The Alfa Romeo Tonale has been updated with a more aggressive look and a series of mechanical changes that are claimed to make it a sportier proposition.
Chief among the changes is a renewed range of engines designed to meet the latest Euro 6-bis emissions regulations. The entry-level turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine is boosted by 15bhp to 173bhp, thanks to an updated mild-hybrid system.
The four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, is now offered with two different power outputs: 187bhp and 266bhp. The latter represents a slight downgrade from the current PHEV’s 276bhp. Alfa has yet to disclose whether the set-up’s electric range has improved from the current 38 miles. It does, however, get a new computer that is claimed to provide a smoother transition between petrol and electric power.
The suspension’s track has also been widened to reduce body roll and understeer, said Alfa.
Visually, the new Tonale is differentiated from the existing car by a more curvaceous front end. Its lower grille area is expanded and upturned, which, Alfa said, is intended to bring it into line with the newer Junior crossover. The main shield-like grille now has horizontal bars running across its width and it is flanked by new air intakes inspired by those on the Giulia GTAm.
Inside, there are new upholstery options, such as Alcantara with contrasting stitching said to resemble cannelloni. The Tonale retains the new gear selector dial that was introduced for its 2025-model-year update.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed. However, the Tonale will receive a new entry-level trim with 17in alloy wheels and fabric upholstery, which is likely to bring the car’s starting price down from the current £38,650.
That could provide a crucial boost to the Tonale’s appeal: Autocar understands fewer than 700 have been registered in the UK so far this year, compared with more than 8000 examples of the rival Audi Q3 and nearly 9000 BMW X1s.
This new entry-level trim – which goes unnamed – will replace the existing Sprint variant. Above it will sit the mid-range Ti, with 18in alloys, tinted windows and a heated steering wheel, among other extras. Veloce trim, with 19in wheels, adaptive-beam headlights and adaptive suspension, remains at the top of the range.
The updated Tonale will be important in Alfa Romeo's quest to improve its commercial performance. According to figures from analyst Jato Dynamics, Tonale sales between January and the end of August 2025 were down by 42% compared with the same period last year, while the Stelvio and Giulia fell by 40% and 24% respectively.
Join the debate
Add your comment
The wider track is welcome. The original seemed like its wheels were slightly tucked in the wheelwells. Love the new rims and front design too. Would serioulsy consider this over a me-too gray German competitor.
So unpopular in terms of sales Alfa need a major rethink on stategy. Same price as the Q3 and BMW but with the Q3 there are 2 shapes, multiple engine choices including diesel, petrol, 4wd and a performance version.
And it's never a good look that the most expensive powerful sporty Tonail comes with a plug in 1.3 engine, hardy in line with the sporty Alfa Romeo image.
You are incorrect; It's a 1.5 which is part of a hybrid system that produces 280hp combined and propels it from nought to 60 in a scant 5.9 seconds. Please leave your outdated misconceptions at the door.
Really, on the Alfa Romeo website it says 1.3 for the most powerful plug-in version. I await your informed reply.
Outdated misconceptions, nah just observations and opinions a fanboy like you doesn't like to hear.
Are you sure you looked at Alfa UK's official website?
The Q4 is a 1.3L but, the less powerful version is a 1.5L hybrid
Yep, and that's what I wrote 'the most powerful expensive Tonale comes with a 1.3'. The 1.3 is in the most powerful PHEV with 200 odd HP, the milder hybrid is indeed a 1.5
This is doing my head in. The more powerful 150kW 1.3 is less powerful than the less powerful 200+kW 1.5?
Maybe your head is to small. Read it again and if you still don't understandstand check out the AR website.