down this score. The brakes clamp on pretty hard at the top of the pedal stroke and again right before coming to a stop, making smooth stops virtually impossible. The transmission also isn't quick to downshift when you really dig in for more speed.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Giulia? Though the Giulia is a sport sedan first and foremost, it's also reasonably comfortable. The front seats are well shaped and have plenty of adjustments to dial in the right position. The rears are also pleasant, with good lower back support. The ride rarely feels rough and is never skittish. Only cracked road surfaces transmit hard thunks into the cabin. And we love the sound of the Giulia's throaty exhaust.
But most of these highlights are balanced against pitfalls. The seats have intrusive, unyielding thigh bolsters, and most drivers will rest their legs on top. The interior also lets in a lot of tire noise, and the engine that sounds great when wrung out is also hollow at low rpm. The automatic climate system underestimates airflow needs.
Interior
7/10
How’s the interior? Some controls are oddly placed, and though the infotainment system supports both touchscreen and dial inputs, the latter can't control everything displayed. You'll have to use the screen to select a radio preset, for instance. The Giulia is hard to get in and out of because the middle pillar is pushed far forward — which hampers front access — and wheel arches that intrude into rear passenger space. And once you finally do get inside, headroom is tight especially in the back.
The driver is the focus here, as evidenced by the attention to detail placed on this position. The seat and steering wheel are highly adjustable, and the armrests are at the perfect height for relaxed cruising. The metal shift paddles attached to the steering column are deeply satisfying to pull. And visibility is pretty good despite the compromised over-the-shoulder view due to the position of the middle pillar.
Technology
6.5/10
How’s the tech? The Giulia's tech falls short of class leaders. The voice controls, in particular, are seriously deficient compared to more comprehensive Audi, BMW and Mercedes systems. The system appears to support natural language recognition until you say something it doesn't understand and a structured menu list pops up. Navigation input is cumbersome, and point-of-interest search rarely works. And while there are plenty of ports and pads to charge your devices, phone integration is poor. Bluetooth is slow to connect, so if you had a podcast at high volume playing when you turned off the car, upon restart, the radio will absolutely blast you away.
There are a few highlights. The available Harman Kardon audio system sounds crisp and punchy, and the driver safety aids, while a little too sensitive, work well overall.
Storage
6.5/10
How’s the storage? Utility takes a back seat to performance, but the Giulia isn't a mere weekend car. At 13.4 cubic feet, the trunk offers more ultimate storage than most rivals, and there are enough storage spaces inside the car to stash your everyday gear. Numerous cubbies and pockets, though small, are spread throughout the cabin.
As usual, the negatives come down to execution. While the trunk itself is large, the top edge of the trunk is almost in line horizontally with the bottom edge. So you don't drop items into the trunk as much as you bend over and slide them in, like you do with an oven. Put anything as far forward as the rear seatbacks, and you'll have to climb into the trunk to retrieve it. And though car seat anchors are easily accessible, the small door apertures and tight rear space will require moving the front seats to make a child safety seat fit.
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The all-wheel-drive Giulia gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway). This is typical for a compact luxury sedan with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, but once you consider its superior acceleration, the Giulia gleams a little brighter. However, it earned 25.9 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route; typically we see results between the combined and highway numbers. A BMW 330i xDrive on the same route averaged 31.3 mpg, for instance.
Value
7/10
Is the Giulia a good value? The Giulia starts just north of $40,000, and our Ti Sport AWD test car, with all manner of bells and whistles, stickered for more than $55,000. It's actually not bad compared to the cost of similarly equipped rivals from Mercedes and BMW, though other sedans from Acura, Lexus and Volvo are generally priced lower.
Its cabin design is attractive and distinct, with ample use of leather, aluminum and soft-touch plastic. It seems like you get what you pay for. Still, our test car had a persistent rattle and wonky phone integration system.
Like most in the class, Alfa offers four years/50,000 miles of coverage for both its basic and powertrain warranties. Roadside assistance is covered for four years/unlimited miles, and the first maintenance visit is free. Many Alfa models have shown questionable reliability, though, so proceed with caution.
Wildcard
9/10
The Giulia has personality in spades. While the back end looks a little anonymous, the avian front end is distinctive — in a good way. Its interior, likewise, doesn't look like anything else out there. Satisfying steering, sublime handling, grippy seats, a rorty four-cylinder ... there are perhaps no other cars (with base engines) in this segment more engaging or fun to drive. Wonky brakes and a slightly laggy transmission are the only blemishes in an otherwise faultless driving experience. With the Giulia, you will likely know right away if it's the car for you.
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia trim level differences
The 2021 Giulia is available in four main trim levels: Sprint, Ti, Ti Sport and the high-performance Quadrifoglio. The first three are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (280 horsepower, 306 lb-ft) matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The Quadrifoglio is rear-wheel-drive only and uses a turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine (505 hp, 443 lb-ft). Compare the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia trim levels in-depth.
Which Giulia trim does Edmunds recommend?
We like the base Sprint model; it comes loaded with features that often cost extra on rivals, making it something of a bargain. But the Giulia's wealth of customization options really opens up on the Ti and Ti Sport trims. Both turn this well-equipped luxury sedan into something truly special.
The 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
6 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
25V667000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
A2C
Number of vehicles affected:
62910
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The printed circuit board and software for the rearview camera may contain defects that cause the rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:
A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the radio, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the rearview camera software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 25, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A2C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Recall Number:
24V512000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
81B
Number of vehicles affected:
9037
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2021-2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The tire pressure and size information on the tire placard and manufacturer labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:
Incorrect tire information can result in under-inflated tires or installing the incorrect-size tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
FCA will mail corrected tire placards and manufacturer overlay labels. Owners may bring the labels into a dealer for free installation. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 27, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2024 through November 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 81B.
Recall Number:
24V510000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
82B
Number of vehicles affected:
337128
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
Defect Consequence:
A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
Recall Number:
24V306000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
54B
Number of vehicles affected:
261
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2021 Alfa Romero Giulia vehicles. The fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel.
Defect Consequence:
A fuel leak may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the fuel line sensor housing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 54B. This recall is an expansion of recall number 21V-878.
Recall Number:
21V878000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
Y91
Number of vehicles affected:
11419
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. The fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel.
Defect Consequence:
A fuel leak may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel line sensor housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 11, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y91.
Recall Number:
21V309000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
Y24
Number of vehicles affected:
9
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. Hard braking may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) rotor shaft to separate, a reduction of braking assist, and a loss of ABS.
Defect Consequence:
The loss of braking assistance and ABS functionality can reduce overall braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the ABS HCU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
ive got 950 miles on my black giulia sprint and so far it has been awesome . its crazy fast , handles like a sports car , is quiet and comfortable . quality and materials are first rate . so far i am getting 28 mpg and often sticking my foot in it . getting 30+ should be easy on a trip . for those who are critical of this car , i say drive one . you will love it .
Lead foot
5 out of 5 stars
lead foot, 03/17/2019
2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I leased this car last July 2018, after I turned in a BMW 328 X drive. The Alfa was 10 grand cheaper than another Beemer so I went for the Alfa. I'm shocked, this is really a fine vehicle with one exception the front license plate frame it's mounted on the drive side upper part of the bumper and it's the only place you can place it because of the "v" shape nose. {NY}. The only other item … I don't care for is the gas gage it's a "line" with gas amount symbols next to it and it's not every large. My wife drives the car every day and she has no complaints she likes the car over the BMW or the MB 300 we had. The select drive is great the vehicle has fast response time I would dare to say the handling is up there with my 2011 grand sport corvette. The car handles in the snow great . The rear seating area is small but I don't care I don't sat back there. Overall the car was 2 grand more than a Chevy Malibu LT we looked at and that was a no brainer folks. Car has had one recall no big deal software problem. I have no problem making my payment every month for this vehicle very pleased. We live in the woods in upstate N.Y. so we have to drive everywhere and we have no after toughs about this car.
In Love With My Sexy Italian Car
5 out of 5 stars
Cody, 08/19/2021
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I wanted a sports sedan that was performance oriented and had decent driver legroom as I am over 6ft tall. I did alot of research and it came down to the Giulia against the Chrysler 300, VW Arteon, Kia Stinger, Genesis G70, Sonata N-Line, Acura TLX and Nissan Maxima. Test drove all of them and the Giulia was the clear winner in terms of handling, design and uniqueness. I bought a Misano … blue TI AWD and it gets looks everywhere I go. It's an amazing car to drive and I have absolutely zero buyer's remorse. The trunk space is on the smaller side as is the backseat but as a single guy who doesn't have kids, neither of those are major concerns for me. If you are looking for a car in this class, buy one, you won't regret it.
Special car
4 out of 5 stars
Alan, 09/22/2018
2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
One of the best handing drive when compared to the 3 series and C class that I owned previously. I got the sport ti with the sport suspension. The car has almost no body roll yet the ride felt very comfortable. Not overly stiff. I think Alfa did a great job with the suspension and power for the car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia, so we've included reviews for other years of the Giulia since its last redesign.
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