2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale
Overview
The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale will inject some Italian blood into the fray of subcompact luxury crossovers. With sexy bodywork that’s accentuated by Alfa Romeo’s signature sharp-nosed face, the Tonale is sure to garner admiring looks. Although the Tonale features a fully independent suspension and available adaptive dampers, it doesn’t inspire the same confidence on a twisty road that its siblings, the Giulia and Stelvio, do. Power comes from a 285-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain with more than 30 miles of estimated all-electric range and standard all-wheel drive. That will make the 2024 Tonale a rare plug-in hybrid option in a class that includes the BMW X1, the Mercedes-Benz GLA250, and the Volvo XC40.
What’s New for 2024?
The Tonale debuted in concept form at the 2019 Geneva auto show and has taken a long time to reach production. But it’s here now and it’s ready to take on luxury rivals from Germany and Japan.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Since the Tonale already starts at a slightly higher price than most rivals, we’d exercise restraint and go with the mid-range Ti trim. The Ti comes with added luxuries such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging pad, interior ambient lighting, and a power-operated rear liftgate.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Tonale is offered with one powertrain and all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid features a turbo 1.3-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor mounted on the rear axle that together generate a combined 285 horses. Alfa equips the plug-in Tonale with a six-speed automatic and a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s said to provide over 30 miles of electric-only driving range. All models ride on a fully independent suspension; adaptive dampers are optional. During our first test drive, we came away a little disappointed with the Tonale’s road manners. Alfa’s other models set a high bar, and the Tonale’s simply not as engaging as the Giulia and Stelvio. The steering is too isolated from the road for our liking and body motions aren’t as controlled as they should be, which leads to some unwanted rolling through corners. The plug-in hybrid powertrain provides enough around-town punch but runs out of steam closer to the Tonale’s top speed. Alfa Romeo says 60 mph should come in about 5.6 seconds, though, which should prove plenty perky for most drivers. When we get a chance to test the Tonale on our home turf, we’ll update this story with acceleration test results and more driving impressions.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
While the EPA hasn’t yet released fuel economy estimates for the Tonale, its plug-in hybrid powertrain could give it an efficiency edge over nonhybrid rivals such as the GLA250 and the X1. For more information about the Tonale’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the circular air vents and the dashboard’s driver-centric layout are clearly evolved from the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and the Stelvio SUV. The dash also features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and its three-spoke steering wheel puts a modern spin on a classic design. A pair of prominent paddle shifters are available, too. The interior is appointed with a mix of aluminum trim as well as leather and microsuede surfaces. The front seats lack thigh and shoulder support, but they’re quite stylish, with red contrast stitching and Alfa Romeo crests on the headrests.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Tonale comes standard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It features Uconnect 5 software that’s shared with many other models under the Stellantis umbrella. Along with a customizable home screen, it offers several configurable interfaces with up to five unique user profiles. Its standout standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless phone charging.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Alfa offers a smorgasbord of standard technology on the Tonale’s driver-assistance menu, from automated emergency braking to adaptive cruise control. For more information about the Tonale’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert Available 360-degree camera system
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Despite the company’s reputation for reliability woes, Alfa Romeo endows the Tonale with only average warranty coverage.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 milesPowertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 milesComplimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles Arrow pointing downArrow pointing down
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base: Sprint, $44,590; Ti, $46,590; Veloce, $49,090
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled SOHC 16-valve 1.3-liter inline-4, 180 hp, 199 lb-ft + 2 AC motors, 44 and 121 hp, 39 and 184 lb-ft (combined output: 285 hp, 347 lb-ft; 14.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 7.4-kW onboard charger)
Transmissions, F/R: 6-speed automatic/direct-drive
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.8 in
Length: 178.3 in
Width: 74.0 in
Height: 63.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/46 ft3
Cargo Volume, behind F/R: 51/23 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4150 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.3 sec
Top Speed: 125 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/29 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 60 MPGe
EV Range: 30 mi
More Features and Specs
