Alfa Romeo Tonale struggles to find speed, US buyers

Amid the annual lucrative sales of vintage Ferraris last August at Monterey Auto Week in California, an Alfa Romeo surprisingly infiltrated the top-10 price list. A 1938 8C 2900B Lungo Spider sold for $14.03 million and provided a one-car jolt of automotive pride for the struggling Italian carmaker.

The 1938 Lungo Spider had eight cylinders and a four-speed manual transmission, and cost $9,457 new. Seven were made, and they were street legal. With slight embellishment, the odds of seeing one of the 115-year-old company’s icons is about the same as viewing a 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Founded in 1910, Alfa Romeo returned to the United States market in 2017. Announced in 2022 but debuting last year as a five-seater sub-compact crossover sport utility vehicle, the carmaker hoped the Tonale would lead a sales rebound. It was the carmaker’s first new car in six years.

The Guilia was the manufacturer’s debut vehicle in its U.S. return. The sedan is stylish and luxurious and has sporty handling, all strong Alfa Romeo traits. A year later, the Stelvio arrived with the carmaker joining the bustling SUV segment.

Named after a mountain pass in Northern Italy, the Tonale hasn’t gained significant momentum as the carmaker’s second SUV. Only 3,383 sold in the U.S. last year.

With its low sales, Tonale trims have been streamlined from four to two, the Tonale and Tonale Hybrid. Premium, Veloce and Active Assist option packages are available. The carmaker also offers the Intensa and the reviewed Tributo Italiano special editions in 2025, though the latter is only available with the Tonale Hybrid.

The gas-only model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic. The PHEV powertrain is a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission and two electric motors. Both options are all-wheel drive. 

While the Tonale’s acceleration is adequate, the SUV rarely seems like it hits its stride. An acceleration hesitation, often called turbo lag, is prominent. 

Italian carmakers do interiors stylishly. The Tonale features quality materials and a strong selection of standard features. The Premium package has leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and an odd ambient lighting display that illuminates on a panel in front of the front passenger.

Seating is comfortable for all, but the five-person capacity is wishful thinking — as it is in most compact SUVs. The Tonale provides 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats up, 50.5 cubic feet with seats down. There’s also a convenient pass-through in the 60/40-split rear bench. A hands-free power liftgate is available.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. 

If coolness factors count, there are several. The five-ring wheels are edgy. The Tonale name is beautifully centered across the tailgate in a hipster cursive font. The Alfa Romeo emblem — a man-eating snake, coat of arms and the flag of Milan, Italy — adds mystery. The small front grille is the antithesis of the currently massively aggressive styles. 

But there are also annoyances. The engine start button is located on the steering wheel rather than in a static location. Paddle shifters are positioned in front of the turn signal indicator. The stereo volume control is a small thumbwheel awkwardly located to the right of the shift lever.

Buy the Tonale for something different. You may never buy another. There may also be only a few left in 87 years, similar to the Lungo Spider … but it’s unlikely any will be worth $14 million. 

Facts & Figures

Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph, 6.0 seconds  

Airbags: 6

Gas mileage: 77 MPGe (combined); 29 MPG (gas only)

Horsepower: 268-285

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $52,730

Manufacturer’s website: alfaromeousa.com

Price as reviewed: $58,125

Warranty: Bumper-to-Bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles; Hybrid/Battery Components; 8 years/100,000 miles

Test Drive

Alfa Romeo of Naples, 1250 Airport Road S., Naples 

alfaromeoofnaples.com

Alfa Romeo of Fort Myers, 14401 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers

alfaromeousafortmyers.com