2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Overview

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale will inject some Italian blood into the fray of subcompact luxury crossovers. With sexy bodywork that’s accentuated by Alfa Romeo’s signature sharp-nosed face, the Tonale is sure to garner admiring looks. The company also promises that it’ll be satisfying to drive, with a fully independent suspension and available adaptive dampers. Power comes from a 285-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain with more than 30 miles of estimated all-electric range. Throw in the elevated driving position and standard all-wheel drive that SUV shoppers crave—as well as the potential for a high-powered Quadrifoglio model—and the 2024 Tonale is set to be a compelling new entry in a class that includes the BMW X1, the Mercedes-Benz GLA250, and the Volvo XC40.

What’s New for 2024?

The Tonale debuted in concept form at the 2019 Geneva auto show. Now, Alfa has released official photos and information that give us a much better idea about what the new little Italian ute has to offer. The company says the Tonale will hit U.S. showrooms starting in the first quarter of 2023.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Sprint

$44,590

$46,590

Veloce

$49,090

Since the Tonale already starts at a slightly higher than most rivals, we’d exercise restraint and go with the mid-range Ti trim. We don’t have a full run-down of the Ti’s standard features but we know it comes with added luxuries such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging pad, interior ambient lighting, and a power-operated rear liftgate.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Tonale is offered with one powertrain and all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid features a turbo 1.3-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor mounted on the rear axle that together generate a combined 285 horses. Alfa equips the plug-in Tonale with a six-speed automatic and a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s said to provide over 30 miles of electric-only driving range. All models ride on a fully independent suspension; adaptive dampers are optional. So far we’ve only had a chance to sample a European model, which was powered by a weaker hybrid powertrain than what we’ll get here in North America. We’ll have to wait to drive a U.S.-spec model to prove Alfa’s claims, but the brand promises a driving experience that will remain true to its “race-inspired DNA”.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

While the EPA hasn’t yet released fuel economy estimates for the Tonale, its plug-in hybrid powertrain could give it an efficiency edge over nonhybrid rivals such as the GLA250 and the X1. For more information about the Tonale’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the circular air vents and the dashboard’s driver-centric layout are clearly evolved from the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and the Stelvio SUV. The dash also features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and its three-spoke steering wheel puts a modern spin on a classic design. A pair of prominent paddle shifters are available, too. The interior is appointed with a mix of aluminum trim as well as leather and microsuede surfaces. The front seats look particularly supportive, and they’re also stylish, with red contrast stitching and Alfa Romeo crests on the headrests.

Alfa Romeo

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Tonale comes standard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It features Uconnect 5 software that’s shared with many other models under the Stellantis umbrella. Along with a customizable home screen, it offers several configurable interfaces with up to five unique user profiles. Its standout standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless phone charging.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Alfa offers a smorgasbord of standard technology on the Tonale’s driver-assistance menu, from automated emergency braking to adaptive cruise control. For more information about the Tonale’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert Available 360-degree camera system

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Despite the company’s reputation for reliability woes, Alfa Romeo endows the Tonale with only average warranty coverage.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 milesPowertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 milesComplimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles