Alfa Romeo Tonale Puts The “S” In SUV

Americans want it all. This applies to everything from computers to cars. OEMs attempt to turn our roadgoing conveyances into Swiss army knives and the jack of all trades. In the process, some find that happy middle ground between performance, economy, being ecologically sound, and truly utilitarian. And then comes the limited-production Alfa Romeo Tonale Tributo Italiano eAWD.

Article and images by John Grafman

To the casual observer, this looks like a compact, sport utility vehicle (SUV) or standard cross-over utility vehicle. But in reality, this is a product of a proud Italian manufacturer with a racing heritage and the utility aspect is taking a backseat to sport.

Before firing up this All-Wheel Drive (AWD) plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the Tonale that’s saddled with just a 1.3-liter turbo gas engine could be thought of as the alternative to a typical econocar. That’s Mini Cooper territory. Those thoughts melt away like ice cubes on a hot, summer day in Palm Springs once on the road. If you think this is about getting more miles per gallon, fuhgeddaboudit! The Alfa Romeo Tonale begs the driver to mash the big pedal on the right with purpose, like grapes being pressed into wine.

Tonale Rewards Drivers with Responsive Steering, Breaking, and Acceleration

This unibody four-door is indeed a fun, nimble, and quick high-profile vehicle. With a half-foot shorter overall length than its stablemate, the Stilvio, this wants to carve up the road. The short overhangs both front and rear allows Alfa to maximize the space inside, slightly elongating the wheelbase and improving ride quality in the process. The Tonale rewards drivers with responsive steering, breaking, and acceleration.

This 285-horsepower model with 347 lb.-ft. of torque yields 0-60 times that are noted elsewhere as 5.5-5.8 seconds. This is a byproduct of the electrification. An EV just naturally offers this kind of response provided the controller is set up to extract more juice off the line. All it takes is more battery power. Coincidentally, the story isn’t much different with an ICE powered car, which will consume more petrol. The real contrast is in top speed, as the PHEV Tonale will max out at just 125 mph, 15 mph shy of the 2.0-liter turbo.

The six-speed automatic, DNA powertrain offers four modes that can be selected to the driver’s desire. These include Dual power/Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficiency, and ESC off. Short excursions allow the battery to be used exclusively, or in conjunction with the 1.3-liter gas engine. With a combined EPA number of 77 MPGe, this becomes a worthy, around town commuter that has the heart of a sports car. The stated fuel economy of the PHEV’s stablemate is 21/29/24 (city/highway/combo). Curiously, the Tonale fit with the 2.0-liter sans hybrid powertrain comes with a nine-speed transmission. Perhaps the hybrid would also benefit from those extra gears as well.

Does the Alfa Stand Apart from the Pack

On the open highway for an extended drive, it can be an extremely different story. Once the battery power is depleted after roughly 33-miles, the Tonale is dependent on the diminutive turbo 4-cylinder. Normally, that’s not a problem. However, motoring above the posted speed limit taxes the ICE, and fuel economy nose-dives. With a twist of the DNA settings knob that resides just forward and above/left the center console shifter, one can adjust the amount of energy that’s being tapped to charge the battery. The Advance Efficiency (A) setting prioritizing full electric and thereby using more gas.

Our experience with moderate winds, gradual inclines, and in keeping up with traffic at highway speeds while in the Natural (N) mode, the Alfa Romeo was averaging a tick below 20 mpg.

There are no shortages of crossover products in the marketplace. The number of true, premium sport machines with similar practical packaging is less, but there is still stiff competition. Does the Alfa stand apart from the pack? The real answer is, it depends.

THE BRAND –
For most enthusiasts of a certain age, their first exposure to Alfa Romeo came via the 1967 film, The Graduate, starring Dustin Hoffman. The Duetto Spider 1600 fits the definition of exotic with just 6,000 produced. This, along with a spirited soul, in turn created the mystique that most manufacturers would dream of.

The First Exposure to Alfa Romeo for many Came Via the 1967 Film, The Graduate

During the filming of The Graduate, the cast and crew did take notice of the red, convertible, four-wheeled co-star. One of those on hand, Thomas Del Ruth – the assistant cameraman during the production, spills the beans, “I thought the car had a sleek elegance in an affordable package, and the overall design seemed progressive for the time.” Then again, “One of the things is that it never ran properly. It was always breaking down,” according to Del Ruth. Fortunately, Alfa Romeo has improved its reliability over the decades and now offers a warranty that would have been inconceivable in the sixties with 4-years / 50,000-miles on the powertrain along with the basic warranty. The hybrid system and the high voltage battery have an 8-year / 100,000-mile warranty to qualm any concerns.

As legend has it, Dustin Hoffman did suggest using the Alfa Romeo, and probably for good reason. Yes, this did have sex appeal. But perhaps it had to do with Hoffman’s uncle, as he imported the Italian sports cars. Either way, the brand got a toehold in the American market.

Today, Alfa Romeo is just another nameplate in the Stellantis portfolio vying for some attention. That doesn’t mean that the name plate doesn’t carry some cache among those that know. In 2025, numerous OEMs are sharing the same sporty angle, thereby watering down the exclusivity that Alfa Romeo has crafted over the decades. But few are synonymous with sports cars in the same manner.

DESIGN / EXTERIOR –
Aside from the distinct front, triangular grille that we associate with Alfa, this is a rather conservative, nondescript, familiar design in this genre. Bold is not the word we would use describe the Tonale. However, this will probably stand the test of time with more grace that other models that have exaggerated features. The soft, organic-like body does come across as being curvaceous. Those that handwash and wax their own cars will love caressing the flowing panels. The slim, yet effective, LED Trilobe headlights and tails lights are appropriate resolutions in terms of design and don’t distract from the overall body form. Plus, the narrow, side-to-side taillight section helps to visually widen the car.

The right color paint will bring the body to life. In contrast, the white paint found on this specific unit does not allow us to appreciate the form in the same way, which is a shame.

The Tonale isn’t overly adorned with excessive trim, however details like the dual chrome tailpipes do catch the eye.

This is an On-Road Warrior

The details matter. The Tributo Italiano package includes striking 20-inch Grigio 5-hole wheels that take on extra significance and add a hint of zippiness to the look. And the low-profile tires reinforce the messaging, this is an on-road warrior. Coupled with the Grigio wheels are striking, gloss red calipers with the Alfa Romeo name splashed across the surface in white script. Even the embedded colors of the Italian flag in the side mirrors serve as a reminder as to the heritage of the brand. These hint at the soul of the Tonale.

DESIGN / INTERIOR –
The Tonale has an inviting interior albeit this is also a tad subdued. The layout of the major interior components is tasteful and have contrasting colored surrounds. Certainly, one of the unusual placements is the Start / Stop button. Normally, this would be on the dashboard or center console, yet this finds a home dangling off the lower left of the steering wheel’s hub. It’s neither good nor bad, but unique. Similarly, the location of the audio system volume control on the center console to the right side of the shifter is a tad awkward for the driver, but it’s handy for the co-pilot.

A majority of controls can be found on the 10.25-inch center touchscreen. As products like the Alfa Romeo Tonale offer more features, the challenge becomes packaging it all. The icons for these controls are on the small side, which requires added attention and driver effort to locate and properly actuate while driving. For those that use reading glasses, well, this is a bit of a challenge.

Looks Fit for a Performance-Oriented Product

The seating looks fit for a performance-oriented product. The nearly grainless, firm finish on the leather seats is not particularly grippy, and it’s slippery when it comes to adventures. Nevertheless, the side bolsters aren’t just for looks and do a decent job keeping the bodies in the seats. The front seats benefit from 4-Way Power Lumbar Adjustability and both are heated, as well.

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Tributo Italiano eAWD PHEV_AutoDesignO_John Grafman

In seconds, the 60/40 rear seat can fold forward, and this becomes capable of hauling larger loads. The Alfa can swallow the typical smaller items, from groceries to the family dogs. The cargo space grows from 22.9 cubic feet to 50.5 cubic feet once the rear seat is down. This is not out of the norm for the genre, this doesn’t come close to nearly triple that figure.

Alfa Romeo does reinforce the performance image with functional features, like a heated, leather wrapped sport steering wheel, aluminum steering column-mounted paddle shifters, and aluminum pedals. All of which feel appropriate in this.

The Tonale top of the line model does feel like it houses an overabundance of plastic. Perhaps it’s a byproduct of having a black interior color, which amplifies the effect. In this case, having just a bit more variation in material, color, and texture would help. However, even as this is currently appointed, the Tributo Italiano model does feel special and a cut-above SUVs that are over the top with multi-colored materials.

TECH –
The Tonale PHEV has a wide array of goodies. While none are unique in the world of luxury SUVs, the inclusion of all of these means we are not left wanting for anything. The extensive list includes Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning plus full stop, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist, Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Alert, and Emergency Vehicle Alert System. But wait, there’s more. ParkSense® Front and Rear Park Assist System, ParkView® Rear Back-up Camera, more airbags than you can count, Remote-Starting, Rain-Sensitive Windshield Wipers, and the list goes on.

Audio is provided via the Harman Kardon® Premium Audio system, which also features Apple CarPlay®, Google Android Audio, and a wireless charging pad for your mobile device.

OPTIONS –
Beyond the long list of standard features on the Tonale Tributo Italiano eAWD, this has the $2,000 Active Assist Advance Package. This encompasses the handy Auto-Dimming Rear Exterior Mirror, Active Driving Assist System, Surround-View Camera System, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist with Stop, ParkSense Front/Back/Sides Park Assist.

For the traditionalists, $1,400 buys a power moonroof and a black roof. All the tech is nice, but this is a driver’s car. Most that pride themselves on driving can park without the tech overlords, but a moonroof or sunroof is an essential unless one wants to break out a Sawzall at home.

COST –
Another factor in the desirability of this comes down to price. This, and other Alfa Romeo products, could see a price hike due to the unpredictability of President Trump and his advisors. Tariffs could be anywhere from 10-25% on foreign built products. Tonale is in part made in Italy, China, Poland, and other unlisted locations. Will any of the tariffs materialize? The answer is unclear at the moment, but the penalty will almost certainly be absorbed by the buyers, not the OEM, with price hikes. In a saving grace, Alfa won’t be alone. And as the saying goes, misery loves company. Currently, the base price on this special edition runs $51,995. The final price with options and destination charge is $57,430 (without tax or license).

Pricing Is Not Off the Mark

For the time being, pricing is not off the mark. Buyers can find much of the goodness found in our Tonale for less, if the lack of having a hybrid and/or limited-edition Tributo Italiano versions are not deal breakers. Including all the goodies in the upmarket version does feel justified, if you have a desire for a tasty Italian.

BY THE NUMBERS –
eAWD PHEV with a six-speed automatic transmission combines a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery with a 90-kW electric motor and 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to deliver a combined best-in-class 285 horsepower, 347 lb.-ft. of torque and an electric range of 33 miles (53 kilometers). The motor channels 121-horsepower to the rear wheels drawing from a lithium-ion, nickel manganese cobalt graphite, 276 lbs. battery. The PHEV tips the scale just over 600-lbs. more than the standard ICE model. The payload ability drops 148 lbs. to 1,197 lbs. Towing capacity at 2,000 lbs. is a striking 1,300 lbs. less that the non-hybrid model.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale Tributo Italiano Special Edition is a limited-edition plug-in of the hybrid Tonale eAWD. The Tributo Italiano package distinguishes itself with exterior style and functional features including the previously mentioned 20-inch Grigio wheels, red Brembo calipers, dual chrome exhaust, along with a body-color-painted kit, gloss black daylight opening (DLO), aluminum door sills and black-painted roof and a hands-free power liftgate. On the interior, Tonale is upgraded with premium touches include driver seat memory, plus the Harman Kardon audio system and perforated leather seats with red accents. The Tributo Italiano is also available with the new Active Assist Package and moonroof as found on our model.

SPECS –
DIMENSIONS – 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder Turbo PHEV

Length 178.3 in. (4,528 mm)
Height 63.2 in. (1,601 mm)
Width with mirrors 82 in. (2,082 mm)
Wheelbase 103.8 in. (2,636 mm)
Trunk volume w/ Seatbacks Up 22.9 cu.-ft. (648 liters)
Trunk volume w/ Seatbacks Down 50.5 cu.-ft. (1,430 liters)
Ground clearance 5.6 in. (141 mm)
Front overhang 37.4 in. (951 mm)
Rear overhang 37 in. (941 mm)
Fuel tank capacity 11.2 gal (42 L)
Headroom — Front / Rear 38.8 in. / 38.2 in. (986 mm / 970 mm)
Shoulder Room — Front / Rear 55.7 in. / 54.8 in. (1,416 mm / 1,397 mm)
Hip Room — Front / Rear 54.3 in. / 53.5 in. (1,380 mm / 1,360 mm)
Legroom — Front / Rear 41.7 in. / 38.0 in. (1,058 mm / 965 mm)

WEIGHT

Curb (EPA) 4,133 lbs. (1,875 kg)
Payload including driver 1,197 lbs. (543 kg)
Towing capacity 2,000 lbs. (907 kg)