Review: The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Tributo Italiano eAWD

by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Alfa Romeo - 12/13/2024

Alfa Romeo's reputation for crafting visually striking vehicles is evident in the Tonale Tributo Italiano. The SUV features a distinctive triangular front grille, sleek LED matrix headlights, and flowing side character lines that exude elegance and sportiness. It captures that classic Alfa Romeo athleticism, which looks like it is in motion even when parked. The limited-edition Tributo Italiano enhances this appeal with unique exterior elements, including a body-color-painted trim, 20-inch Grigio wheels, red Brembo calipers, and a gloss-black roof; all of that was aided by the $2,200 optional Verde Fangio Metallic paint, creating a ride that turns heads wherever we go.

Inside, the Tonale offers a driver-focused cabin with premium materials and modern technology. The dashboard integrates a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Tributo Italiano edition adds perforated leather upholstery with red accents, aluminum pedals, and ambient lighting, enhancing the luxurious ambiance. Despite its compact dimensions, the Tonale provides ample legroom for front and rear passengers, with 41.7 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo space is practical, offering 22.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and expanding to 50.5 cubic feet when folded. 

Under the hood, the Tonale Tributo Italiano eAWD is powered by a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. This setup delivers a combined output of 285 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 5.6 seconds. The eAWD system ensures power distribution to all four wheels, enhancing traction and stability and allowing city drivers to stay all-electric for their daily commute.

However, while the Tonale's performance figures are respectable, it lacks the engaging driving dynamics traditionally associated with Alfa Romeo, and it doesn't get an Italian exhaust note. The ride is generally comfortable, but it doesn't deliver the spirited handling and responsiveness that driving enthusiasts expect from the brand. 

One of the Tonale's highlights is its plug-in hybrid capability. It offers an EPA-estimated electric-only range of up to 33 miles, making it suitable for daily commutes without engaging the gasoline engine. It achieves an estimated 29 MPG combined in hybrid mode, providing a balance between performance and efficiency. Charging the 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery takes about 2.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet or Level 2 charging station and approximately 8 hours with a standard 120-volt household outlet. 

The Tonale comes equipped with a suite of modern technologies aimed at enhancing convenience and safety. Standard features include wireless smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa voice command, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system, powered by Uconnect 5, is user-friendly and responsive, offering performance pages and real-time monitoring of the hybrid system's power distribution and efficiency. 

Safety is a priority in the Tonale, with a comprehensive array of driver-assistance features. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, forward collision warning, and a surround-view camera system. These features contribute to a confident driving experience, though it's worth noting that the 2025 Tonale has not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. 

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Tributo Italiano eAWD starts at $53,990 (including destination and delivery), with well-equipped models like our tester reaching up to $59,630.  This pricing positions it in a competitive segment alongside luxury compact SUVs such as the BMW X2, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. While the Tonale offers distinctive Italian styling and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, some may find that its driving dynamics and interior materials don't fully justify the premium price tag, especially when compared to rivals that offer more engaging performance or higher-quality interiors. Additionally, the Volvo XC40 Recharge presents a fully electric alternative with impressive performance, and Dodge's own version of the Tonale, the Dodge Hornet, offers the same package and driving dynamics for less money.

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Tributo Italiano eAWD stands out with its Italian design and plug-in hybrid technology, appealing to those seeking a unique and efficient luxury compact SUV. However, potential buyers will need to choose if the aesthetic appeal and technological features are worth the high price tag, considering the strong competition in this segment, the Alfa Romeo is the emotional choice.