Few car brands stir the soul quite like Alfa Romeo. With a heritage stretching back over a century and a reputation for building some of the most beautiful machines ever to grace a road, the Italian marque occupies a unique space in the automotive world. Whether you're drawn to the emotional pull of that iconic badge, the sharp driving dynamics, or simply the fact that you won't see three identical models on every school run, there's a compelling case for choosing an Alfa over the more predictable premium alternatives.
That said, the current Alfa Romeo lineup is a compact one, so knowing which model suits your needs — and which version to go for — is crucial. From the elegant Giulia saloon to the brand's growing family of SUVs and crossovers, each car in the range offers something genuinely different from the mainstream. We've put them all under the microscope to help you find the right one.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy.
The Best Alfa Romeo Cars and SUVs 2026
- 2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- Alfa Romeo Tonale
- Alfa Romeo Junior
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Very attractive styling |
Not as comfortable or refined as German rivals |
| Ferocious performance from Quadrifoglio |
Some owners report electrical gremlins |
| Emotional appeal of the Alfa badge |
No estate version |
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is the perfect antidote to the predictable default choices in the executive car park. Designed to stand out from the crowd, it brings a heavy dose of Italian flair and emotional appeal to a segment often dominated by clinical efficiency. While it might not quite match its German rivals for outright interior build quality, a 2019 facelift brought significant improvements, including a much better 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offers similar levels of space for four adults as its main competitors, though frustrated golfers should note that the saloon-only body style means boot access can be a little tight for larger items.
Where the Giulia truly shines is in its driving dynamics, boasting super-quick steering that feels immediate and eager even at low speeds. The engine lineup is equally impressive, with early 2.2-litre diesels offering 158bhp or 187bhp, and a willing 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol delivering 197bhp. Currently there are only two petrol options; one with 276bhp, and the ferocious Quadrifoglio with 513bhp and a soundtrack to die for. It's one of the most exciting cars in the Alfa Romeo lineup. All standard engines are paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox, ensuring effortless cruising.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Although we can't point to any particular area where the Giulia betters its German rivals, it is a car that feels greater than the sum of its parts." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Alfa Romeo Giulia review
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Exciting to drive, especially the Quadrifoglio |
Cramped in the back |
| Good looks |
Brittle ride |
| High quality cabin |
Thirsty petrol engines |
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio successfully injects the brand's trademark flair and striking design into the highly competitive SUV market. It boasts a sleek profile and a high-quality cabin featuring tactile materials like aluminium and wood, ensuring it stands out from more conservative rivals. While its sloping roofline means rear headroom is slightly restricted for taller passengers, it still offers a very usable 525-litre boot that expands to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded down, making it more than capable of swallowing luggage for a family of four.
Behind the wheel, the Stelvio delivers the engaging driving dynamics you would expect from an Alfa Romeo, featuring super-quick steering and impressive grip. It's now only available with a 276bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but used buyers can choose from the older 197bhp unit and a 2.2-litre diesel offering 187bhp or 207bhp. For those seeking ultimate thrills, the range-topping Quadrifoglio model packs a monstrous 513bhp twin-turbocharged V6, providing a truly ballistic and involving driving experience that few SUVs can match.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There's certainly a lot to like about it, from the exterior design and high-quality materials of the cabin, to the time spent behind the wheel. Its sportiness is both a blessing and a curse, though." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Alfa Romeo Stelvio review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 25.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stylish good looks set it apart |
Quite cramped in the back seats |
| Agile and sporty to drive |
Plug-in hybrid has a smaller boot |
| Good boot space in mild hybrid versions |
Mainstream rivals offer similar space and tech for less money |
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a small family SUV that brings a welcome dose of Italian flair to the crowded premium C-segment, offering a distinctive alternative to the usual German options. It stands out with its sculpted front end and stylish design, making it one of the most visually appealing choices in its class. Inside, the mild-hybrid version provides a competitive 500 litres of boot space with a flush load floor, though opting for the plug-in hybrid reduces this capacity to 385 litres. While rear passenger space can feel a little cramped for taller adults, the cabin remains comfortable and features a driver-focused dashboard layout.
On the road, the Tonale delivers an engaging driving experience, aided by a wide track and firm suspension that effectively keep body-roll in check during cornering. Buyers can choose between a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine producing 173bhp, or a four-wheel-drive 1.3-litre plug-in hybrid with 266bhp. The steering is accurate and the handling feels stable, making it enjoyable for swift progress on a B-road. Combined with generous standard equipment and a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, it is a characterful and well-rounded compact SUV.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Alfa Romeo Tonale manages the admirable trick of feeling a little different in a crowded class. It has a touch more fizz in the way it handles than many family SUVs, while still offering a decent level of ride comfort." - CarGurus Editorial Team, CarGurus
Read our full Alfa Romeo Tonale review
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 9.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Striking looks with thoughtful details |
'Hybrid' is very average to drive |
| Potentially low running costs |
Not cheap compared with rivals |
| Individual character |
Limited practicality |
The Alfa Romeo Junior marks the iconic Italian brand's entry into the fiercely competitive small SUV segment, bringing its trademark flamboyant styling to a Stellantis-shared platform. Available in both mild-hybrid ('Ibrida') and fully electric ('Elettrica') forms, it offers a striking alternative to the usual crossover crowd. The hybrid model pairs a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a small electric motor to produce 143bhp, while the electric versions offer either 154bhp or a potent 277bhp in the range-topping Veloce. Practicality is reasonable for the class, with the hybrid version offering a 415-litre boot, while the electric models provide a slightly smaller 400-litre capacity.
On the road, the Junior delivers a driving experience that varies significantly depending on the powertrain you choose. The flagship 280 Veloce Elettrica is the most engaging option, featuring a lowered suspension and a limited-slip differential to help manage its power, resulting in crisp direction changes and strong body control. While the ride has a distinctly firm edge across the range to convey a dynamic character, the steering remains very responsive. Inside, the cabin features a 10.25-inch central touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, complemented by physical climate controls and the option of heavily bolstered Alcantara sports seats on higher trims.
The CarGurus Verdict: "All Juniors look good, should be affordable to run, and bring a sporty and glamorous attitude to the small SUV sector, and if that's all you're after, then it may well suit." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Alfa Romeo Junior review
FAQ
Is Alfa Romeo a reliable brand?
Alfa Romeo has historically had a mixed reputation for reliability, and it's fair to say the brand hasn't always matched the dependability of its German or Japanese rivals. However, more recent models like the Giulia and Stelvio have shown significant improvement, particularly following mid-life facelifts that addressed early niggles. If you're buying used, a thorough service history and a pre-purchase inspection are always wise investments.
Are Alfa Romeo cars expensive to maintain?
Running costs for an Alfa Romeo tend to be broadly in line with other premium European brands. Servicing and parts can be a little pricier than for mainstream manufacturers, but they're generally comparable to the likes of BMW and Audi. Choosing a diesel Giulia or Stelvio can help keep fuel costs down, while the Tonale's mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options offer potentially lower day-to-day running expenses.
Which Alfa Romeo is the best to buy?
Based on our scoring system, the Alfa Romeo Giulia tops the list with an overall CarGurus rating of 4.1 out of 5, thanks to its strong expert and owner ratings combined with a healthy proportion of good deals on the market. If you need an SUV, the Stelvio and Tonale both offer compelling alternatives with their own distinct strengths.
Is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio a good family car?
The Stelvio makes a capable family car, offering a practical 525-litre boot that expands to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded. Its sporty sloping roofline does slightly limit rear headroom for taller passengers, but it's perfectly adequate for most families. The trade-off for its sharp handling is a firmer ride than some rivals, which is worth considering if comfort is your top priority.
What is the cheapest Alfa Romeo to buy?
The Alfa Romeo Junior is the brand's most affordable entry point, designed to compete in the small SUV segment. It's available as either a mild hybrid or a fully electric model. However, it's worth noting that it isn't cheap compared with mainstream rivals in the same class, so you're paying a premium for that distinctive Italian styling and the famous badge.
Should I buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia or a BMW 3 Series?
This really comes down to what you prioritise. The BMW 3 Series offers a wider range of body styles (including an estate), a more refined interior, and a stronger reputation for reliability. The Giulia, on the other hand, delivers sharper steering, more emotional styling, and the undeniable appeal of the Alfa Romeo badge. If you want a car that stirs the soul rather than simply ticking boxes, the Giulia is the one to go for — just be prepared for the occasional quirk that comes with Italian ownership.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
*The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in June 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.*
Related Topics:
