Name: Alfa Romeo Tonale (2022 - ) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Alfa Romeo Tonale
Rating: 67.0

Summary

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a compact five-door SUV/crossover and the brand’s first model with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Arriving in the UK in the second half of 2022, the Tonale is the smaller of two SUVs in the Alfa Romeo line-up, sitting below the larger Stelvio. The compact SUV is built on the same foundations as the Jeep Compass, and rivals upmarket alternatives like the Audi Q3, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40.

Considering this competition, Auto Express states that it has “concerns about how premium SUV buyers will feel about the interior quality”, which Carbuyer calls “surprisingly cheap in some places”.

Although the SUV has received several plaudits for its stylish exterior design, which stands out in a small SUV class that Parkers describes as “stale”, many reviewers also comment that the Tonale’s alluring looks are not matched by the performance of the mild hybrid engine. Carwow reports that there is an “irritating delay” before the turbocharged petrol engine kicks in when accelerating, and The Sun says the SUV’s gearbox can be “indecisive and hesitant” at times. Auto Trader adds that the Cupra Formentor is also “considerably faster”.

A plug-in hybrid engine joined the range in 2023, which received much more praise from media sources. It also offers significantly improved running costs thanks to its electric motor and battery.

Reviewers generally agree that the car is well-equipped as standard – its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating being a reflection of its long list of safety features – and that the Tonale is both comfortable and responsive on the road, with tidy handling and cosmetic flair that Top Gear says makes it “less boring” than many of its rivals.

Overall, the Tonale is a certain step forward for the Alfa Romeo brand, but as The Sunday Times concludes, its cabin quality makes it hard to recommend over established premium family cars. “Even the prettiest bodywork in the segment can’t gloss over that.”

As of January 2025, the Alfa Romeo Tonale holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 67%. It scores top marks for its excellent Euro NCAP safety rating and its low CO₂ emissions (helped by the plug-in hybrid version). However, its running costs are average and its media review scores have been poor.

More Alfa Romeo Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Tonale highlights

Alluring exterior styling
Well-equipped as standard
Comfortable ride
Sharp driving dynamics
Alfa’s first electrified model

Tonale lowlights

Interior is cheap in places
Lethargic performance from mild hybrid models
Rivals are more practical
Hesitant automatic gearbox
No all-electric version

Key specifications

Body style: Compact SUV
Engines: petrol (mild hybrid)
Price: From £39,995 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2022
Last updated: Spring 2023
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in SUV is designed to appeal to both head and heart due to its efficient powertrain, startling looks and engaging dynamics.”
Read review

Model reviewed: PHEV (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“Alfa Romeo’s Tonale delivers in plenty of key areas but it still lacks the fun factor we expect from the one of the Italian brand’s models.”
Read review

Model reviewed: PHEV
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The plug-in hybrid Tonale Q4 is our pick of the range because it’s not only more efficient and offers a competitive 42-mile electric driving range, it’s also better to drive than the mild-hybrid version and packs more punch.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre Q4 Veloce
Score: 8 / 10
“The plug-in hybrid version of the new Alfa Romeo Tonale has the potential to divert company car drivers from key rivals.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic Veloce
Score: 7 / 10
“Alfa Romeo has done a good job of creating a relatively firm but tidy-handling car from humble underpinnings, but the Tonale’s laggy powertrain spoils the fun and could prove irritating during day-to-day driving.” (Matt Robinson)
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“It certainly has the looks, the hybrid system is effective and it drives nicely but rivals like the Volvo XC40, Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3 feel more premium while a Cupra Formentor looks just as flash and is considerably faster.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Veloce
Score: 7 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV has stylish looks and a sporty drive but there are too many flaws for the Tonale to challenge the best in this fiercely fought segment.”
Author: Sean Keywood
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic (mild hybrid)
Score: 6 / 10
“Despite the sharp looks and keen drive, with its 32% BIK figure and so-so performance, it’s hard to recommend the Alfa Romeo Tonale in mild hybrid form. The incoming PHEV model should solve both of these issues; we look forward to finding out in due course.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a handsome design with a lovely, practical interior, plus lots of safety kit to keep the family safe, including automated braking, lane assist, blind spot detection and intelligent cruise control. Like a true Alfa, it’s fun to drive fast. Let’s hope Alfa’s software engineers can fine-tune the car’s low-speed manners, making the steering more predictable and the hybrid less hesitant.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tonale is the car that Alfa Romeo has been waiting on for some time, and it should work wonders in boosting the brand’s sales. It retains the Italian firm’s trademark glamour, yet brings a spacious and well-built interior and generous levels of equipment.” (Ted Welford)
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a stylish SUV that’s good to drive, but rivals have better-quality interiors”
Author: Andy Goodwin
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Tonale is one of the more fun small SUVs from the driver’s seat, and the interior quality along with the good looks and efficiency bring a welcome dose of Italian flair to the basket of premium small SUV alternatives.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Speciale
Score: 7 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Tonale looks pretty good, is competitive in all the sensible ways and feels premium enough to not leave you yearning for a bit of German-spec quality. So, a perfectly fine way to get around with a little bit of Italian design goodness thrown into the mix. Oh, and the infotainment system is easy to use and relatively quick, too. It’s just a shame the Tonale doesn’t share the dynamic polish of the Giulia and Stelvio.” (Jethro Bovingdon)
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a stylish family SUV offered with all-important hybrid power. We think its sleek looks will tempt buyers away from staid competitors, but it’s not without its foibles.”
Read review

Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“A plug-in hybrid crossover SUV may not sound like a car for enthusiasts, but Alfa Romeo has engineered the Tonale PHEV to have genuine driver appeal. The Tonale PHEV is not only the obvious choice for company car drivers, it’s also the best version on sale. It oozes charm inside and out, serves up real-world efficiency, and feels engaging on the road. Alfa Romeo is on a rapid path towards electrification, but the Tonale suggests the Alfisti should not be too worried.”
Author: John Redfern
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“It’s a great-looking car and certainly worth a test drive – because for those that do gel with it, the Tonale will be like a breath of fresh air in what has become a rather stale compact premium SUV segment.” (James Dennison)
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Ride comfort, even on 19in alloys, is fine and steering is positive but the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox can prove indecisive and hesitant at times if not in dynamic mode.”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: Tonale Plug-in Hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tonale PHEV is a far more promising compact SUV than the standard Hybrid model, although it still retains some of the same issues. The technology and cabin quality remain weak points, while the ride comfort still isn’t quite right and the price is expected to be steep.” (James Fossdyke)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Were the Alfa noticeably cheaper than its premium rivals, its handling and looks might give it half a chance, but a lack of cabin quality puts it at a definite disadvantage. While the Alfa Romeo Tonale looks premium from the outside, it doesn’t feel that way once you get inside. Even the prettiest bodywork in the segment can’t gloss over that.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Veloce
Score: 6 / 10
“Alfa Romeo hasn’t yet pulled off Volvo’s trick of transforming itself into a bona fide premium brand. Next to its more polished rivals, the Tonale feels a bit rough around the edges. On the stunning roads of the Dales, the Tonale is a delight. But in rush-hour traffic on a rainy Tuesday in Leeds, it is less so. So if you’re thinking about picking an Alfa Romeo Tonale, you must ask yourself whether the joy of the former outweighs the mediocrity of the other.” (Alex Robbins)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tonale is quite a nice family SUV, but not a great Alfa Romeo and I struggled to find Imparato’s “Vibe” here. There will be those for whom this is more than enough, especially with the illustrious cross-and-snake badge on the bonnet.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Tonale is styled and engineered with more verve than most of its rivals. Not perfect, but no crossovers are.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 83%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 67%
Safety assist: 85%

The Alfa Romeo Tonale was tested by Euro NCAP in Summer 2022 and awarded a full five-star rating.

Testers commented that the SUV performs well in potential car-on-car and vulnerable road user crash avoidance tests, but also said that its crash protection scores are not the highest in its class as the car “lacks centre airbags and proves to be an aggressive collision partner in frontal crashes.”

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2025, the Alfa Romeo Tonale has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Alfa Romeo Tonale to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Tonale, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	49 mpg	C	49 – 50 mpg	B – C
Plug-in hybrid models	220 mpg	A	202 – 237 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	129 g/km	A	128 – 140 g/km	A – B
Plug-in hybrid models	31 g/km	A	30 – 38 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	38 miles	D	37 – 39 miles	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	33	C	28 – 38	B – C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£269	C
Year 2	£743	C
Year 3	£1,197	C
Year 4	£1,494	C
Year 5	£1,957	C
Overall	£5,660	C

Running costs for the Alfa Romeo Tonale are pretty average, according to whole-life ownership cost data exclusively provided by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Emissions on the plug-in hybrid model are very low, although that’s helped by the fairly lame EU/UK government lab tests that don’t necessarily relate to real-world usage. We don’t have fuel consumption data as yet, but it should also be decent.

The Tonale’s insurance premiums are not overly expensive but not cheap either, and its service and maintenance costs are predicted to be on par with rivals like the Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar E-Pace.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Alfa Romeo Tonale

Date: June 2024
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2022 to 05/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 26
Defect: Certain vehicles may have been equipped with an open roof anti-pinch system which does not operate according to specification.
Remedy: If required the two motors will be replaced.

Date: May 2024
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2022 to 06/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 256
Defect: Affected vehicles may display incorrect tyre size information on the Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Remedy: The CoC must be replaced.

Date: December 2023
Model types: Tonale plug-in hybrid
Build dates: 09/2022 to 08/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 318
Defect: Affected plug-in hybrid vehicles may have a non-conforming tightening torque applied to the 12-volt battery recharge cable the two ground cables and the two high-voltage connectors. This could potentially lead to a fire in a worst-case scenario.
Remedy: Check for the presence and that the correct torque has been applied to the 12-volt battery recharge cable the two ground cables and the two high-voltage connectors.

Date: July 2023
Model types: Tonale petrol (mild hybrid)
Build dates: 11/2022 to 08/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 89
Defect: Affected mild hybrid vehicles may have been fitted with a faulty 48-volt battery. This may lead to a loss of the functionality of the battery. This may result in a risk of thermal run away in the case of water infiltration.
Remedy: The repair is a check of the PBU valve code and replacement of the 48-volt battery if necessary.

Date: October 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2022 to 09/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 107
Defect: Brake lights may remain illuminated when cruise control engaged.
Remedy: Update the software of the body computer module.

As of January 2025, there have been five DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Alfa Romeo Tonale. These cover sunroof motors, tyre size data, software and different battery issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Alfa Romeo dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Tonale, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.