Behind the wheel of the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale AWD.

Spending a week behind the wheel of the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale AWD gave me plenty of time to get acquainted with a brand I’m still learning to appreciate. My last Alfa was a blast, so expectations were high — and this compact SUV primarily delivered.

Exterior Design

The Tonale’s shape and rear styling instantly reminded me of the Porsche Macan, though Alfa adds its signature twist. Out back, sharp LED lighting gives the SUV a distinct signature at night.

The triangular grille anchors the front, flanked by striking 3+3 LED headlights.

The 20-inch Grigio 5-hole wheels demand attention and perfectly complement its athletic stance. My test model came in Milano White, which felt a little too plain. I couldn’t help but wish for one of Alfa’s bolder colors to really bring the design to life.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic, the Tonale sprints to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 96 mph.

It’s not a rocket, but it moves the subcompact SUV with confidence. The sport-tuned suspension provides a terrific balance of sharp handling and a smooth ride, making every drive engaging without sacrificing comfort.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Tonale keeps things simple. The cabin is clean and driver-focused, featuring heated cloth sport seats that offer solid comfort and support. Headroom is good all around, though the overall interior leans slightly generic compared to rivals.

A unique element is the DNA drive mode dial, which hides the hard-to-find auto start-stop disable function. Toggle it down to Advanced Efficiency (A), leave it in Neutral (N) for everyday driving, or switch to Dynamic (D) for maximum fun — my personal favorite. Each mode noticeably changes the Tonale’s personality.

Front and center is a 10.25-inch infotainment screen handling climate, audio, navigation, and settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and performance pages allow drivers to track power delivery and drivetrain activity. It’s intuitive and responsive, rounding out a well-equipped tech package.

Value

What surprised me most was the affordability. My AWD test model came in at $39,920 — a solid bargain for a sporty, stylish SUV that feels more upscale than its price suggests. This wasn’t a fully loaded version, but even so, this Tonale brings genuine Italian flair without the “Italian price.”

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale AWD blends sharp design, lively handling, and everyday usability into a compelling package. While the interior could be more distinctive, the driving experience and value make it stand out in the crowded subcompact SUV segment.

Verdict: 9/10 – Italian flair without the premium price. A great bang for your buck.

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