2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Turbo: Can Passion Power an SUV?

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.