The first time we told you about it was in 2019, at the Geneva Motor Show, when among the new arrivals came the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the brand's first electrified model, a compact SUV adopting a plug-in hybrid solution for the very first time. At the helm of the then FCA group (today Stellantis) was Mike Manley, who had taken over leadership of the group following the passing of Sergio Marchionne. Then, in summer 2024, Alfa Romeo's green transition took another significant step with the launch of the Junior, Alfa Romeo's first fully electric car — "a symbolic welcome to a new generation of Alfisti," a press release noted, "the electric car of emotions."

Of course, this is not Alfa Romeo's farewell to fossil fuels — a farewell that was supposed to happen by 2027 but which, to date, remains unconfirmed. Five years after its debut, the Alfa Romeo Tonale returns in a revised and updated version. No revolution, let's be clear. But an update that, while reaffirming its identity as a plug-in hybrid designed more for driving pleasure than efficiency, refreshes its style and features. Let's take a look at the main changes.

Alfa Romeo Tonale: the premises

The Alfa Romeo Tonale remains a compact SUV (4.52 metres in length) that the public has come to appreciate above all for its dynamic qualities: ideal weight distribution, driving dynamics, performance, and design. These ingredients are all present in this 2025 edition, with which Alfa Romeo "reaffirms its commitment to bringing Italian excellence through innovation, design and driving emotion," as explained by Santo Ficili, Alfa Romeo CEO. The exterior design remains almost unchanged. Prices for the plug-in hybrid version start from €51,100. Among the possible alternatives: the hybrid Volvo XC40 or the Peugeot 3008.

The cabin, too, confirms its sporting character in the new Tonale, with interiors enriched by contrast stitching, enveloping ventilated seats, a heatable steering wheel (a welcome touch when getting into the car in winter) and the new rotary gear selector (admittedly less practical than the previous one), complemented by aluminium paddle shifters for those who prefer to change gears manually. The ventilated wireless charging pad for smartphones is a welcome addition, while compared to more recent models the 10.25-inch infotainment system feels somewhat dated. Also new is the Milano Cortina 2026 edition, dedicated to the Winter Olympics.

What the plug-in hybrid version offers

As mentioned, the Tonale remains a plug-in hybrid conceived more for driving enthusiasts than for pure efficiency — as Alfa Romeo puts it: "mechanics first, then electronics, but always in service of the driver's pleasure." In short, a statement of intent that translates into a car with refined suspension (also available in electronic form for an even more sophisticated management of comfort), powerful brakes and direct steering — all capable of delivering greater sporting sensations to the driver. All true. Add to this the reassurance of Q4 Awd all-wheel drive, which equips the plug-in hybrid version and enhances road holding, especially in winter when snow and ice can prove treacherous.

Although the powertrains have been updated to comply with the latest environmental standard Euro 6E Bis — which since January 2025 has introduced stricter homologation requirements — the overall characteristics remain essentially unchanged: starting from the 48V mild hybrid with 175 horsepower and front-wheel drive, up to the 270 horsepower (198 kW) of the plug-in hybrid version (the subject of our test drive), equipped with a 1.3-litre petrol engine paired with a 94 kW electric motor powered by a 15.5 kWh battery; declared CO2 emissions stand at 83–77 g/km. A diesel version also remains in the line-up.

Safety focus rewarded with five EuroNcap stars

But there is more than just sportiness. On the safety front, the Tonale has earned five EuroNcap stars, and the driver assistance systems — the ADAS — include adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance, a traffic monitoring system, a manoeuvring aid (including in reverse) that warns of approaching vehicles, a driver attention monitor that flags distraction or drowsiness, road sign recognition, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. For those who prefer a little extra help, semi-automatic parking is also available.

What electric range does the Tonale offer — and why some rivals do better

In everyday use, the Tonale is both an enjoyable and practical car. One example? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless, allowing you to connect your smartphone without cables, automatically, as soon as you get in. The doors feature keyless entry, the dual-zone climate control comes with an air quality sensor, and the rear seats are split-foldable — although the plug-in hybrid version offers less boot space due to the electric components housed at the rear.

Electric range? Up to 60 kilometres as declared, around 50 kilometres in real-world use (some rivals exceed 100 kilometres of range) — not exactly an efficiency champion, it must be said. On charging times, using domestic power up to 3.0 kW, a full charge takes around six hours; this drops to two and a half hours at public chargers of up to 7.4 kW.