If you're in the market for a compact executive saloon but find the usual German options a bit predictable, the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia offer a refreshing dose of style and driver appeal. Both cars were designed to challenge the dominance of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, prioritising a thrilling driving experience and head-turning looks over outright practicality.
The Jaguar XE, launched in 2015, brought a lightweight aluminium platform and a sophisticated chassis to the fight, aiming to be the best-handling car in its class. The Alfa Romeo Giulia arrived shortly after, armed with passionate Italian design and famously quick steering. Both have been updated over the years, particularly their interiors and technology. So, if you're looking for a used saloon with character, which of these heart-over-head choices is the smarter buy?
Jaguar XE vs Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Practicality
- Driving Impressions
- Technology and Equipment
- Running Costs
- CarGurus Buyer Insights
- Verdict
Practicality
Jaguar XE practicality score: 2/5
Alfa Romeo Giulia practicality score: 3/5
Neither of these cars will be topping the charts for practicality, as style has clearly been put before space. The Jaguar XE is the main offender here. Its sleek, sloping roofline looks great but severely limits headroom for rear passengers. The boot is also one of the smallest in the class at just 410 litres, and Jaguar never made an estate version.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a bit better. There's more usable space in the back, meaning four adults can fit with reasonable comfort, giving it an edge over the Jag for carrying passengers. However, it also suffers from the lack of an estate model, and while its boot is larger than the XE's, access can be tricky for bulky items. In short, if you need to carry people and luggage regularly, you might look elsewhere, but of the two, the Giulia is the more accommodating.
Driving Impressions
Jaguar XE driving score: 5/5
Alfa Romeo Giulia driving score: 4/5
This is where these cars really shine. The Jaguar XE offers a brilliant blend of ride comfort and sharp handling. It feels agile and engaging on a country road, yet it’s also quiet and refined on the motorway, making it a superb long-distance cruiser. A range of Jaguar's own Ingenium petrol and diesel engines were offered, with the diesels providing strong performance and efficiency.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is also a joy to drive, though it trades some of the XE's comfort for a more immediate, energetic feel. The steering is incredibly quick, making the car feel eager to turn in, even at low speeds. It might not have the ultimate precision of a BMW 3 Series, but it’s packed with character. Engine choices range from efficient diesels to powerful turbocharged petrols, all paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox. For pure driving fun, both are excellent, but the XE’s superior refinement gives it a slight edge.
Technology and Equipment
Jaguar XE technology and equipment score: 4/5
Alfa Romeo Giulia technology and equipment score: 3/5
Jaguar was generous with the XE's standard kit. Even entry-level models get a 10-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and a host of safety features. The key thing to look for is a post-2019 model. These cars received a much-needed infotainment upgrade, which included a better system and, crucially, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia's equipment list can be a bit confusing, as it changed often. Most cars are well-equipped, but like the Jaguar, you’ll want a car built from 2019 onwards. This is when Alfa introduced an improved 8.8-inch touchscreen that finally added smartphone mirroring. It also brought a digital instrument display. While it was a big step up from the original system, it still feels a little less polished than the tech you'll find in the Jaguar or its German rivals.
Running Costs
Jaguar XE running costs score: 3/5
Alfa Romeo Giulia running costs score: 3/5
For cars focused on performance, both the XE and Giulia can be reasonably efficient. The diesel versions of the Jaguar XE are the stars, with the lower-powered 2.0-litre capable of returning well over 60mpg in real-world driving. Servicing intervals are also quite long for the diesels, at two years or 21,000 miles.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is similarly frugal. Its diesel engines should see you get over 50mpg, while the 2.0-litre petrols can achieve figures in the mid-30s. Servicing is required more frequently than in the XE, especially for petrol models, which need a check-up every 9,000 miles or once a year. It's worth noting that both cars have had some reliability reports, so finding a well-maintained example with a full service history is important.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
| Jaguar XE | Alfa Romeo Giulia | |
|---|---|---|
| CarGurus expert rating | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* | 32.4% | 33.3% |
| Overall CarGurus rating | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Jaguar XE Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2/5
Alfa Romeo Giulia Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1/5
Both the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia are compelling choices for anyone who values driving pleasure and style. They are true heart-over-head purchases that offer a welcome alternative to the mainstream.
However, in this comparison, the Jaguar XE takes a narrow victory. According to our CarGurus Buyer Insights, it scores a slightly higher Overall CarGurus rating. This is backed up by its superb blend of a comfortable, refined ride and genuinely sharp handling, which makes it a slightly better all-rounder. Its updated infotainment system on post-2019 models also gives it an edge in day-to-day usability.
This isn't to say the Alfa Romeo Giulia should be ignored. It scores higher in our user ratings, and its passionate design and energetic driving dynamics will win over many enthusiasts. It's also a little more practical for carrying passengers. But as a complete package, the Jaguar XE’s extra layer of refinement and higher overall rating make it the winner of this contest.
Jaguar XE Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent ride and handling balance | Cramped rear passenger space |
| Refined and quiet for long journeys | Smallest boot in its class |
| Improved tech on post-2019 models | Early infotainment systems are dated |
Alfa Romeo Giulia Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Characterful and stylish design | Infotainment lags behind rivals |
| Quick, engaging steering | Ride can be firm on rough roads |
| More rear passenger room than the XE | Interior quality not up to German standards |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.