Alfa Romeo Giulia vs Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Enthusiasts are the target audience for Alfa’s sole non-crossover. For starters, it’s a sedan in a world gone mad for SUVs. Also, crash-test ratings are nonexistent, making it a non-starter for anyone who cares about safety. But the elephant in the room is wearing a hat that says reliability and, depending on which publication or research organization is doing the reporting, all the signs point in the wrong direction.

Verdict: With only a four-year/50,000-mile warranty protecting Alfa Romeo owners from potential doom, buying a Giulia is a gamble. Leasing one might be fun, as long as it spends more time in your driveway than in the shop. If only the Giulia boasted the dependability of a Toyota Camry, it could be the most desirable car in its class.

Since 2018, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has tugged hearts with its sinewy design and serious performance. With gutsy turbocharged engines, the Stelvio delivers effortless speed, impeccable steering, and an immediacy to its handling that other luxury SUVs can't deliver. Unfortunately, the Stelvio suffers from poor resale value, which directly correlates to Alfa Romeo’s reputation for poor reliability. For 2024, the Stelvio receives a mild refresh and a new Competizione trim level. We tried one in Michigan to discover the subtle changes.

Verdict: With any Alfa, trying one is usually better than buying one. Service issues aside, the Stelvio is the only SUV that always feels connected to the driver, undoubtedly thanks to a lack of extemporaneous software blocking that sensation.