Alfa Romeo Tonale Refined: More Power, Sharper Looks, and Farewell to the Weakest Engine
Italian elegance breathes anew. Alfa Romeo has unveiled the updated Tonale—sharper, stronger, and more self-assured—signaling a move toward purer performance and greater sophistication.
The Tonale, launched in 2022 as Alfa Romeo’s bridge to electrification, has received a careful yet meaningful refresh. This is no mere facelift. The updates give the compact SUV a renewed sense of character that channels the spirit of classic Alfas more clearly than before.
First impressions come through the eyes. The signature triangular grille has been reshaped to echo icons such as the 33 Stradale and GT 2000, while the reworked front bumper lends the car a more compact and balanced stance. New 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels complete the look, adding just the right dose of sportiness.
Inside, the focus turns to materials and color palettes. Alfa emphasizes customization—a touch of boutique luxury rarely found in this segment. The distinctive rotary gear selector, introduced with the 2024 update, remains, and the chassis has been re-tuned with wider tracks front and rear to enhance stability through corners and reduce body roll.
The biggest changes lie under the hood. The 130-horsepower turbocharged petrol engine has been retired from the European lineup, replaced by a 1.5-liter mild hybrid producing 175 horsepower (up from 160) paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The range continues to include a 130-hp 1.6-liter diesel and two full hybrid options—190 hp and 270 hp respectively. The latter is slightly down on power compared with its predecessor, but now meets stricter European emissions regulations.
Across the Atlantic, the revisions go further still. The 285-hp hybrid disappears from the range, while the 2.0-liter petrol engine receives a modest bump from 256 to 272 horsepower. It’s mated to a nine-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive, ensuring the Tonale still delivers its trademark zest.
Arriving at dealerships by the end of the year, the updated Tonale may seem only subtly altered at first glance—but the result is unmistakable. Alfa Romeo has crafted a more mature, finely tuned iteration of its compact SUV, transforming it into a true expression of contemporary Italian beauty.
