Sporty Looks, Smart Drive – Testing the Tonale PHEV’s Real-World Charm

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale is a plug-in hybrid, compact crossover from a brand known more for curves than kilowatt-hours. First introduced to the U.S. market in 2023, the Tonale marked a shift for Alfa Romeo—a step into electrification without ditching the emotion and heritage baked into its DNA. I reviewed the 2024 PHEV Veloce last year, but this time, I’m behind the wheel of something special: the Tributo Italiano, a limited edition that leans hard into Alfa’s Italian identity.

Design That Speaks Fluent Italian

If you buy a Tonale, odds are the design helped make that decision. Even among compact crossovers, which tend to blur together, the Tonale stands apart. It’s sculpted, not just shaped. From the signature Trilobo fascia and Scudetto grille to the full-width rear LED light bar, it’s Alfa through and through.

But what truly sets the Tributo Italiano apart is the detail work. My test vehicle came in Verde Fangio Metallic, a striking green named for F1 legend Juan Manuel Fangio. It pops in sunlight, adding drama to an already expressive body. You also get dark Miron trim, 19-inch dark five-hole wheels, red Brembo calipers, and Italian Tricolore mirror badges that proudly flash the flag. It’s as much a design piece as a daily driver.

Plug-In With Personality

Under the hood, the Tributo Italiano packs a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four paired with a 15.5 kWh battery and electric all-wheel drive. Together, the system delivers 285 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. It’s smooth and quiet in EV mode, punchy enough when you need it, and tuned more for grace than aggression.

You get up to 33 miles of electric range, best in class for the segment, and with a Level 2 charger, you can go from empty to full in about 2.5 to 3 hours. One of my favorite features is eSave mode, which lets the gas engine recharge the battery on the fly. It’s not the most efficient approach, but it gives you flexibility—especially if you know you’ll want to drive in EV-only mode later. I’ve praised this system before in the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and it’s great to see Alfa using similar Stellantis tech here.

Daily Drive, Dialed In

On the road, the Tonale feels refined and capable. Steering is precise, the ride is composed, and the suspension strikes a nice balance between sporty and comfortable—especially with the available active damping system. It’s nimble in tight urban spaces but confident on the highway, with quiet cruising in EV mode and a responsive gas-electric transition.

The DNA drive mode selector lets you tailor the experience, from the more aggressive Dynamic to the efficiency-focused Advanced Efficiency. And when you want to hold or recharge the battery, eSave steps in as a genuinely useful tool that most PHEVs overlook.

What About the 2.0 Turbo?

If you’re looking for more of a pure Alfa performance vibe, there’s the 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine, which I drove earlier this year at the Texas Auto Roundup. That version makes 268 hp and 295 lb-ft, paired with a 9-speed automatic and standard AWD. It’s definitely the more engaging drive, and I already have a full video and article on that experience.

But here’s the trade-off: you can only get that engine on the base Tonale trim. So while it might be quicker, you won’t get the upscale features or exclusive design flourishes of the Tributo Italiano. It’s a matter of priorities—performance versus polish.

Inside: Compact Luxury with Italian Flair

Step inside the Tonale and you’re greeted with a cabin that blends sporty vibes with premium materials. The Tributo Italiano trim adds black sport leather seats with red stitching, Tricolore embroidery, and carbon fiber-look accents that give the dashboard some drama. The 10.25-inch Uconnect touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital cluster are sharp, responsive, and easy to use. Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly during my week with the car, and the 360-degree camera is a great addition for parking in tighter spaces.

The interior isn’t the roomiest in the class, but it’s a driver-focused layout that feels more like a cockpit than a commuter pod. Rear legroom is decent, and cargo space behind the second row comes in at 22.9 cubic feet, expanding to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Price Check: Premium With Purpose

Base pricing for the 2025 Tonale starts around $36,500 for the 2.0T gas-only model. Stepping up to the plug-in hybrid moves you into the mid-$40K range, while this fully-loaded Tributo Italiano came in at $59,630. That puts it in the ballpark with other premium PHEVs, but few offer the same design presence and character.

Top 5 Rivals Worth Considering

If you’re shopping the Tonale, here are five competitors worth checking out:

• Volvo XC60 Recharge – More power and space, but pricier and less distinctive.
  
• Lexus NX 450h+ – Great EV range and reliability, more conservative styling.
  
• Audi Q5 TFSI e – Luxurious and well-rounded but lower EV range.
  
• Toyota RAV4 Prime – Class-leading EV range, but lacks premium feel.
  
• BMW X3 xDrive30e – Sporty and capable, though aging and limited EV range.

Final Thoughts: The Alfa for a New Era

After a full week with the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Tributo Italiano, it’s clear this PHEV is more than just a stylish alternative to the mainstream. It delivers on design, efficiency, and everyday usability—all wrapped in a package that feels unique in a world of cookie-cutter crossovers. The Tributo Italiano trim adds just enough flair and exclusivity to make this feel like a special vehicle, even in everyday settings. If you want something efficient, premium, and proudly Italian, this Tonale delivers.