Michael Satterfield
Alfa Romeo’s foray into the American crossover market hasn’t been easy. The Tonale was introduced with high hopes, a gateway into electrification with their plug-in hybrid powertrain, a bold step toward a broader audience. However, the compact SUV classic is saturated with alternatives, and because of its price range, the Tonale competes with everyone from Kia to BMW. Three years in, the Tonale is still trying to find its footing. For 2025, the brand continues to offer two flavors: a plug-in hybrid and the less-talked-about 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline model. And it’s the latter, the non-electrified, gas-only Tonale AWD, that I spent time with recently.
This version of the Tonale almost feels like a time capsule in a world pushing ever closer toward full electrification. But for the right buyer, that’s exactly its appeal; it also costs around $10,000 less than its plug-in hybrid sibling, meaning the Alfa Romeo Tonale 2.0 starts at just $36,495.
The Heart of the Tonale
Under the hood of the 2025 Tonale AWD is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While it might lack the plug-in variant’s hybrid tech and EV-only mode, this drivetrain offers something the PHEV doesn’t: simplicity.
The engine is responsive and eager, delivering smooth torque that builds confidently through the midrange. It doesn’t feel lightning-fast off the line, but once you’re moving, there’s a fluidity to the power delivery that makes everyday driving enjoyable. Still, it isn’t the sporty experience you might expect from an Alfa Romeo. The nine-speed gearbox occasionally hesitates to downshift under partial throttle, but once you figure out its rhythm, it settles in well.
A Crossover That Can Kind Of Corner
On a winding two-lane outside of Austin, the Tonale showed off that while it is not super sporty, it still can be fun to drive. While not as communicative as I would expect from an Alfa Romeo, the steering is direct and precise for a crossover, and the AWD system gives you some confidence, but it still is a high-riding SUV, and you can feel it when the body rolls as you enter a tight corner.. The ride is firm without being harsh, and it’s more dynamic than most value-focused SUVs, but not as sharp as the more sporting BMWs and Audis. It’s far from perfect, but it’s willing to dance a little, just don’t start planning any track days.
That said, the experience isn’t without its shortcomings. Road and wind noise creep into the cabin at highway speeds. The steering, while sharp, lacks honest feedback. And although the Tonale looks sporty, it doesn’t feel swift compared to the competition. A BMW X1 will out-sprint it, and a Mazda CX-5 Turbo offers more refinement at a lower price.
Looks That Still Turn Heads
Let’s talk about style, because if the Tonale has an ace up its sleeve, this is it. Even after three model years, the Tonale is still one of the best-looking vehicles in its segment. The scudetto grille, sleek profile, and classic Alfa Romeo wheels give it a boutique, premium feel.
Inside, the story is mostly consistent. The digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen look sharp, and the layout is intuitive enough. But dig deeper, and you’ll find a few hard plastics and rough edges that feel out of step with the nearly $40,000 starting price. It’s a mix of old-school Alfa charm and Stellantis cost-cutting.
Seats are comfortable, with decent bolstering and available heating, but rear passenger space is tight for adults, and cargo capacity trails the segment leaders. The Tonale feels more like a stylish city crossover than a do-it-all family hauler.
Daily Life in the Tonale
Over a week of mixed driving, the Tonale proved competent and even enjoyable in certain settings. It was composed in traffic, easy to park, and capable of mild weekend getaways. Fuel economy averaged just over 26 mpg combined, which puts it in line with other turbocharged crossovers in the class.
Still, the Tonale’s real-world practicality is limited. The infotainment system, while functional, is prone to occasional lag. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but the audio system felt a little underwhelming for the price point. And while the suite of safety features is comprehensive, adaptive cruise, lane keep, blind spot assist, they aren’t as well-integrated or intuitive as those found in rivals from Volvo or Acura.
The Price of Passion
And that’s the Tonale’s biggest problem: the numbers don’t add up. With a starting MSRP of over $36,000 and climbing quickly to over $56,000, fully loaded. It’s tough to justify over more refined or spacious alternatives. You’re paying a premium for design, heritage, and that unmistakable Alfa Romeo badge.
But with dealers still trying to move unsold 2024 models off their lots, and incentives becoming increasingly common, one has to wonder how much longer Alfa can rely on design alone to carry the Tonale forward in the U.S.; the platform-sharing Dodge Hornet is also facing a similar fate.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is a niche choice in a broad market. It’s a vehicle that appeals to a particular buyer who values aesthetics, uniqueness, and Italian flair over spec-sheet dominance or mainstream practicality. It’s fun, different, and certainly more characterful than the average luxury compact SUV. But it’s also flawed, inconsistent, and not particularly great value for money.
Would I buy one? Not at sticker price. But if the dealer’s feeling generous, and you want something that doesn’t blend into the HEB parking lot, the Tonale Sprint AWD might charm your driveway.
Photos Courtesy of Alfa Romeo
