If passion alone sold cars, every automaker would be cranking out sleek coupes, and Alfa Romeo would be king. But reality isn’t quite so romantic. So what’s Alfa doing? Reinventing passion — SUV-style.
Enter the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale — Alfa’s bold attempt to blend sports car flair with everyday utility. Think of it as a love letter to enthusiasts wrapped in crossover practicality.
2025 Refresh: What’s New?
- Suspension upgrades for better handling.
- New option packages to sharpen looks and features.
- A new turbocharged 2.0L engine with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
This new powerplant drops 453 pounds from the PHEV model, improving acceleration and agility.
Performance That (Almost) Matches the Looks
- 0–60 mph: 5.6 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 14.3 seconds @ 96 mph
- Top speed (gov limited): 140 mph
- EPA Estimated: 24 mpg combined
It’s not lightning fast, but the turbo Tonale delivers spirited driving that keeps your pulse up — especially on canyon roads where it feels surprisingly nimble.
Driving Experience: Quirky, but Fun
Let’s get real — the transmission has its quirks. Gear shifts can lag when switching from drive to reverse, and initial throttle response is a bit twitchy. It’s like the car's waking up from a nap when you floor it.
But once you're rolling? The Tonale finds its rhythm. The twin-scroll turbo delivers smooth power, and brake-based torque vectoring adds confidence in corners. There's even decent steering feedback — something you don't expect in this class.
Specifications at a Glance
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, AWD, 5-passenger SUV
Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged I4 (268 hp / 295 lb-ft)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Weight: 3838 lbs
Skidpad Grip: 0.87 g on 20" Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Braking (70–0 mph): 170 ft
Fuel Economy (EPA): 24/21/29 mpg (Combined/City/Highway)
Feature Highlights
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Heated, powered front seats
- Adaptive cruise control
- Optional Veloce Package: Real aluminum paddles, adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, sportier aesthetics
Final Verdict: Turbo Tonale or Hybrid?
For about $10K less than the plug-in hybrid, the turbocharged Tonale delivers nearly identical acceleration with a more playful spirit. While it's not perfect, the turbo version gets closer to Alfa’s performance DNA. If they ever drop a Tonale Quadrifoglio, we might just fall head over heels.
Written by the team at Car and Driver. Explore the full review here.
