The Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 has carved a niche for itself in the competitive sedan market, blending Italian style with performance. But beyond its alluring aesthetics and driving dynamics, safety remains a paramount concern for prospective buyers. This comprehensive guide delves into the safety ratings of the 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia, providing a detailed analysis based on rigorous testing to help you make an informed decision.
A Deep Dive into Crashworthiness: IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) subjects vehicles to a battery of crash tests to evaluate occupant protection. One of the most challenging is the small overlap front test, simulating a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object.
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia, specifically models built after May 2017, earned a “Good” rating in this demanding test. This top score reflects robust structural design and effective safety measures.
This action shot from the small overlap frontal crash test demonstrates the structural integrity of the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 during impact.
Key takeaways from the small overlap front test:
- Structure and Safety Cage: The Giulia’s structure and safety cage were graded “Good,” indicating that the vehicle effectively maintained its structural integrity, crucial for protecting occupants.
- Driver Injury Measures: All driver injury measures—head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot—received “Good” ratings. This signifies a low risk of significant injuries to the driver in a similar real-world crash scenario.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: The driver restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated “Good,” highlighting the effectiveness of the seatbelts and airbags in controlling occupant movement and minimizing injury risk.
Post-crash, the dummy’s position within the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 showcases the maintained survival space, indicating effective occupant protection.
Technical measurements from the small overlap front test reveal specific data points:
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 5 |
| Footrest (cm) | 13 | |
| Left toepan (cm) | 9 | |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 12 | |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Steering column (cm) | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 4 | |
| Upper dash (cm) | 5 | |
| Driver Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 262 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 | |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 30 | |
| Left Femur (kN) | 1.4 | |
| Right Femur (kN) | 1.1 | |
| Lower Leg/Foot Injury Risk | Left Tibia Index | 0.52 |
| Right Tibia Index | 0.53 |
These measurements provide concrete evidence of the Giulia’s performance in managing crash forces and minimizing intrusion into the occupant compartment.
The coordinated deployment of frontal and side curtain airbags in the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 effectively shields the head from potential injury.
The spacious driver’s side of the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 after the crash test confirms minimal risk of leg and foot injuries.
Moderate Overlap Front Test: Ensuring Robust Frontal Impact Protection
Another critical evaluation is the moderate overlap front test, which assesses how a vehicle fares when the front of the car impacts a deformable barrier with a significant portion of its width. Again, for 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia models built after May 2017, the results are reassuring.
The Giulia achieved an overall “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test, mirroring its success in the small overlap assessment.
This action capture from the moderate overlap frontal crash test highlights the controlled deformation of the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019’s front structure.
Key findings from the moderate overlap front test:
- Overall Evaluation & Structure: The “Good” overall evaluation and structure rating reaffirm the Giulia’s strong frontal crash protection capabilities.
- Driver Injury Measures: Consistent with the small overlap test, all driver injury measures (head/neck, chest, leg/foot) earned “Good” ratings.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: The “Good” rating for driver restraints and dummy kinematics further validates the effectiveness of the Giulia’s safety systems.
The dummy’s stable position relative to the steering wheel and instrument panel in the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 indicates excellent maintenance of survival space.
Greasepaint marks on the side curtain airbag reveal the effective head protection provided by the airbag system in the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 during rebound.
The well-preserved driver’s space in the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 after the moderate overlap test signifies a low risk of injuries to legs and feet.
Technical measurements from the moderate overlap front test provide further insights:
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Footwell Intrusion | Footrest (cm) | 2 |
| Left (cm) | 2 | |
| Center (cm) | 2 | |
| Right (cm) | 1 | |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement | Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 | |
| Steering Column Movement | Upward (cm) | -2 |
| Rearward (cm) | -8 | |
| Driver Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 171 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 | |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 34 | |
| Left Femur Force (kN) | 0.7 | |
| Right Femur Force (kN) | 1.0 | |
| Lower Leg/Foot Injury Risk | Left Tibia Index | 0.43 |
| Right Tibia Index | 0.33 |
These detailed measurements underscore the Giulia’s ability to effectively absorb and dissipate crash energy in a moderate overlap frontal impact.
Side Impact Protection: A Crucial Safety Aspect
Side impacts pose significant risks, and the IIHS side crash test evaluates a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in such scenarios. The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia secured a “Good” overall rating in the side: original test, applicable to 2017-25 models.
An overview of the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 immediately after the side impact crash test, illustrating the initial impact zone.
Key highlights from the side impact test:
- Overall Evaluation & Structure: The “Good” overall and structure/safety cage ratings demonstrate the Giulia’s robust side impact protection.
- Driver & Rear Passenger Injury Measures: All driver and rear passenger injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg) achieved “Good” ratings, indicating comprehensive occupant protection in side collisions.
- Head Protection: Both driver and rear passenger head protection were rated “Good,” highlighting the effectiveness of side airbags in preventing head injuries.
A view of the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 with doors removed post-side impact, showing the deployed side airbags and the structural deformation.
Greasepaint evidence on the side curtain airbag confirms the effective head protection for the driver in the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 during a side impact.
Similarly, greasepaint on the side airbag indicates successful head protection for the rear passenger in the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 during the side impact test.
Technical measurements from the side impact test provide granular data:
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion | B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -17.5 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 87 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 | |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 35 | |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 1.5 | |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 116 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.9 | |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 31 | |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 2.9 |
The negative intrusion measurement indicates that the structural crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, further emphasizing the robust side-impact protection.
Roof Strength: Rollover Protection Assessment
Roof strength is crucial for rollover crashes. The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia also earned a “Good” overall evaluation in the roof strength test (applicable to 2017-23 models).
| Evaluation Category | Rating | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G | |
| Curb Weight | 3,590 lbs | |
| Peak Force | 18,829 lbs | |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 5.24 |
A strength-to-weight ratio of 5.24 signifies that the Giulia’s roof can withstand over five times its weight, contributing to occupant safety in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints and Seats: Whiplash Protection
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions. The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia’s head restraints and seats received a “Good” overall evaluation, indicating effective whiplash protection.
| Evaluation Category | Rating | Seat Type |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G | Power leather seat |
| Dynamic Rating | G | |
| Seat/Head Geometry | G |
Technical measurements for head restraints and seats:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 2 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 2 |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 9.0 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 58 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 316 |
These measurements demonstrate the Giulia’s seat and head restraint design effectively minimizes neck strain in rear impacts.
Headlight Performance: Visibility and Glare Evaluation
Headlight performance is a critical safety feature, especially at night. The IIHS evaluates headlights based on visibility and glare. The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia has four different headlight variations tested, with ratings ranging from “Good” to “Poor” depending on the trim and package.
Headlight Ratings Overview:
| Trim Level/Package | Low-beam Type | High-beam Type | Curve-Adaptive? | High-beam Assist? | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ti/Quadrifoglio with High Performance Bi-Xenon & Driver Assist Dynamic Plus | HID Projector | HID Projector | Yes | Yes | G |
| Ti/Quadrifoglio with High Performance Bi-Xenon | HID Projector | HID Projector | Yes | No | G |
| Base/Ti with Driver Assist Dynamic Plus | HID Projector | HID Projector | No | Yes | P |
| Base/Ti (Standard) | HID Projector | HID Projector | No | No | P |
It’s important to note that the “Good” rated headlights are available on higher trims and with specific packages, while base trims have “Poor” rated headlights due to excessive glare and inadequate visibility on curves. If headlight performance is a priority, opting for trims with “Good” rated headlights is advisable.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle System
Front crash prevention systems are increasingly important in mitigating accidents. The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia, with the optional Forward Collision Warning Plus system (part of the Driver Assist Dynamic Plus Package), achieved a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention (applicable to 2017-19 models built after May 2017).
System Performance Highlights:
- Forward Collision Warning: Meets requirements.
- 12 mph Test: Collision avoided.
- 25 mph Test: Impact speed reduced by 24 mph.
This “Superior” rating indicates the system’s effectiveness in preventing or mitigating frontal collisions in vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH): Ease of Use
Child seat anchors (LATCH) are essential for secure child seat installation. The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia received a “Marginal” rating for LATCH ease of use (applicable to 2017-25 models).
LATCH System Details:
- Complete LATCH Hardware: 2 rear seating positions.
- Tether Anchor Only: 1 additional seating position.
- Ease of Use Rating: Marginal due to lower anchors being too deep in the seat and difficult to maneuver around.
While the Giulia provides LATCH anchors, their “Marginal” rating suggests that installing child seats might be less convenient compared to vehicles with “Good” or “Acceptable” LATCH ratings.
Conclusion: A Safe and Stylish Choice
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia demonstrates strong safety performance across various IIHS crash tests, earning “Good” ratings in key areas like small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints & seats (for specific models built after May 2017). Its optional front crash prevention system is rated “Superior.” However, headlight performance and LATCH ease of use are areas where ratings vary or are less favorable.
Overall, the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 offers a compelling blend of safety and Italian flair. For buyers prioritizing safety, understanding these detailed ratings and considering trims with better headlight options can lead to a well-informed and confident purchase. By examining these safety aspects alongside its performance and style, you can determine if the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 is the right vehicle to meet your needs and provide peace of mind on the road.
