Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa's compact luxury-sport sedan corners and steers like a sports car, which makes it fun to drive. Still, it's filled with everyday annoyances, such as its unintuitive controls. The 280-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and provides punchy acceleration even in the all-wheel-drive version. The firm ride absorbs most bumps, but it's less plush than many competitors. Fuel economy at 27 mpg overall is among the best in the class. The attractive interior has matte wood and nicely textured surfaces, but some switchgear is cheap. The convoluted infotainment system is distracting to use. Seat comfort is compromised by a short cushion and limited range of adjustments, and the cabin isn't as quiet as that of its peers. The high-performance Quadrifoglio version is even sportier, but at the expense of comfort.