A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.3
Running Costs
3.6
Practicality
3.9
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Alfa Romeo Tonale brings Italian flair to the competitive compact SUV market, offering a stylish alternative to mainstream rivals. This premium crossover combines Alfa Romeo’s distinctive design language with modern technology and practical everyday usability. The Tonale stands out with its bold exterior styling, well crafted interior, and engaging driving dynamics that set it apart from more conventional options like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage. Under the bonnet, you’ll find efficient petrol and hybrid powertrains that deliver respectable performance while keeping running costs reasonable for the premium SUV segment. The cabin impresses with quality materials and intuitive technology, though rear space is more suited to smaller families. What makes the Tonale particularly appealing is its character and personality in a market often dominated by sensible but uninspiring choices. If you’re looking for a compact SUV that makes a statement while delivering genuine practicality, the Alfa Romeo Tonale offers an enticing blend of style, quality, and Italian passion that’s hard to find elsewhere in this price range.
How Does the Alfa Romeo Tonale Drive?
The Alfa Romeo Tonale focuses on refined performance rather than outright speed. The range includes efficient petrol engines and a plug-in hybrid option, all tuned for smooth delivery. The 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol with around 160 horsepower provides adequate performance for most driving situations. It feels responsive around town and has sufficient power for confident overtaking on A-roads. The plug-in hybrid variant offers stronger acceleration and the benefit of electric-only driving for short urban trips.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.3L 4-cylinder Turbo / 1.3L Turbo Hybrid
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Power Output
130 - 280 bhp
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0-60 mph
8.8 - 6.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
38 - 188 mpg (PHEV)
- Boot Space
- 385 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Alfa Romeo Tonale: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Tonale and you’re immediately struck by the premium ambience. The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by a large central touchscreen that controls most functions. The materials used throughout feel high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and attractive trim details that reinforce the premium positioning. The seats are well shaped and supportive, providing comfort on longer journeys while offering good adjustment range to find your ideal driving position.
A compelling blend of Italian flair and hybrid efficiency. The Tonale’s engaging dynamics and premium feel elevate it above the compact SUV norm – a surprisingly rewarding drive.
Is the Alfa Romeo Tonale Expensive to Run?
As a premium Italian SUV, the Tonale comes with running costs that reflect its upmarket positioning. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on your choice of engine. The standard petrol units return respectable figures in the low 40s MPG in real world driving. The plug-in hybrid model offers impressive official figures, but real world economy depends heavily on your driving patterns and charging habits. Insurance costs are moderate for the class, though they’ll be higher than for mainstream alternatives.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Alfa Romeo Tonale
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Nissan Qashqai
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Volkswagen Tiguan
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| Starting Price | £31,000 | £25,000 | £29,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.3L Turbo 160hp | 1.3L DIG-T 140hp | 1.5L TSI 150hp |
| Power | 160 bhp | 140 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 8.8 seconds | 9.9 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 44 mpg | 40 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 385 litres | 436 litres | 520 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Italian design, Premium interior, PHEV option | Spacious cabin, Proven reliability, Great value | Solid build quality, Refined ride, Strong resale |
Alfa Romeo Tonale Practicality & Boot Space
For a stylish compact SUV, the Tonale offers reasonable practicality for everyday use. The 385-litre boot is adequate for weekly shopping or holiday luggage, though it’s not the largest in class. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity when needed, and the loading lip is at a convenient height. Inside the cabin, there are useful storage spaces for phones, bottles, and other daily items, though some rivals offer more clever storage solutions.
Absolutely love my Tonale. The styling turns heads everywhere and the interior feels so much more special than my previous German SUV. The hybrid system works brilliantly for my daily commute. Only wish the boot was a bit bigger for family holidays.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale carves out its own distinctive niche in the crowded compact SUV market. It successfully combines Italian design flair with modern practicality, creating a vehicle that appeals to both the heart and the head. The premium interior, refined driving experience, and eye-catching styling make every journey feel more special than in mainstream alternatives.