TLX vs Giulia
Put the TLX next to the Giulia and you have Acura and Alfa Romeo going after exactly the same compact luxury car crowd. The gap between the TLX and the Giulia is narrow enough that price, looks or habit could reasonably tip it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Giulia wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Engine & Performance7.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The TLX has a 12 in longer body
We don’t score this one. The TLX lists 194.6 in and the Giulia 182.6 in, and the better choice depends on your needs. Neither is better in general; it’s a trade-off between space inside and ease of parking.
-
The Giulia has 26 lb-ft more torque
The Giulia nudges ahead with 306 lb-ft, while the TLX lists 280 lb-ft. The Giulia’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
- TLX 194.6 in × 75.2 in × 56.4 in
- Giulia 182.6 in × 73.7 in × 56.5 in
The TLX and the Giulia take up almost exactly the same space.
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | Giulia |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | 182.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | 73.7 in |
| Height | 56.4 in | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 111 in |
Engine & Performance
Giulia leads
If you’re keeping score, the engine & performance point goes narrowly to the Giulia. Point to the Giulia for 26 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. That makes the Giulia the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Torque
TLX: 280 lb-ft Giulia: 306 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
The TLX and the Giulia differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TLX | Giulia |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 306 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | AWD (Q4) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TLX | Giulia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TLX | Giulia |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft | 13.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TLX | Giulia |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TLX | Giulia |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 8.8 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | Giulia |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | 182.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | 73.7 in |
| Height | 56.4 in | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 111 in |
Price
| Spec | TLX | Giulia |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,400 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Giulia if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (306 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Alfa Romeo’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the TLX or the Giulia?
On the specs compared here, the Giulia makes more sense for most buyers; the TLX doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the TLX bigger than the Giulia?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the TLX and the Giulia differ only marginally.
Executive Summary
Comparing the TLX and the Giulia feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. It’s hard to argue with 26 lb-ft more torque, which is exactly what the Giulia brings.
The TLX is built for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture heavily, and the Giulia for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: the Giulia.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.