2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid

Overview
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale will inject some Italian blood into the fray of subcompact luxury crossovers. With sexy bodywork that's accentuated by Alfa Romeo's signature sharp-nosed face, the Tonale is sure to garner admiring looks. The company also promises that it'll be satisfying to drive, with a fully independent suspension and available adaptive dampers. Power comes from either a standard 256-hp turbo-four or a more powerful plug-in-hybrid powertrain with more than 30 miles of estimated all-electric range. Throw in the elevated driving position and standard all-wheel drive that SUV shoppers crave—as well as the potential for a high-powered Quadrifoglio model—and the 2023 Tonale is set to be a compelling new entry in a class that includes the BMW X1, the Mercedes-Benz GLA250, and the Volvo XC40.

What's New for 2023?
The Tonale debuted in concept form at the 2019 Geneva auto show. Now, Alfa has released official photos and information that give us a much better idea about what the new little Italian ute has to offer. The company says the Tonale will hit U.S. showrooms starting in the first quarter of 2023.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
Sprint $38,000 (est)
Ti $43,000 (est)
Veloce $48,000 (est)
Although Alfa has revealed that the 2023 Tonale will be available in three trim levels, it hasn't mentioned how much any of them will cost or exactly what options will be available. We predict the base model will open between $36,000 and $40,000, which aligns with the starting price of other subcompact luxury crossovers.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Tonale is offered with two distinct powertrains, but all models come with all-wheel drive. The standard setup pairs a nine-speed automatic transmission with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 256 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The optional plug-in hybrid features a turbo 1.3-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor mounted on the rear axle that together generate a combined 272 horses. Alfa equips the plug-in Tonale with a six-speed automatic and a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that's said to provide over 30 miles of electric-only driving range. All models ride on a fully independent suspension; adaptive dampers are optional. So far we've only had a chance to sample a European model, which was powered by a weaker hybrid powertrain than what we'll get here in North America. We'll have to wait to drive a U.S.-spec model to prove Alfa's claims, but the brand promises a driving experience that will remain true to its "race-inspired DNA".

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the circular air vents and the dashboard's driver-centric layout are clearly evolved from the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and the Stelvio SUV. The dash also features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and its three-spoke steering wheel puts a modern spin on a classic design. A pair of prominent paddle shifters are available, too. The interior is appointed with a mix of aluminum trim as well as leather and microsuede surfaces. The front seats look particularly supportive, and they're also stylish, with red contrast stitching and Alfa Romeo crests on the headrests.