New Alfa Romeo Tonale gets refreshed engines and updated trim line-up
The second-generation Alfa Romeo Tonale gets some subtle changes to its styling, engines and trims...
On sale 2026 Price from £41,000 (est)
As the saying goes, less is more, and it seems like this is the philosophy behind the new Alfa Romeo Tonale as it undergoes a subtle overhaul to keep it fresh and competitive with rivals.
The new Tonale retains its options of either mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid power, but both engines have received a small update. The mild hybrid, dubbed Ibrida, combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a small electric motor, delivering an increased power output of 173bhp. It’s available exclusively with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive.
With 173bhp, the new mild hybrid Tonale is punchier than a Hyundai Tucson MHEV and an entry-level Volvo XC40 – but the latter offers another option with more power.
Topping the range is the Ibrida Plug-In, which uses a 1.3-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor and pumps out 266bhp. This is slightly down on the 276bhp previously offered. It comes with four-wheel drive, with the electric motor driving the rear wheels, and a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The new Tonale PHEV will officially be able to travel 38 miles on electric power only, which is the same as the outgoing model. That’s around the same as a Range Rover Evoque PHEV, but it’s less efficient than a BMW X1 PHEV.
According to Alfa Romeo, the hybrid systems have been tuned to make transitions between the combustion engines and electric motors smoother. The new Tonale Veloce PHEV also gets new electronic suspension, which aims to deliver a sportier feel and greater agility.
Outside, the Tonale has received some subtle styling updates, most noticeable in the extended front grille and lower air intakes on the front bumper. Its wheels now sit wider at both the front and rear, and you can opt for new 19in or 20in wheels.
The Tonale’s interior has remained consistent by keeping its 10.25in infotainment touchscreen alongside a 12.3in digital instrument cluster. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard, and the system is also capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates, meaning all the software will stay up-to-date automatically.
The centre console has been redesigned with a new rotary gear selector instead of a gearstick. It still features plenty of physical controls for the air conditioning and other essential features, which should be simple to operate on the move. We were disappointed by the lacklustre quality of the previous Tonale, so hopefully there are some plusher materials in the new model.
There’s also a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, a hands-free electric tailgate and heated and ventilated front seats – though you'll need to opt for a higher trim specification to enjoy all of these.
Speaking of trims, there will be three available: entry-level Tonale, mid-spec Ti and range-topping Veloce. Tonale trim includes 17in wheels, LED headlights and rear lights, a leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking (AEB).
Ti versions come with eight-way electric adjustment and lumbar support for the front seats, which are also heated and ventilated, as well as a heated steering wheel. You also get aluminium gearshift paddles for more engaging driving.
Stepping up to Veloce trim gets you 19in wheels, full Matrix LED headlights, red brake calipers, and the new electronic suspension.
At launch, a limited edition Tonale Sport Speciale version will be available, featuring silver accents across the exterior with gloss black brake callipers and white lettering. Inside, Alcantara faux leather will furnish the seats.
The new Alfa Romeo Tonale will arrive early next year. Prices haven’t yet been revealed, but we’d expect them to start at a slight premium compared with the current model, which starts at £38,650. With an estimated starting price of around £41,000, the new Tonale would be more expensive to buy than an Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
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