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- The Tonale Compact SUV shares its major systems with the Dodge Hornet SUV.
- People buy sporty exotic cars that are noticed. Be seen, heard, and they may have praised and praised.
Things I never thought I would say:
- More wing joints are required around this area.
- There are not enough construction areas this summer.
- The new Alfa Romeo is not gorgeous enough.
Despite 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque being arrested to get out of the hood, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sporty SUV needs an injection of theatricality.
There is a myth that many car reviewers cling to:
- Most buyers would rather drive a sedan than an SUV.
- The station wagon is cool.
- A passionate driver like “Stealscar” gets faster, but doesn’t look like anything special.
no. A thousand times, no.
People buy sporty exotic cars that are noticed. Be seen, heard, and they may have praised and praised.
No one buys an Alfa Romeo to fade into the crowd.
Nevertheless, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale, which I recently drove for a week, suffered from an astonishing case of anonymity.
It drove well, but as I rolled down the quiet street in the car park it was just a compact SUV.
2025 Alpha Romeo
- Base: $36,495
- Base Plugin Hybrid: $45,995
- Intense: $44,495
- Intensa plug-in hybrid: $54,495
Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude the $3,250 destination charge.
What is Tonre?
The Tonale Compact SUV shares its major systems with the Dodge Hornet SUV. All-wheel drive with either gasoline or plug-in hybrid power supplies is standard.
The Alfa Romeo is building both vehicles in Italy.
Sales in the US began in 2023. Alfa sold 3,383 in 2024 and 1,156 in the first half of this year.
Stellantis has not revealed any changes to the 2026 Tonale model.
The Tonale competes with compact and subcompact luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q3, BMW X2, Lexus UX and Mercedes GLA.
I drove a base model with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produced 268 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. Linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid or PHEV develops 285 horsepower and 347 pound-feet from the 1.3L engine, and develops an electric motor linked to a six-speed automatic.
The PHEV is faster and more fuel efficient than the gasoline-only model.
Tonale prices start at $36,495. We tested a well-equipped, gasoline-only tonle with stickers for $42,130.
All prices rule out destination fees – water your eyes, $3,250 I doubt to hide the impact of import duties declared since the 2025 model year began in 2024.
The price hike from gasoline to plug-in hybrids is $9,500 on a base and $10,000 on a PHEV.
Look and Feel
The shape of the Tonale is typical of a small SUV. Distinguishing properties include standard 18-inch tires with 5-hole wheels, a V-shaped gloss grille, adaptive LED headlights and daytime running lamps.
In addition to the start button mounted on the leather steering wheel, key features include power 8-way front seats, a 12.3-inch customizable instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and Stelatis’ excellent UConnect connection and control package.
Heated front seats and steering wheel are standard.
Main Standard Features: 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale
- All-wheel drive
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless charging
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind spots and traffic cross-alerts
- 18 inch tires
Drive impressions
The Tonale is comfortable, but exciting in normal driving mode.
The center stack dial has three modes for D for dynamics, n for normal use, and three modes for efficiency. The first two abbreviations are easy enough to understand. The reason for “efficiency” is not immediately clear, but Alpha likes to mention the brand’s lace DNA.
The one-click, dynamic tap on the right of “Normal” taps some characteristics that have built the reputation of the Alpha. The throttle and steering are more responsive and the shifting is more aggressive. The settings do not significantly affect the performance of the suspension or exhaust memos.
The total parts are a more satisfying driving experience, but exciting.
Gasoline Tonle runs 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, but the alpha rather vaguely promises “less than 6 seconds” of PHEV. Neither number is very impressive for brands whose reputation depends on performance.
The PHEV also earns 29 mpg in total city/highway fuel economy estimates compared to 24 mpg on gasoline. The PHEV can cover 33 miles with electricity alone.
The internal combustion Tonares wins an award with a top speed of 140 mph against the PHEV’s 125.
Why buy Alfa Romeotonal?
The Tonale is fun to drive in sport mode with responsive steering and competent suspension.
The interior has first-class connections and controls, and the charming Alpha touches like a start button attached to the handle. Dynamic driving mode ratchets the fun, but less than you would expect from a well-known Italian sports brand.
The base price of Tonale is attractive, but be sure to consider the high shipping costs and price leap from gasoline to PHEV.
2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale at a glance
Small all-wheel drive luxury SUV
5 seats 5
Base price: $36,495
On sale in late 2025
Model Test: Tonale AWD
Price as tested: $42,130
Power: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Output: 268 HP; 295 pound-feet. Premium fuel required for listed ouput
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
Maximum speed: 140 mph
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 21 mpg City/29 Highway/24 Total. Regular gasoline.
Wheelbase: 103.8 inches
Length: 178.3 inches
Width: 82 inches with mirror
Height: 63.2 inches
Ground clearance: 6.1 inches
Towing ability: 3,307
Curb weight: 3,715 lbs
It was assembled in Pomiliano, Italy
Please contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Please read more Auto And sign up for us Automotive Newsletter. Become a subscriber.
