Having produced the fun-to-drive Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV, Alfa Romeo is offering its first al-new vehicle in five years, the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale (pronounced Tone-Al-Lee). Built in Naples, Italy alongside the mechanically similar Dodge Hornet, the Tonale is the Italian automaker’s first gas-electric plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
Offered in Sprint, Ti and Veloce trim, and available only in hybrid trim, it wears Alfa’s new “3+3” headlight design that features full LED that suggest the look of the SZ Zagato. They frame the vehicle’s triangular grille and air intakes. As with other Alfas, its 18-inch wheels feature the brand’s trademark circular wheel design, although 19s the Veloce and optional on Sprint and Ti models, while 20s are optional on the Ti and Veloce.
That said, if you’re expecting a leather interior, opt for the Premium Interior Package, which also adds vented front seats. Next, pair it with the Sound Package, which adds a sweet 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
You’ll find the seats to be sporty and firm, with aggressive side bolsters that positions you perfectly behind the thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel. It’s remarkably comfortable, with a ride that insulates against the worst rutted pavement. Road and tire noise are not perceptible.
Storage space is minimal up front, although cargo space is very good for a compact SUV at 22.9 cubic feet, expanding to 50.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Power comes from a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 90-kW electric motor and a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle produces 285 horsepower, 347 pound-feet of torque and deliver a pure electric driving range of more than 30 miles. Towing capacity is rated at 2,000 pounds; payload is 1,197 pounds.
But if you’re expecting the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale to perform like a Giulia Quadrifoglio, you’ll be disappointed. There’s quite a bit of comfort dialed in along with its capability. Driven aggressively, you’ll be able to get the rear end to slide, but the Tonale always signals its intentions. There’s even a bit of steering feel, although the steering feels light. The electric assist helps mask any turbo lag from the Tonale’s tiny gas engine, so it feels powerful enough.
The Tonale comes with the automaker’s DNA driving modes, aka Dynamic, Natural and Advanced efficiency. Natural mode is adequately responsive. But it’s Dynamic mode that you’ll prefer, as it makes the Tonale feel more like an Alfa Romeo and less like a Stellantis corporate product.
While the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale has some Italian driving flair, it feels surprisingly mainstream and somewhat less special than its siblings while delivering a decent driving experience.
Prices start at $42,995 for the Sprint, and top out at $50,195 for the Veloce before options or destination charge.
