Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV eAWD

The Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV is one of the latest in good looking Italians to immigrate to North America in the past couple of years. Priced right for the U.S. Market, it’s also the first Alfa Romeo with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Napleton News is always up for a jolt during our morning commute and you know we dig living la dolce vita while driving. Come along as we investigate what makes the Tonale PHEV an al-dente offering. (By the way, al dente is typically the best way to have your pasta. Literally, though, it means “to the tooth.”)

What motivates the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV?

It sits in a class of one. The Alfa Romeo Tonale eAWD PHEV is the only subcompact SUV with a hybrid powertrain. This Alfa Romeo Tonale (say Tone-al-lay rather than Toe nail) is powered by a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-4 with a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission and a 306-volt, 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It is matched to a 90-kW electric motor on the rear axle. This delivers a “best-in-class” 285-horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque, along with 33 miles of pure electric range or as we like to call it, “Sneak Home Mode.” Combined, it provides up to 360 miles of range from its gas / electric powertrain.

For 2025, besides the hybrid engine, the Tonale will be offered with a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4-cylinder engine with 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. That package delivers 268-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Looks matter with the Tonale PHEV.

Now into its second year, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is a luxury subcompact SUV that is perfectly suited to young city dwellers or those still young at heart. Having an appreciation for Italian luxury is a good start, but if your taste runs more toward the pizza side of the equation, that’s fine, too. Still, it’s sized right and offers a Tributo Italiano to this prestigious brand.

Begin with the Alfa Romeo “Scudetto” front grille. The phrase means “Little Shield,” and is a look at a now familiar Italian icon. This time it is flanked by new Magneti Marelli-designed 3+3 LED headlights. Stylistic features like the GT Line that runs from the headlights to the taillights. It’s reminiscent of the iconic Giulia GT Junior and other models such as the 8C Competizione.

The design continues to the 20-inch aluminum alloy Grigio five-hole wheels that resemble a telephone dial.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale lineup for 2025 has been pared down and now features a base Tonale and the Tributo Italiano. This special edition model will feature more content than the base Tonale and includes a package with Active Assist Advanced Package with auto dimming rear view mirrors, active driving assist, surround view camera, parallel and perpendicular parking assist.

Focusing on the driver.

If you look back at their historic race cars, Alfa Romeo has always focused on the driver. Today’s driver may not return the favor, preferring to think of the Tonale as basic transportation to and from the high-end shopping area, or out to dinner on a Friday or Saturday night. Still, for those enthusiasts among us, the Tonale satisfies. Here, a driver finds easy access to all controls for a safe and engaging drive experience. Those unlucky enough to not get behind the wheel are well taken care of too, with plenty of room in comfortable surroundings.

Technology is not “old country” either. A programmable driver’s display shows gauges or even a navigation map, as needed. The Uconnect 5 suite handles Tonale’s connectivity. It keeps passengers informed and engaged while keeping driver’s hands and eyes on the road ahead. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are, of course, part of the suite.

Behind the wheel of the Tonale eAWD

The new Tonale eAWD PHEV showed us a surprising amount of muscle for such a small engine. That’s what happens when you are goosed by an electric motor with instant torque that matches up to your 1.3-liter turbocharged four-banger. You’ll be beaten by a Mercedes-AMG GLA or any other go-fast SUV. But the bottom line is you will skedaddle with this setup!

The Tonale handling was on-point for clipping a corner at a rapid rate. A tap on the performance brakes helped ease through the twisty with no sudden surprises. The Tonale remained relatively flat while slicing through the turns. That way, it did not disturb the stupidly expensive cup of coffee we got a few minutes earlier. Talk about getting two of our fixes in one fell swoop!

Alfa Romeo Tonale Tributo eAWD PHEV Specifications: