DecodedCarsAlfa Romeo Giulia vs Tesla Model 3
2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs 2026 Tesla Model 3 — two midsize cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $2,500 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model 3 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has had fewer recall campaigns (17 vs 36).
The two cars
The 2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway), 13% worse than the 2026 midsize car average of 31.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is a midsize car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,030 lb (4dr Sedan Long Range AWD).
Buying used? The 2023 Giulia and the 2017 Model 3 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 Giulia and the 2018 Model 3.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Alfa Romeo Giulia if…
- You put reliability history first (17 vs 36 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Tesla Model 3 if…
- You want an EV with more range (363 miles)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia
- AWD / 4WD available
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 27 MPG combined, 13% below the 2026 midsize car average of 31.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Tesla Model 3
- Long EV rangeUp to 363 miles on a charge (EPA).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model 3 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →