Alfa Romeo Tonale

I'll probably make some enemies among Alfa Romeo fans, but after driving a Tonale 1.6 Multijet for less than a year and about 44,000 km, I can't say I'm convinced.

Let's be honest: aesthetically, it's a success. You can immediately tell it's an Alfa Romeo; the lines are elegant, and it turns heads. That's actually what drew me to it in the first place. But once the initial infatuation wore off, several things left me with a bitter aftertaste.

My main complaint concerns the perceived quality. For an SUV that easily costs over 40,000 € and can even top 50,000 € in certain trim levels, I expected much better. From the very first few months, I noticed creaking noises in the cabin, plastics that don’t age well, and certain fit-and-finish issues that don’t really give the impression of a premium car. At 44,000 km, several interior components are already showing surprising signs of wear.

The 1.6 Multijet diesel engine is probably what I like most about this car. It’s a proven, relatively reliable engine that’s well-suited for family or business use. On the other hand, I’m much less enthusiastic about the electronics. Between the unnecessary alerts, the sometimes finicky driver-assistance features, and the various bugs reported by many owners, it sometimes feels like the car is more complicated than it needs to be.

Another issue that concerns me is the transmission. Several users have reported problems with the transmission or gear selection, and even though everything is currently covered under warranty, I wonder what will happen in a few years.

What bothers me the most, in the end, isn't the car itself. It’s its price point. If it cost €10,000 less, I’d probably be much more forgiving. But at this price point, it’s hard to ignore the comparison with certain German competitors.

I wouldn't say the Tonale is a bad car. It's pleasing to the eye, comfortable for long trips, and versatile enough for a family. But if you're thinking of buying a new one to keep for a long time, I really recommend taking the time to compare it with other models before signing the contract.

I’ve owned an Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid 160 ch in the Speciale trim for about two and a half years, and as of today, it has just over 25,000 km on the odometer. To be honest, buying it was mostly a spur-of-the-moment decision. In our family, Alfa Romeo runs in the blood, and after owning several models from the brand, the Tonale was the obvious choice as soon as it was unveiled.

I chose the gorgeous "Montreal Green" color, which really catches the eye. I had actually ordered it in gray at first, but I don't regret changing my mind at all. This shade gives it real personality.

Before this, I drove a Giulia 2.2 diesel with 180 ch. The two cars are very different. The Giulia remains the benchmark for sporty driving, but the Tonale offers a level of everyday comfort that I really appreciate. It feels like being in a cocoon. Whether in the city or on long trips, it’s relaxing and a pleasure to drive.

I especially like its design. The front end is gorgeous, the headlights have a distinctive look, and the interior is very well done. The seats provide good support, the materials feel high-quality, and the screen is seamlessly integrated without looking like a TV glued to the dashboard.

Under the hood, the 160 ch hybrid engine offers more than enough performance for everyday use. Of course, you can’t expect it to handle like a Giulia in the corners, but it still has that true Alfa Romeo spirit. Acceleration is good, the chassis is solid, and it remains a pleasure to drive.

Another pleasant surprise: fuel economy. On the highway, I usually get around 6 l/100 km, and in mixed driving conditions, around 7 to 7.5 l/100 km, which is very reasonable for an SUV in this class.

As for comfort, contrary to some reviews I’ve read, I don’t find the Tonale too firm. Yes, the suspension is somewhat firm, but that also adds to the driving pleasure. Since I have back problems, I can say that I find it very comfortable for everyday use.

If I had to find a flaw in it, it would probably be that it doesn't offer the same driving experience as a Giulia. But that's to be expected: it's based on a different philosophy. The Tonale places greater emphasis on comfort and versatility while retaining a true Alfa Romeo identity.

All in all, I would make the exact same choice again. The Tonale has managed to preserve the Alfa Romeo spirit while offering a modern, comfortable, and attractive SUV. And every time I look at it parked in front of my house, I tell myself I was right to give in to temptation once again.