Tonale Adds Italian Flair

Alfa Romeo Tonale Review

In a market loaded with usual suspects, the Alfa Romeo Tonale breaks the monotony with its unique Italian flair. Introduced to the American crowd in 2022, it attempts to capture the ever-growing popularity of compact crossovers. The latest version, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale “Tributo Italiano” EAWD, adds some subtle, yet elegant touches to this intriguing package.

Trim and Features

The “Tributo Italiano” trim doesn’t change much functionally but adds embroidered headrests, distinct interior touches, a body-colored kit, a black roof, and Italian flag accents on the side mirrors. This model retains the EAWD’s plug-in hybrid setup, combining a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a rear electric motor for a total of 285 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque. It maintains its signature with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive capabilities.

The Tonale offers an estimated 30 miles on electric power alone, and actual usage might even give you around 31 miles if conditions are right. Without the option for DC fast charging, a 7.4-kW charger keeps things simple, taking under three hours to juice up completely using a Level 2 home setup. While the combined EPA-rated fuel economy stands at about 29 mpg, it’s smart to use the e-Save mode thoughtfully to optimize or reserve energy.

Performance and Drive

From a standstill, the Tonale accelerates to 60 mph in roughly 5.6 seconds. It manages a dynamic driving experience through simulated torque vectoring and adaptive dampers, which align perfectly with its sporty DNA. Although the transmission might shift frequently on highways, it remains a spirited and sturdy performer for daily commutes and weekend getaways.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Tonale’s cabin brings Italian charisma through compact dimensions—similar to its Dodge Hornet cousin. The heated front seats are snug yet comfortable. The tech package includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless capabilities for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice control is intuitive, but some drivers might need time to get used to the system’s minimalistic interface.

The interior, though small, offers a decent cargo area, with 23 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 51 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats.

Safety and Pricing

Alfa Romeo doesn’t skimp on safety features, offering blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system as standard across the range. For pricing, the Tonale starts at $46,035, with the fully loaded Tributo Italiano trim flirting around the $59,590 mark, including destination charges.

In summary, the Alfa Romeo Tonale “Tributo Italiano” EAWD stands out in a sea of crossovers. While it might not be polished to perfection in every aspect, its driving dynamics, distinguished styling, and efficient hybrid system offer something refreshingly different for those ready to break from the norm.