When the media team tossed me the keys to the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale for a week, I’ll admit my Mopar-heavy heart wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from a compact plug-in hybrid Italian crossover. But after putting it through its paces—juggling business operations, school runs, and South Florida traffic—I have to hand it to Alfa: this little SUV is a blast.
My loaner arrived with 9,973 miles on the dash and I handed the keys back at 10,196. Over those 223 miles, it proved to be an incredibly capable daily driver. Dressed in a stunning teal-ish green that the brand officially calls Verde Fangio Metallic, the color is phenomenal in the sun, and the overall styling is aggressive enough to stand out on the roads, yet perfectly tailored for a put together look.
In fact, the Tonale absolutely holds its own in the opulence department. At the mall I found some European friends parked at Saks Fifth Avenue, so jumped in line right next to a sleek black Ferrari and a custom pink-wrapped Mercedes. Even in that kind of high-dollar company, the Alfa’s Italian heritage and striking front fascia commanded attention. It looked like it belonged right there in the VIP section, drawing looks for all the right reasons without having to try too hard.
Moving inside, the cockpit offers some genuine treats for the driver. I absolutely love that the start/stop button is located right on the steering wheel—a clearly race-inspired touch that immediately sets a sporty tone. Another fantastic design detail is the illuminated dash trim. During the day, it looks like a clean silver mesh, but when the lights come on at night, it glows with a cool red illumination that integrates the Alfa Romeo logo. It’s a sophisticated piece of interior theater that I never got tired of seeing.
That said, the cabin is a bit of a mixed bag. While those driver-focused elements are great, the rest of the interior leans toward the basic and functional side. It features the somewhat typical, “tacked-on” media screen rising from the center stack, which is not my favorite configuration. It’s practical, sure, but it feels a step behind the innovative design seen elsewhere on the car.
Speaking of my Mopar roots, I found a fun little Easter egg while admiring the exterior. If you peek through those classic Alfa Romeo five-hole wheels at the bright red calipers, you’ll spot the Mopar logo stamped right on the brake pads! It’s a cool little nod to the Stellantis family tree that definitely made me smile.
Under the hood, this specific model was running the 1.3L turbocharged PHEV powertrain. If you think a 1.3-liter engine sounds a little too tame, think again. With the hybrid system pushing 285 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque, it is surprisingly peppy. It has a spirited, sporty dynamic that makes taking corners and merging onto the highway genuinely fun rather than a chore. Even with a heavier foot in city traffic, I averaged 28.3 mpg during my week with it, which tracks perfectly alongside the official 29 mpg combined rating.
Overall, the Tonale is a fantastic balance of striking European aesthetics and punchy, practical performance. It’s an ideal option for someone who wants something a little unique, needs crossover versatility but refuses to give up a fun, engaging driving experience.
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