2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Like many cars in the brand’s history, the best of the modern Alfa Romeos are agile, powerful, and have exhaust noises that enthusiasts will enjoy. Most models also have unusual details that can be either endearing or annoying—for example, a B-pillar set far enough forward to inhibit entry, exit, and visibility. For the U.S. market, Alfa sells a sporty sedan and small SUVs. All are generally fun to drive, with sharp handling and quick power. Their exterior and interior design helps distinguish them from other higher-volume luxury brands. These benefits are weighed down by odd controls and below-average predicted reliability, which also makes used models difficult to recommend.

The Tonale SUV is the latest addition to the Alfa Romeo line. About the size of an Audi Q3, the Jeep Compass-based Tonale slots under the Stelvio in price and size. It comes as a standard plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, which Alfa Romeo says will have over 30 miles of electric range before transitioning to regular hybrid mode. A 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine drives the front wheels, while an electric motor powers the rear, giving the Tonale a combined 285 hp and standard all-wheel drive. As a member of the Stellantis conglomerate, the Tonale gets the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, RCTW, LKA, LDW, and ACC are standard.