Model Preview
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale is a new model for the brand and its first subcompact premium SUV. It will join the compact Stelvio SUV and Giulia sedan when it goes on sale in early 2023.
Although initial reports suggested that there would be two engine choices for the Tonale, Alfa Romeo has since announced that the only available powertrain will be a plug-in hybrid with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 90 kW electric motor for a combined output of 272 horsepower, with a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive will be standard.
Alfa Romeo estimates at least 30 miles of electric-only range for the plug-in hybrid version, but neither Tonale powertrain has been evaluated by the EPA yet.
Three trim levels will be offered initially: the base Sprint, sportier Ti, and luxury-oriented Veloce. All models will use the Stellantis corporate Uconnect 5 infotainment system that operates through a 10.25-inch touchscreen, also joined by a 12.3-inch TFT screen in place of physical instrument gauges for vehicle information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility will be standard, along with over-the-air updates and Amazon Alexa virtual assistant connectivity.
Several driver assistance features will come standard on all Tonale models, according to Alfa Romeo. These include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Alfa Romeo will also offer its Traffic Jam Assist semi-autonomous highway driving assistance technology on certain versions.
Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has tested the Tonale yet.
Pricing & Release Date
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale should be priced well below that of the larger Stelvio, which ranges from about $47,000 to $53,000, excluding the $88,000 high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
For now, we estimate that the Tonale, when it goes on sale in winter 2023, to range in price from about $50,000 for the plug-in hybrid before applicable state & local incentives.
The Tonale will compete with the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Volvo XC40.
Pictured: 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale