The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale is attractive, quick, and enjoyable to drive. Its unusual plug-in hybrid powertrain sets it apart from other SUVs in its segment because of its output and all-wheel-drive system. The Tonale is a pretty amazing thing to throw around corners as well. We don't love its limited front headroom, and some people could find its infotainment system a hurdle to learn.Read full review
Resting on a legacy of easy-on-the-eyes, fun-to-drive cars, the Tonale entered the tiny luxury SUV market in 2024 exclusively in plug-in hybrid form. It's positioned below the only other SUV in the Alfa lineup, the larger and quite engaging Stelvio. For 2025 Alfa added a new gas-powered trim to the Tonale lineup. Every Tonale, regardless of powertrain, is all-wheel-drive.
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It's not unusual for carmakers to offer hybrid and gas-powered variants of a particular model. But it is a little unusual for the hybrid version to come out first. That's what Alfa did with the Tonale. For its first model year the tiny Tonale (c'mon, that's fun to say) was offered only as a plug-in hybrid. For 2025 Alfa added a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas trim to the lineup. With 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque the gas version is slightly less powerful than the hybrid. It uses a nine-speed automatic transmission, which drives all four wheels. It's also considerably less expensive than the PHEV Tonale.
Competitors to consider
There were too many subcompact luxury SUVs to choose from when the Tonale hit the segment last year, which could be why Alfa chose to distinguish it with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Volvo XC40 Recharge is an all-electric subcompact luxury SUV that aligns fairly closely with the PHEV Tonale in purpose and price. But now that there's a gas-only variant, the Tonale better aligns with more traditional, and lower-cost, subcompact luxury SUVs like the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr
Average
7.4
out of 10
We drove the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8.5/10
How does the Tonale drive? Thanks to its powerful powertrain and sporty handling, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is one of the most satisfying SUVs in the class. At our test track, it sprinted from zero to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. It feels strong for both city driving and accelerating on the highway. If you prefer to save fuel, you can drive the Tonale on all-electric power and have no problem keeping up with traffic. The brakes are strong and make it easy to stop smoothly.
The handling of the Alfa Tonale defies convention. (Most plug-in hybrid SUVs are heavy and unathletic.) During our time with our test vehicle, we were always looking for an excuse to charge around corners. It's genuinely fun to drive and far more hot hatch than plug-in hybrid.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Tonale? The Tonale is a reasonably comfortable extra-small SUV. The front seats have a good amount of padding. Heated seats are standard and ventilation is an option. The rear seats are also more comfortable than you might imagine for a small Alfa Romeo, and they fit a wide range of heights and body types. There are air vents for rear passengers, which is something you don't always get. On the downside, some drivers might find the ride a little too firm to be fully comfortable. The cabin also lets in noticeable tire noise on the highway.
Interior
6.5/10
How’s the interior? The Tonale does interior design in its own way. It might lead to some drivers falling in love with the little SUV, but it can also lead to frustration for many others. Our biggest complaint was the driving position. The driver's seat doesn't go low enough, and as such the Tonale runs short on headroom for anyone over 5-foot-9. The footwell with the pedals is tight; you might accidentally brush the gas and brake at the same time.
Most of the major controls in the Tonale are easy enough to figure out, but plenty of buttons and menus in the touchscreen will take time to decipher and learn. One thing that everyone will like are the available large metal shift paddles. They look classy and feel great when you click on them to change gears. Another must-have option is the surround-view camera system. While visibility is generally OK, the Tonale does have some larger blind spots in tight quarters.
How’s the tech? The Tonale's 10.25-inch touchscreen interface is a welcome improvement from the systems in earlier Alfas. Most of the major menus are easy to access and there are some slick graphics, but a lot of the virtual buttons are on the small side, which can make them difficult to accurately tap while driving. Some screens are also too packed with information, making them difficult to read at a glance. During our time with the Tonale, we experienced more than our fair share of slow response times as well as some serious lag time, especially on start-up.
The Tonale accepts wireless smartphone connections for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the wireless charging pad only worked intermittently for us. There are ample USB ports for all passengers. Most of the numerous driver aids worked well in our testing. The exception was the lane keeping assistance feature. It has such a short window of operation before timing out and requesting driver input that it is essentially useless.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? As a small SUV, the Tonale isn't going to offer a ton of cargo space, but it's still decent for its size. With 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, it trails the boxier BMW X1 but offers similar space as the Audi Q3 and far more than the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Inside, there's plenty of space for personal items thanks to a bin in front of the shifter and deep cupholders. Door pockets are on the smaller side so don't expect larger insulated water bottles to fit.
Got small children? Most car seats will fit without too much hassle. Easy-to-access anchor points make it simple to snap in a booster seat, but the top tethers required for other seats are hidden under the cargo cover on the backside of the rear seats. Larger seats will require the front seats to be moved forward so taller front seat passengers will probably be a bit uncomfortable.
How’s the fuel economy? You can drive the Tonale using electric power with a charged battery or as a more conventional hybrid once the battery runs out of power. Under pure electric power, the EPA estimates the Tonale can go 33 miles on a charge and we had no issue hitting around 29 miles in mixed driving. The Tonale cannot be fast-charged, but its smaller battery is easily charged in a few hours on a 240-volt charger.
On our real-world evaluation route, the Tonale averaged 45.9 mpg (including the 29 miles it did on EV power) and managed 33 mpg as a conventional hybrid thereafter, besting the EPA's estimate of 29 mpg. That's above-average fuel economy for the segment. The only knock against the Tonale here is its fairly small 11.2-gallon fuel tank. You'll be stopping for gas frequently on long road trips.
Value
7/10
Is the Tonale a good value? Generally speaking, PHEVs are usually more expensive than their more traditional counterparts. In this vein, the Tonale is typically more expensive than rivals such as the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and Mercedes GLB. To its credit, the Tonale is well made with a satisfying mix of leather, suede and metal interior bits, and it packs a more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain than some of its competitors.
Warranties are fairly standard for the class: four-year/50,000-mile coverage for both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain components. The high-voltage battery is backed by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, and there's roadside assistance for four years/unlimited miles.
Wildcard
8.5/10
If you find the small SUV segment a bit dull, then the Alfa Romeo Tonale might be what you're looking for. Italian style isn't reserved only for the looks as the Tonale is nimble, fun, and more than a little zesty around town. While some of its interior quirks and tech-based shortcomings might not satisfy some buyers, those interested in a more distinct and exclusive option in the SUV space will find the Tonale's personality a strong selling point.
Which Tonale does Edmunds recommend?
We think the Base trim offers everything most people will need, and it comes in two all-wheel-drive versions — plug-in hybrid and gas-powered, letting buyers pick the version that best suits their needs. Feature highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.
The overall sentiment about the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale is mixed. Owners appreciate the fun driving experience, battery performance, and how comfortable and roomy it feels. However, some owners are unhappy with issues like a confusing touchscreen, small trunk space, and problems with engine response and other features like the navigation and locking system. While many find it reliable, others encountered glitches that affected their enjoyment of the car.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale First Drive | Sporty Italian Masterpiece or Just Another SUV?
NOTE: This video is about the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale, but since the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Alfa Romeo has a lot riding on the all-new 2024 Tonale plug-in hybrid SUV. Offering a sportier take on the typical compact luxury SUV, the Tonale hopes to capture buyers looking for a more engaging driving experience wrapped up in a pretty package, with an electrified powertrain as a bonus. In this First Drive video, Edmunds' Brian Wong gives you our initial impressions on… the Alfa Romeo Tonale!
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Tonale both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Tonale has 22.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Alfa Romeo Tonale. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale:
To determine whether the Alfa Romeo Tonale is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Tonale. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Tonale's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Tonale and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Tonale is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale?
The least-expensive 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale is the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $45,995.
Other versions include:
4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) which starts at $45,995
Tributo Italiano 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 12/24 (1.3L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) which starts at $51,995
Intensa 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) which starts at $54,495
What are the different models of Alfa Romeo Tonale?
If you're interested in the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the next question is, which Tonale model is right for you? Tonale variants include 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A), Tributo Italiano 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 12/24 (1.3L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A), and Intensa 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A). For a full list of Tonale models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more