The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale brings Italian flair to the competitive subcompact luxury crossover market. With its sleek design, highlighted by Alfa Romeo’s signature sharp-nosed front, the Tonale is sure to turn heads. While it comes equipped with a fully independent suspension and optional adaptive dampers, it doesn’t deliver the same thrilling driving experience as its Alfa Romeo siblings, the Giulia and Stelvio. Powered by a 285-horsepower plug-in hybrid engine, the Tonale offers more than 30 miles of electric-only range and standard all-wheel drive. It stands out as a rare plug-in hybrid option in a segment that includes the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA250, and Volvo XC40. However, for those seeking a similar experience at a lower cost, the Dodge Hornet, which shares many of the Tonale’s characteristics, might be an appealing alternative.
- Italian design: Curvaceous bodywork with Alfa Romeo’s signature sharp-nosed face.
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain: 285 horsepower with over 30 miles of electric range.
- Competition: Competes with BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA250, and Volvo XC40.
Table of Contents
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale is priced between $45,440 and $50,935, depending on the chosen trim and options. Given its slightly higher starting price compared to rivals, the mid-range Ti trim is recommended. The Ti trim adds several luxury features such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging pad, ambient interior lighting, and a power-operated rear liftgate.
- Price range: $45,440 to $50,935.
- Recommended trim: Mid-range Ti for added luxury features.
- Luxury additions: Heated seats, wireless charging, ambient lighting, power liftgate.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2024 Tonale is powered by a plug-in hybrid system that includes a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. This setup generates a combined 285 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle features a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering over 30 miles of electric-only driving. Despite its advanced powertrain, the Tonale’s driving dynamics are somewhat disappointing. Compared to other Alfa Romeo models, the steering feels less connected, and the body roll is more noticeable in corners. However, the hybrid system provides adequate acceleration for city driving, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. The braking performance is solid, particularly in the Veloce trim, which includes Brembo brakes, though the transition between regenerative and friction braking could be smoother.
- Powertrain: 285-hp plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive.
- Performance: 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds, but lacks the engaging feel of other Alfa models.
- Braking: Strong, especially with Brembo brakes, but braking modulation needs improvement.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The Tonale is equipped with a 14.8-kWh battery that provides up to 33 miles of electric driving range. In real-world testing, it managed 32 miles on a 75-mph highway before switching to gasoline power. Charging the battery on a 240-volt connection takes about two and a half hours.
- Electric range: Up to 33 miles on a full charge.
- Charging time: About 2.5 hours on a 240-volt connection.
- Real-world performance: Achieved 32 miles of electric range in testing.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA rates the Tonale at 77 MPGe combined, giving it an efficiency edge over non-hybrid competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and BMW X1. In real-world tests, the Tonale matched its EPA rating, delivering 77 MPGe.
- EPA rating: 77 MPGe combined.
- Real-world efficiency: Matches the EPA estimate at 77 MPGe.
- Comparison: More efficient than non-hybrid competitors.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Tonale’s interior design draws inspiration from the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV, featuring circular air vents and a driver-focused dashboard. The cabin includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a modern, three-spoke steering wheel with optional paddle shifters. The interior is adorned with a mix of aluminum trim, leather, and microsuede surfaces. While the front seats are stylish with red contrast stitching and Alfa Romeo crests, they lack adequate thigh and shoulder support. Overall, the cabin exudes an upscale, distinctly Alfa Romeo feel. However, the Dodge Hornet, which shares much of the Tonale’s design, offers a similar aesthetic at a lower price, potentially diminishing the Tonale’s appeal.
- Interior design: Inspired by Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio with modern touches.
- Materials: Aluminum trim, leather, and microsuede.
- Seating: Stylish but lacks support in the front seats.
- Cargo space: Similar to competitors with a functional layout.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Tonale comes standard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Uconnect 5 software. This system allows for a customizable home screen and supports up to five unique user profiles. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging.
- Touchscreen: 10.3-inch display with Uconnect 5 software.
- Standard features: Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging.
- Customizability: Supports up to five user profiles.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2024 Tonale comes equipped with a range of standard driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. An available 360-degree camera system further enhances safety.
- Standard safety features: Automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist.
- Optional features: 360-degree camera system.
- Safety ratings: Check NHTSA and IIHS websites for crash test results.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Alfa Romeo provides the Tonale with average warranty coverage, which includes a limited warranty for four years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for the same duration. Additionally, complimentary maintenance is covered for the first year or 10,000 miles.
- Limited warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles.
- Powertrain warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles.
- Complimentary maintenance: One year or 10,000 miles.
This revision presents the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale in a clear, organized format, with simplified language for better readability.