2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV Veloce Video, Review, And Pricing

By: Joshua Lee
May 16, 2024

Alfa Romeo has entered the subcompact SUV game and is throwing two variants in at the same time. In Canada, the Alfa Romeo Tonale offers a gasoline only model or a plug-in hybrid. Stellantis Canada has given us the keys to the PHEV to see what Alfa’s first vehicle with electrification can do.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV features a turbocharged 1.3L four-cylinder engine with a 90-kW electric motor, making a combined 285 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. With Alfa’s “DNA” driving modes, you get to experience how differently this AWD compact SUV reacts on the road. Dynamic Mode stiffens up the steering and adaptive dampers, making for an enjoyable experience around corners. Natural Mode is the default hybrid mode, utilizing the combustion engine and battery. Advanced Efficiency Mode will rely on the battery, giving us close to 50 km of range before the combustion engine kicks in.

The latter two modes are great for city driving, as the Tonale PHEV quietly cruises along with its smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Aluminum paddle shifters are found in the Veloce trim, which have a nice tactile feel, but they do block your way in getting to the turning and wiper stalks for being too big. The Tonale PHEV also features regenerative braking and increases the regen in Dynamic Mode.

The optional Verde Fangio Metallic paint finish and 20-inch Grigio five-hole wheels are stunning on the Tonale PHEV. You can’t mistake this CUV for anything else; the V-Scudetto grille, adaptive LED “Trilobo” headlights, and full width taillights draw attention. The welcome lighting sequence is beautiful, as each lighting module in the front lights up while a thin red light flows through at the rear of the car. Styling wise, the Tonale is fashionable; however, in profile view, the bigger wheels make the car look awkward as the front and rear overhangs are short.

On the inside, the Tonale PHEV has a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Both displays have different layouts and are easy to use. Our tester comes with optional black perforated leather seats with dark grey accent stitching which are comfortable and supportive. We love the feel of the steering wheel and how every single control is conveniently placed throughout the cabin. Ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a sunroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system are on the Veloce trim. Rear seat passengers have reasonable room too, with 648L of cargo space behind the seats and expands up to 1430L with them down.

The latest safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist are standard on the Tonale PHEV. Parking sensors and the surround-view camera system have been useful as the thicker rear pillars do hinder outward visibility.

According to EnerGuide, the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV has a combined fuel economy rating of 8.1/100KM and 3.1Le/100KM. Charging the 15.5-kWh battery takes about 2.5 hours on a Level 2 charger and with its 42.4L gas tank full, the vehicle has a total range of 580 KMs. During our test, we find the hybrid system to work seamlessly. Although EV only power was accounted for about 37% of our total test, the Tonale PHEV scored a low 6.2L/100KM.

There are only two trims available for the Tonale PHEV; the base Sprint which starts at $54,865 and the Veloce which starts at $58,865. Our tester, at the time of writing, features $10,840 worth of options and a total cost of $73,030 including tax and delivery. The Tonale PHEV is also eligible for the $5000 iZEV incentive.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV poses an interesting dilemma. A subcompact SUV costing over seventy grand is a tall ask. The Tonale PHEV looks great on the outside, has a pleasant hybrid powertrain, good handling, and a very intuitive infotainment system. The only thing that is lurking in the background is its American sibling, the Dodge Hornet which is on the same platform, has similar styling components, is also offered as a plug-in, and costs less. This might pose a slight disadvantage for Alfa Romeo but for buyers who want a premium looking vehicle and is made in Italy, the Tonale could be for you.