When it comes to cars, Alfa Romeo has always been synonymous with passion, flair, and a dash of drama. Now, they’ve brought all that iconic Italian energy into the world of subcompact luxury crossovers with the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale. From its curvaceous, head-turning design to the sharp, signature Alfa Romeo grille, the Tonale is a vehicle that demands attention. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast of the brand or simply someone who wants to make a stylish entrance, the Tonale has plenty to offer.
But it’s not just about looks—this model also packs a punch under the hood. Powered by a 285-horsepower plug-in hybrid engine and equipped with standard all-wheel drive, the Tonale is designed to give you that extra jolt of excitement while staying eco-conscious. With an electric-only range of over 30 miles, it stands out as one of the few plug-in hybrids in a class dominated by more traditional gas-powered rivals like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA250, and Volvo XC40.
However, not all is perfect with this beauty. If you’re expecting the razor-sharp handling of its Alfa Romeo siblings, the Giulia and Stelvio, you might be a bit let down. The Tonale’s dynamics, while good, don’t quite live up to the high bar set by those models. Still, for those seeking an eye-catching, luxurious, and eco-friendly ride, this Italian crossover has a lot to offer.
What’s New for 2024?
The road to production has been a long one for the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Initially debuting as a concept car way back in 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show, it’s finally arrived in showrooms for 2024. And it’s entering the market with a bang, bringing Italian flair to the increasingly crowded luxury subcompact SUV segment.
Pricing and Which Trim to Buy
Here’s a quick look at the price breakdown for the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale:
- Sprint: $45,440
- Ti: $47,435
- Veloce: $50,435
- Speciale: $50,935
While the base Sprint model is well-equipped, the Ti trim offers the best bang for your buck. At this mid-tier price, you’ll enjoy a host of luxury features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging pad, interior ambient lighting, and a power-operated rear liftgate. It’s the perfect balance of luxury and value, making it our top recommendation.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The heart of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale is its plug-in hybrid powertrain. Combining a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle, the Tonale delivers an impressive 285 horsepower. That’s more than enough to give you a spirited driving experience, especially with the standard all-wheel-drive system ensuring you stay planted on the road.
Paired with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission, the Tonale accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.5 seconds. While that’s certainly quick for a vehicle in this class, the Tonale isn’t as exhilarating on twisty roads as Alfa Romeo’s Giulia sedan or Stelvio SUV. The steering lacks the precise feedback that driving purists crave, and there’s noticeable body roll through tight corners. That said, the Tonale is more than competent in daily driving scenarios, offering a comfortable and refined ride.
Battery, Charging, and Range
Beneath the Tonale’s sleek exterior lies a 14.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, which gives the vehicle an impressive electric-only range of up to 33 miles. For most commuters, that’s more than enough to handle a typical day’s worth of errands or a trip to the office without using a drop of gasoline.
Recharging the battery at home is a relatively quick process, taking about two and a half hours using a 240-volt outlet. This makes the Tonale a practical option for drivers who want to take advantage of its plug-in hybrid efficiency without worrying about long charging times.
Real-World Fuel Economy and MPG
The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale is not just about style and performance—it’s also a champion of efficiency. According to the EPA, the Tonale achieves an impressive 77 MPGe in combined electric and gasoline driving. This figure puts it well ahead of rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA250, which don’t offer plug-in hybrid powertrains.
In our real-world testing, the Tonale Veloce matched its EPA rating, delivering a solid 77 MPGe on our highway driving route. For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing luxury, the Tonale offers an excellent balance between performance and eco-friendliness.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space
Step inside the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale, and you’ll immediately notice the attention to detail that Alfa Romeo is known for. From the circular air vents to the driver-focused dashboard layout, the interior takes clear inspiration from the brand’s other models, like the Giulia and Stelvio. You’ll find plenty of upscale touches, including leather and microsuede surfaces, aluminum trim, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that adds a modern twist to the overall design.
While the seats are undeniably stylish—complete with red contrast stitching and Alfa Romeo crests on the headrests—they could use a bit more thigh and shoulder support. On longer drives, some passengers may find the seating less than ideal. But what the Tonale lacks in seating comfort, it makes up for in overall cabin appeal. It’s a truly luxurious space, especially with the optional Premium Interior and Sound package, which adds perforated leather seating, ventilated front seats, and a premium Harman/Kardon audio system.
Cargo space is also quite generous for a vehicle of this size. With 51 cubic feet of storage behind the front seats and 23 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the Tonale offers more than enough room for weekend getaways or grocery runs.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Technology enthusiasts will appreciate the Tonale’s high-tech features, including a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Uconnect 5 software. The system is easy to navigate and offers customizable interfaces, allowing up to five unique user profiles. This is particularly handy if you’re sharing the vehicle with family members or friends.
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the system also includes wireless phone charging. The Uconnect 5 system is shared with several other Stellantis vehicles, but in the Tonale, it feels seamlessly integrated into the cabin’s premium design.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Alfa Romeo equips the 2024 Tonale with an array of advanced driver-assistance features, ensuring you stay safe on the road. Key safety features include:
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available 360-degree camera system
For those who prioritize safety, the Tonale offers plenty of tech to keep you and your passengers secure, though you might want to check out crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS once they become available.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Alfa Romeo provides a standard warranty package for the Tonale, including:
- Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance: 1 year or 10,000 miles
While the warranty coverage is on par with most competitors, Alfa Romeo’s reliability reputation means you might want to consider extended coverage for added peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a luxury subcompact crossover with Italian flair, the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale is hard to ignore. It offers a stylish, tech-packed cabin, solid plug-in hybrid efficiency, and enough performance to keep most drivers happy. While it may not handle like a true sports car, it more than makes up for it with its unique character and charm.
However, with the Dodge Hornet offering nearly identical features at a lower price point, some buyers might wonder if they’re paying a premium for the Alfa badge. That said, for those who crave a blend of luxury, style, and eco-friendliness, the Tonale is certainly a compelling option.