Alfa Romeo
Giulia
Cadillac
ATS
Alfa Romeo Giulia vs Cadillac ATS: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Alfa Romeo Giulia comes out ahead of the Cadillac ATS on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Giulia
Overall
Owners overwhelmingly praise the Giulia's exceptional handling, steering feel, and unique character, often calling it the best-driving sedan in its class. However, this enthusiasm is tempered by widespread frustration with high maintenance costs, a poor dealership experience (especially at shared CDJR locations), and persistent reliability concerns, particularly for early model years. The Quadrifoglio is celebrated as a thrilling performance car, but its reputation for issues and steep depreciation is a recurring theme.
Best version to buy
The Quadrifoglio (QV) is the most praised version for its performance and driving experience, but owners caution that early model years (2017-2019) are risky. The 2.0T Veloce/Ti Sport is well-regarded for daily driving, though some wish for a mid-range V6 option between the base and QV.
Known issues
- ⚠- Brake-by-wire system lurching and poor modulation: Frequency: recurrent. Mostly reported on 2017 models; later years improved. - Infotainment lag, low-resolution backup camera, no touchscreen on early models: Frequency: recurrent.
ATS
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving dynamics and reliability. The ATS is very frequently praised for its exceptional handling, steering feel, and chassis dynamics, with many owners and community feedback stating it was superior to contemporary BMW 3 Series models, particularly the F30 generation. The Alpha platform is consistently highlighted as a key strength, offering a rewarding and engaging driving experience.
Best version to buy
ATS-V: The high-performance variant is singled out for its exceptional performance, durable track-warrantied powertrain, and retention of the superb Alpha chassis dynamics. The 3.6L V6 engine (non-V) is also frequently recommended over the 2.0L turbo for its perceived greater reliability and smoother power delivery, despite being less fuel-efficient.
Known issues
- ⚠2.0L Turbo (LTG) engine failures: Catastrophic piston and piston ring failures, often around 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km), leading to misfires and requiring engine replacement.
- ⚠Chronic engine misfires: Recurring across multiple cylinders, often related to ignition coils, spark plugs, and fuel injectors, causing rough idle, stalling, and drivability issues. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system failures: Touchscreen delamination/"shattering," system freezes, unresponsiveness, and complete unit failures. Very costly to replace out of warranty. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Cadillac ATS, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Cadillac ATS is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Alfa Romeo Giulia or the Cadillac ATS?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Cadillac ATS. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Alfa Romeo Giulia or the Cadillac ATS?
The Cadillac ATS seats more passengers than the Alfa Romeo Giulia on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Alfa Romeo Giulia is classed as a Sedan, the Cadillac ATS as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Alfa Romeo Giulia or the Cadillac ATS?
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.8 L/100km combined versus 12.4 L/100km for the Cadillac ATS, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Alfa Romeo Giulia or the Cadillac ATS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Cadillac ATS than the Alfa Romeo Giulia. See the known issues comparison above.