2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Interesting. There isn’t currently another subcompact luxury SUV with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Even if there was, it sure wouldn’t have that special Alfa Romeo style. This is the company’s first foray into electrification and won’t be its last.

The Tonale is aimed primarily at young city dwellers and has the right credentials. It’s not an obvious choice like a BMW or Audi, has some Italian pizazz, it’s the right size, and exhibits a responsible yet pragmatic attitude to fuel economy.

A plug-in hybrid can travel a useful distance using just electric power. In the Tonale’s case, that’s up to 33 miles. This is ideal for short commutes and local errand running. The gasoline engine is there as a backup, whenever extra muscle is required, and enables longer journeys.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury SUVs, including the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

The 2024 Tonale is completely new and the company’s first fresh product for the United States in over five years. Thanks to its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the Tonale can travel for up to 33 miles using battery power alone.

Alfa Romeo has found a cool little niche among luxury subcompact SUVs because nothing else is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Not yet, at least. Which leaves us looking at regular counterparts like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the Volvo XC40 — all starting in the high $30K range. However, something with similar power to a Tonale, such as a Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, would be closer to $50K. The Lexus UX is a regular hybrid and starts around the mid-$30K range.

Before buying a new Tonale subcompact luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values aren’t usually an Alfa Romeo strong point.

The 2024 Tonale has a total of 285 horsepower and a meaty 347 lb-ft of torque created by a turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. This is quite some muscle for a subcompact SUV, especially in standard form. For example, the BMW X1 has 241 horsepower. Gaining more power means going for something like a Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 with 302 horsepower but still less torque (295 lb-ft).

One cool thing about plug-in hybrids (from an enthusiast’s point of view) is that they can enhance the gasoline engine’s power with thrust from the electric motor. Factor in the grip and traction of standard all-wheel drive, and the Tonale can launch from standstill to 60 mph in some 6 seconds. Just over half a second quicker than the X1, but also half a second slower than the GLA 35. Even so, that’s still quite sprightly, although getting the most out of the Tonale requires a committed right foot.

Anyone expecting a typical European sharpness to the handling and ride quality might be surprised to find that the Tonale seems calibrated for a greater range of preferences. Despite a huge amount of grip through quick corners, we found the Tonale’s suspension to be tuned on the comfy side. That’s a real asset on poorly maintained city roads, where the Tonale remains as serene and hushed as on the freeway. The top Veloce model comes with an adaptive suspension for the widest spectrum of comfort and sportiness.

Both the steering and brakes feel nice and natural to us, yet not especially crisp. And the transitions from electric power to gasoline are virtually imperceptible.

Fuel Economy

Then, when running as a regular hybrid, the Tonale returns 29 mpg combined. The closest rival in this respect is the Lexus UX 250h at 39 mpg combined (with all-wheel drive). That little SUV only has 181 horsepower, though.

Neither too sparse nor overdone, we think the Tonale’s interior design hits all the right notes, except for one. Alfa Romeo has stated that it’s aiming the Tonale at millennial females in particular. But the only interior color offered is black. That’s unfortunate, because the overall look seems like a few other colors could also work pretty well. The cabin’s materials certainly seem good.

A dashboard containing a 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard throughout. The front seats are comfortable enough for longer trips. We’d prefer the bottom cushions to be slightly longer and wider, but all those slimmer urbanites will probably think they’re fine.

Rear legroom of 38 inches is acceptable for an adult male of average size, especially since that guy’s toes can fit under the seat in front. The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers the same amount, the rest of the competition comes up a little shorter.

Cargo space is certainly adequate for a subcompact SUV, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the back seats, expanding to 50.5 when they’re folded. The BMW X1 reigns supreme here, while the Audi Q3 is also impressive.

Alfa Romeo vehicles have distinctive styling where the grille is a common factor. It’s called a scudetto, meaning “little shield,” and it takes pride of place on the Tonale’s nose. The company also does a nice line in alloy wheels, with circles within the main circle. The Tonale doesn’t forsake its heritage, but doesn’t rely on it either. We would like the looks even if they didn’t remind us of classic Alfa Romeo cars.

The new Tonale is a subcompact SUV, similar in size to something like a BMW X1 or Honda HR-V. We’ve found it easy to drive around the city because of these tidy dimensions, while parking is similarly a breeze.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cable-free phone integration is standard in every version of the new Tonale SUV.

Wireless phone charging
This is also standard across the 2024 Tonale range.

Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
These are all standard throughout. In cold weather, a heated steering wheel is a great thing to have.

Hands-free tailgate operation
Fitted to the mid-range Ti and the top Veloce trims. Simply a great convenience feature.

Active Assist Plus package
Offered with all three 2024 Tonale trims, this includes a more sophisticated adaptive cruise control system with steering inputs, plus a 360-degree camera system and parking assistance.

Harman Kardon audio
This excellent 12-speaker system is part of the optional Premium Interior and Sound package (available with the top two trims) that also includes leather seating surfaces and ventilated front seats.

A turbocharged 1.3-liter gasoline engine drives the front wheels, an electric motor drives the rears, so the Tonale has all-wheel drive as standard, with a total of 285 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission completes this powertrain’s picture.

Range & Charging

With a full charge, the Tonale can run for up to 33 miles on electricity alone. Charging the Tonale’s battery takes 2.5 hours on a 240-volt supply.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Alfa Romeo’s usual new-vehicle and powertrain warranties are for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical for the luxury bracket. The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

New to the United States, the Tonale has yet to be crash-tested on this side of the Atlantic, but it has received a maximum 5-star score from a European safety program. Standard driver assistance features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, as well as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.