Italian automobiles are typically known for being exotic, fast, expensive, and impractical.
Being such, many car buyers see them as unobtainable. But a crossover SUV from Alfa
Romeo is changing that. It’s somewhat exotic, it’s fast, and it doesn’t carry a price tag that requires you to see your accountant. And it’s an SUV, so it is quite practical. I’m referring to the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a small crossover SUV that comes in under the brand’s other
SUV, the Stelvio. Out since 2023 as a 2024 model the Tonale was initially offered only
as a hybrid. For 2025, though, buyers can now opt for a new gasoline-powered version or
still go with the same hybrid offering.

Now in its sophomore year, the Tonale’s exterior styling remains unchanged. It isn’t
extremely flashy as you might expect for an Italian vehicle, but notice the uniqueness to
it, like the rotary-dial inspired wheels and the 3+3 headlight design, and you’ll realize the Tonale is striking, but in a subtle way.

The interior of the Tonale follows the same agenda. At first, it doesn’t instantly grab your attention, but soon, the details emerge. There is the perfectly sized steering wheel with the start button mounted on it. Adding a splash of spark are the multicolor patterns found on the inner part of the seats. Top-trim levels get a cabin draped in leather, Alcantara suede and aluminum accents.

The Tonale seats five, but despite its small footprint, its back seat is quite roomy. And
those seated back there get their own air vents and USB ports. Behind the back seat is
about 23 cubic feet of cargo room. So yes – an Italian vehicle can be practical.

The Tonale continues to be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) – a 1.3-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 180 horsepower supplemented by a 121-hp electric
motor on the rear axle to make a combined 285 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. A 15.5-kWh
battery stores enough energy for approximately 33 miles of electric-only range. Once the
battery is depleted and the Tonale switches over to become a hybrid, it achieves a
combined 29-mpg EPA rating. Fully charging the battery should take about 2.5 hours
using a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

New for 2025, is an all-gas engine – a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is good
for 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The EPA rates it at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg
highway, with a combined rating of 24 mpg.

Hybrid Tonale’s use a six-speed automatic transmission while the gasoline-powered
Tonale uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. Every Tonale is all-wheel drive.

Alfa Romeo offers the Tonale in two trim levels – Base and Tributo Italiano Special
Edition. The Base, which can be had with either the gas engine or the PHEV, comes
surprisingly well-equipped with power front seats, dual zone climate control, wireless
charging pad and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster along with a 10.25-inch
infotainment touchscreen. Pricing for the Base with a gas engine starts at a reasonable
$36,445, while going with the PHEV is $49,245. The Tributo Italiano Special Edition is
offered only as a PHEV and gets 20-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, a Harman
Kardon sound system and red Brembo brake calipers. Pricing starts at $53,990.

The tester is a Base model with an MSRP of $39,930.

Last year, I sampled a Tonale PHEV and found it to be a mixed bag. It was quick, but the
driver seemed isolated and not as engaged as one would expect to be, especially in a
vehicle of Italian heritage. Now, despite packing 17 fewer horses under the hood, the
lighter, all-gas Tonale is just as quick as the PHEV version. On top of that, the non-
hybrid Tonale feels more energetic and eager, which translates to a much more enjoyable
driving experience. Regardless of powerplant, the Tonale is able to hit 60 mph in the mid
5-second range, which should be plenty quick for most drivers. And every Tonale is
equipped with Alfa’s DNA drive mode system, which stands for Dynamic, Natural and
Advanced, allowing you to adapt the steering, throttle, shift-mapping, and fuel efficiency
of the Tonale by simply turning a dial.

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale equipped with the gas turbocharged engine may be a rare
case where less is more. Coming in at around $10,000 less than its PHEV version, the
nonhybrid Tonale ends up being not just more affordable but is also more fun to drive.
Fitting – as Italians vehicles are best known to be fun to drive, first and foremost. No
question now, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is pure Italian.

                            -- Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale AWD

Base Price:     $36,495.00
Price as Tested:    $39,930.00 
Layout:         front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine:         2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission:       nine-speed automatic
Horsepower:     268 hp
Torque:         295 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy:   21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway    

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