Last year, Alfa Romeo restructured the Tonale lineup. The small crossover now sports a new entry-level model, simply called the “Tonale,” which starts at a much more affordable price point – $38,490 MSRP including destination, in fact. That makes the base Tonale a full $10,000 cheaper than the next rung up the ladder, the Tonale Hybrid, starting at $48,030. A top-tier Tonale Tributo Italiano will run buyers a hefty $53,990.
The new Tonale is also a much cheaper entry point than the 2024 Tonale. That started at $45,440 including destination for the Sprint model, which was also a hybrid. Alfa Romeo accomplished this by simply removing the Tonale’s hybrid system. It’s straightforward, but the new turbocharged base model’s affordability could help to bring some success to a brand that has historically struggled to find a toehold in the US market.
What’s Up With The Tonale’s “New” Engine?
In lieu of the Tonale’s traditionally hybrid powertrain, Alfa Romeo has opted for a new turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain. It’s effectively a modified version of the existing four-cylinder setup, sans hybrid bits like the battery and electric motors. Still, there’s plenty of punch here. Alfa says the turbo setup, which is paired to all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission (with those big beautiful paddle shifters Alfa is known for), produces 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Note these figures are identical to the
, the Tonale’s corporate twin – more on this below.
In contrast, the Tonale hybrid does make quite a bit more power, though owners shouldn’t scoff at the above figures. Hybrid models have a 306-volt, 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack moving an electric motor on the rear axle producing 121 hp and 184 lb-ft. Combined output comes out to 285 hp and 347 lb-ft through all four wheels and an automatic transmission.
Stellantis Twins
Undoubtedly, Alfa Romeo is hoping the lower entry price will bring in some shoppers from elsewhere in the market. Stellantis, Alfa’s parent company, has seen some decent success with the Tonale’s corporate twin, the Dodge Hornet. The company sold 20,000+ units in 2024, more than four times the number of Tonales sold by Alfa Romeo. Dodge’s Hornet is just a few thousand dollars away from the Tonale, starting at $33,810. Of course, the Hornet is cheaper, and in a price-sensitive segment, that matters.
TopSpeed’s Take
Alfa Romeo has something going on with this new base-level Tonale. No doubt, the new entry trim sets out to offer more standard and luxurious equipment than its Dodge-badged twin. Frankly, Alfa Romeo needs this to work. Stellantis is an automotive conglomerate in hot water heading into 2025, but with a new CEO and a new plan for Alfa Romeo, it’s possible the group can leverage the appeal of the Hornet/Tonale into turning this boat around.
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