2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale

The new 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale small luxury crossover is a landmark car for the famous Italian automaker. It's on sale in the USA from just under $43k, and the annals of history will mark this plug-in hybrid as the first Alfa Romeo to feature any kind of electrification as part of the automaker's strategy to go all-electric by 2027. Named for a famous Italian mountain pass - just like the Stelvio - one would expect the Tonale to offer a measure of Alfa driving joy and flair, if it's to honor its heritage. Its sole available PHEV powertrain's specifications make for impressive reading - a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor that combine forces to develop 285 horsepower, with standard AWD; other configurations may follow later. There aren't many direct PHEV competitors to the Alfa Romeo Tonale, except its Stellantis stablemate, the Dodge Hornet R/T, and the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, but neither is considered a premium nameplate. Buyers will also cross-shop premium rivals such as the gas-fed BMW X1 and mild-hybrid Volvo XC40.

How much you pay is dependent on the features fitted, as all trim levels in the range have exactly the same powertrain, with the Alfa Romeo Tonale's price starting at $42,995 for the cheapest Sprint trim. The mid-range Ti will cost you $44,995, and the flagship Veloce goes for $47,495. The Alfa Romeo Tonale's MSRPs listed here do not include the $1,595 destination fee. If you lease your Tonale, you qualify for a $7,500 Federal EV tax credit.

Alfa Romeo has promised that the Tonale will be true to its race-inspired DNA, and it has succeeded - mostly. Expectedly, the steering is Alfa-fast at only 2.3 turns, lock to lock, which makes for a pointy car that can be steered into a corner accurately but with feedback slightly lacking. Nevertheless, it doesn't just hang on gamely, but seems keen to fly through corners with verve and rolls little in the process. The ride on the adaptive dampers is compliant enough, but the underlying ride quality is quite firm, stopping short of harshness. It goes with the car's character, and Alfa Romeo must be commended for creating a keen-handling small crossover. The selectable 'DNA' driving modes allow you to use the default N (Natural), mostly electric power (A - Advanced Efficiency), or Dual-Power/Dynamic (D), which uses both power sources to maximum effect. The latter increases steering heft and makes the Tonale even more fun to hustle.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale does most things well enough to deliver on the promises made by its emotive styling and proud heritage. The Alfa name is not naturally associated with people movers, but the Stelvio has proven that sports utility and fun do not have to be mutually exclusive. The Italians have worked wonders with the existing platform and piloting the Tonale is a surprisingly pleasant experience, from the fast and responsive steering to the well-controlled ride. Performance is snappy and the 30-mile all-electric range is sufficient for most Americans' daily requirements. The tech is right up to date, and the standard equipment decent. There's just one fly in the ointment: the Dodge Hornet, which offers a little more for less money. How much is the Alfa Romeo badge worth to you?

The Tonale is already quite expensive compared to its rivals, and especially next to the high-value Dodge Hornet, so we'd go for the base Sprint trim level. It comes as standard with most of the kit you'd want, such as powered and heated front seats, a fully featured infotainment system, and the entire list of driver assists. The upper trims only add features such as a hands-free power liftgate, more USB ports, adaptive suspension, different trim, and bigger wheels. With the same powertrain and performance - and very good handling on the standard suspension - the base Sprint makes the most sense to us. It's still not as great value as the sub-$40k Hornet, so it's up to you how much the Alfa Romeo badge and styling are worth to you.