2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Review | One Of These Things Isn't Like The Other...

Alfa's newest and smallest vehicle in America is also the only one with a plug: the 2024 Tonale. You might be more familiar with it's corporate twin, the Dodge Hornet, but the Tonale is where everything started. Oddly enough standard plug in hybrid system puts the Tonale in a segment one one. Volvo and Mercedes have electric options, Lexus has a standard hybrid in the UX, but no other company brings their PHEV to our shores. Does that make the Tonale good? Worth a look? Or just unique?
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00:00 - Introduction
00:00 - The small luxury segment is weird
1:53 - How big is the Tonale?
4:20 - About the plug in hybrid system
6:13 - How roomy is the interior?
8:21 - Cargo capacity
9:47 - Interior design
15:07 - How does it drive? 0-60, handling, etc
24:09 - Tonale vs the competition
33:30 - Conclusion

[@Mike-bi7kb]

I bought an Alfa Romeo Tonale Sprint model PHEV ( the base model, not the dolled up, expensive Veloce model, which is more readily available, as for every Sprint model Alfa imported, they imported 9 Veloces ) almost a year ago. I was the first one to buy one in Canada, and basically bought it off the truck. I paid less then MSRP, and got it less then what a Ford Escape PHEV ( which at the time had a dealer mark up of $3,500, and add ons like $3,500 for Ford's Blue Cruise ) was going for, and where a RAV4 Prime ( basically the same price without add ons ) was ( and still is ) unavailable, and a 2 year old used Prime was selling for $14,000 more then my out the door price. Other then 9 recalls ( 2 for decals that did not have metric or French on them, that I did myself, 3 for checking high voltage connections were tight, no parts needed, 1 to replace a switch, and 3 for software updates, because where I live the vehicle would not update itself ) I have had zero problems with it, everything is operating above my expectations, and I am getting better electrical range and gas mileage then stated on the Vehicle MSRP sheet. It handles great, looks much nicer then its competition ( I compared the Sprint model against the Escape and Prime, where most reviewers, etc., compare the Veloce model that they are given by the dealers against the BMW X1 or Mercedes GLA, etc. which to me is not a fair comparison, especially a PHEV to a non PVEV ). It is not perfect, just like every vehicle in certain aspects, but I love it, love driving it, glad I bought it rather then any of the half dozen or so other PHEVS I test drove, and I would buy it again. And, it fits nicely in my garage. All new vehicles have there problems, and mine did too, but the dealership I bought mine from, bent over backwards to accommodate me with the recalls, offered me a loaner while my vehicle was being serviced, and Alfa has resolved every issue with my vehicle, some well documented. I cannot say I would have gotten the same treatment from any other manufacturer. Maybe I am lucky with my vehicle, but my whole experience, from buying it through to service, driving, etc., could not have been simpler, easier, stress free, and satisfying.

[@jamesterakazis6624]

PREACH BROTHA....PREACH

[@MyMovie5858]

For a $50k+ car, I hope Alfa will re-do the interior material choices and color coordination. As it is, it does not look or feel premium.

[@jamesterakazis6624]

As an Alfa fan boy I totally agree !! Original owner of 2017 Giulia Quad (custom ordered) and a 2020 Stelvio Ti Sport (top trim below the Quad that model year) , Alfa clearly cheapened out their interiors after 2021. In 2020 they updated the infotainment and center console configuration (got rid of a big cheap plastic section around the gear shift lever, which my Quad unfortunately has) but after that all interiors became black on black on grey, on black....My Quad, although black interior has red contrast stitching everywhere (door cards, steering wheel, gear shift lever, dash) and alcantera seating surfaces and as such feels premium with all the carbon accents. The Stelvio is Trofeo white with red interior which back then got you red seats, red center console, red lower dash and red accents on the door cards (front and back) as well as red contrast stitching like the Quad. After 2021, if you got red seats, only the seats were red and everything else was black . It's like you stole red seats and just plopped them into the car....SO CHEAP...

[@scott8919]

I miss forest green on cars.

[@BTC909]

1998 Dodge Intrepid ES.

[@naveenthemachine]

That green is really nice. Reminds me of the m3 or x5M

[@jamesterakazis6624]

For the first couple of years it was available on the Giulia (non Quad) and on the Stelvio (non Quad)....I had a 1991 164 L in Forest Green with Tan interior...it was gorgeous....

[@patleung4176]

Hi Alex. You mentioned 9/10 for the front seats but the graphic showed 7/10. Just a heads up.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Oops

[@robhood1167]

We leased a 2024 Tonale back in December. Initially wanted the $25k Buick Envista but the monthly lease payment would have been over $100 more for the Buick. Alfa had excellent discounts on the Tonale and the huge $7500 fed rebate on the lease. It has been a wonderful car to drive with a lot of unexpected and delightful features, excellent ride and handling and great low cost of ownership. It spends vast majority of the time in EV mode that makes it feel like a rear wheel drive car. As a long time BMW driver, I really appreciate the rear wheel drive feel. The audio system is outstanding and the software is great. Interior materials are surprisingly great - looks and feels very premium, with lots of real metal touch points.

[@vicariousity3046]

there's a typo in your video - you listed 7/10 (as you show on the screen) rather than 9/10 for seat comfort (as you say in the video)

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, At the 1:00 mark you suggested, "If you're watching this video in Canada, you might be confused." I can confirm your powers of prognostication remain impressive because I don't know whether this is a Fiat, an Alfa or a Dodge. 😉🤣 BTW can we trade our non plug-in Tonales for your US-only Crown Signia XLEs or Camry LEs? 🤔

[@irnbrukidsm]

Drove the Dodge Hornet plug in hybrid..built alongside the Tonale in Naples Italy. Drove it 4,000 miles over three weeks in Montana, Colorado and S Dakota. Mightily impressed and would concur with Alexa regarding handling, comfort and steering. The only downside in my opinion is the 6 speed gearbox which at time could be guilty of ‘hunting’. The performance was impressive especially Un uphill windy roads. Also fun overtaking on the highways when you put the foot down. Torque was impressive

[@MaestroWenarto]

Thank you for this review, I am thinking about this car, and congratulations on the weight loss 🙂

[@pauld6967]

Alex, what is the capacity of the gas tank? That way I can do the math: (gas tank capacity) x 33 m.p.g. + 29 miles on battery = maximum all-in-one-shot range. My current PHEV has a maximum, use-all-in-one-shot, vacation trip range of 600-ish miles.

[@AceEverett]

Exterior looks good, good mpg and power with a potentially reliable inline 4 (usually good engines). But they still haven't quieted claims of reliability issues and the interior is pretty cheap for 50k.

[@Sklounst_Actual]

I've heard the Hornet already has tons of electronic issues...even if Alfa engines are fine now, the other components could prove annoyingly unreliable.

[@lualrosaal]

Already experiencing electronic issues with my Tonale TI

[@SSS-mp8th]

Perhaps that’s why you can get $10-$15k off on a Hornet.

[@orig_gee_man]

Please, it is a Fiat brand it is very normal to have electric issues. That's like one of its charm. It is like a free option to get with any Selantis / Fiat brand

[@jamesterakazis6624]

Hey Dog...have you ever owned a BMW, Merc, Audi or Porsche ? Talk about "unreliable" !! Oh but they get a pass because they're German and they're "over engineered"....Stop with the cliché reliability nonsense because the car is Italian....

[@damilolaakanni]

​@@orig_gee_manelectrical issues aren't limited to Italian cars or Fiat. Even Japanese brands can suffer electrical issues every once in a while.

[@naveenthemachine]

I love the green exterior. Otherwise I’d get the cheaper hornet.

[@orig_gee_man]

July and gloves for the cold temperature, or for the car?

[@ogjk]

Based off this review I see no reason to get the AR version of this vehicle, just get the Dodge version and save your shillings.

[@ALMX5DP]

I think there are more Cybertrucks around my area than there are this thing.

[@naveenthemachine]

I see cyber trucks in my area too. But I’ve seen a couple hornets though

[@jamesterakazis6624]

Alfas have never been big sellers and unfortunately due to the pricing of the Tonale and the undercutting of it by the Hornet, it will not be a big seller....Needed to be 10 K less with no Dodge equivalent....Stellantis screwed Alfa here....

[@zekew7546]

Confused: for front seat, graphic says 7/10 but you stated 9/10. Well either way, nice seats. ? Comfortable for long road trip rump time??

[@Michael-kd7hn]

Thanks for clarifying for us Canadians

[@Rioichi4]

I'd love to see a video comparing the Tonale to the Hornet

[@JP-sw5ho]

Are matrix headlights allowed to work in the USA now ?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Sadly not yet but we’re getting close

[@ncvwrx2759]

a regular ICE alfa has reliability issues, i wouldnt touch this outside of warranty.

[@darmokt]

I can smell those Stellantis plastics from here. Just add a little eau de puke from being on a rental car lot for six months and it’ll be perfect 👌

[@jamesterakazis6624]

I agree that for $ 50 K the interior, especially the door cards, are a big let down.... Dash is nice, seats look good in Alcantara with Red under fabric popping through visually...

[@jaytaylor629]

Just a Dodge Hornet wearing a bow tie. Anything made by Stellantis is an automatic nope from me.

[@freddiecarr7602]

Sweet------This has to be the most gorgeous SUV on the road!

[@jamesterakazis6624]

Why not an 8 speed ?

[@damilolaakanni]

Space, I think. Considering the size of the car and the fact that there's a battery pack underneath the car, I doubt an 8 speed would fit.

[@BTC909]

I'm just here for the comments.

[@labradachig1976]

Alfa Romeo is a luxury brand? lol

[@FuncleChuck]

I love PHEVs and wish they made more desirable models with that engine. It’s like automakers have zero creativity. They shove their best engines into their worst vehicles. Edit: but to be clear - this is a TRASH vehicle with an absolutely garbage drivetrain. 29 MPG hybrid!? 77 MPGe electric mode? GTFOH.

[@jamesterakazis6624]

Don't most plug in hybrids provide about 30 miles of electric range ?

[@ericmarentette]

Haha imagine buying "the first" of anything from Alfa

[@jamesterakazis6624]

Hahahaha....Imagine buying "the first of" anything from BMW, Porsche, Audi or Merc ...

[@ericmarentette]

@@jamesterakazis6624 I've owned a 2008 E92 M3 and a 2006 Porsche Cayman S since new and have haven't had any unexpected or major problems. I owned a 2021 Alfa Romeo Gulia Quadrifoglio and had to lemon law it. Maybe I've been lucky with my other first gen cars but the first gen Alfa was the worst (and briefest) ownership experience I've ever had.

[@jamesterakazis6624]

@@ericmarentette Quite the opposite of myself...Custom ordered 2017 Giulia Quad ..among the first delivered...39000 glorious miles...My E 36 M3 was abysmal. Dealer fought me tooth and nail re: subframe and then I had the joy of owning an E 60 M5 that developed rod bearing issues at 40 K miles that the dealer, once again fought me over. Maybe I was just unlucky....but I doubt it. FORZA ALFA BABY !! NEVER BMW AGAIN !!

[@james2042]

At 33 miles of range youre looking at 2mi/kwh. It cost more to drive this thing on electric than gas. Why would anyone buy this? Ill keep my 40mpg regular hybrid thank you, less money, lower curb weight, lower fuel cost, and a hell of a lot cheaper battery to replace when it inevitably dies

[@FuncleChuck]

No that’s not true… electric is cheaper /almost/ everywhere. - but yeah that’s awful efficiency. It’s rated 44 kWh / 100 mi, 77 MPGe, or 2.27 mi/kWh. Abysmal! This car is trash. 29 MPG gas would cost 12 cents per mile (at $3.50 per gallon) 2.27 mi/kWh is 6.6 cents per mile (at 15 cents per kWh) And your 40 MPG hybrid (which is pretty good, that’s what I get in my hybrid) costs you 8.8 cents per mile.

[@jamesterakazis6624]

@@FuncleChuck Not challenging you, looking to educate myself here...can you give me another PHEV in this class (or close to it) with better all electric range ?

[@1997nick]

@@jamesterakazis6624 Ford Escape PHEV is the closest one I can think of. More efficient fuel economy for both fuels and better range. Not really in the same class, but a more logical buy I think