The Alfa Romeo Tonale is back for 2026, and it’s packing a promise under its undeniably pretty sheet metal that it hopes will seperate it from the slew of Chinese models currently bull-rushing Australia.
That promise? To inject a little more fun into the drive experience by dialling up the driver engagement and dialling down the computing power. This is not, the brand assures, a “computer on four wheels”. Instead, words like ’emotion’ and ‘passion’ feature in a heavy Italian accent.
But can a small plug-in hybrid SUV really paint a smile on a driver’s face? We put the Tonale PHEV to the test ahead of its Q2 2026 launch to find out.
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale price and equipment
Australian pricing and detailed specification for the refreshed Tonale hasn’t been confirmed, but for reference, the outgoing two-model range starts at around $70,000 for the 1.5-litre petrol model and climbs close enough to $80,000 for the plug-in hybrid we’ve tested.
We expect the pricing to remain about the same, but Alfa should really consider giving the Tonale a haircut – there’s no shortage of cheaper, quality options on our shores at the moment, and that makes this little Italian seem a little expensive.
Internationally, the Tonale arrives in base-model Tonale, then climbs to the Sprint, Ti and Veloce trim levels, with a launch-only Sport Speciale sitting atop the tree. We won’t get the lot, but we will get both powertrain options.
READ MORE:
The pure petrol car scores a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid help, producing 128kW, which is sends to its front tyres via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The one we care about, though, is the PHEV, or Q4, which pairs a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine with a rear-mounted electric motor for AWD. Combined outputs are 198kW, which this time is managed by a six-speed auto. The sprint to 100km/h takes 6.6 seconds, the EV-only driving range is 61km, and combined fuel use is as low as 3.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Elsewhere, Alfa Romeo calls this is a “strong facelift”, but that might be over-egging it slightly. There’s a new-look front end, new exterior colours, a new rotary-style gear selector and some minor new functionality in the cabin, but that’s really about it.
More important, though, is Alfa’s focus on improving the drive experience, with the Tonale PHEV now tuned to be more seamless in selecting its preferred power source, which removes any confused lag in the power delivery.
There are some cabin downsides, though. Even the top-spec PHEV features an abundance of cheap-feeling plastics on the door trims and that new-look front grille feels cheap and flimsy to the touch. Not overly premium-feeling then, and certainly not at near-$70k. Tech-wise, there’s a 10.25-inch central screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, though the system can feel like it’s purposefully hiding whatever it is your searching for. My fuel use on test, for example, remains a mystery.
Cabin space is smack-bang average for the segment: I’m 175cm tall, and I had solid leg-room in the back, but headroom will be tight for anyone much taller than me.
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale: What we think
The changes Alfa’s boffins have made to hybrid system pay real dividends from the driver’s seat this time around. The transition between electric and petrol power is properly smooth, and there’s no confusion from the Tonale over what’s expected from it. Plant your foot and the power arrives in a smooth, seamless surge.
Better still, the Tonale does deliver on Alfa’s age-old promise of driver engagement. Body roll is minimal, grip felt plentiful, and while the steering is light, it is direct and confidence inspiring.
We tackled everything from freeways to twistier stuff, and the Tonale largely shone on all, helped by a firm-ish suspension tune that helps you feel properly in touch with the road below your tyres.
There were also a few quirks – a persistent wind noise near the driver’s window above 60km/h, for example – but we were otherwise genuinely impressed with the Tonale’s road manners.
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale: Verdict
The Alfa Romeo story in recent years has been one that’s promised much, but often delivered little. The Tonale PHEV could well be that story changing. There are some quirks, sure. But it’s a fun-to-drive and genuinely stunning small SUV that largely lives up to the Alfa Romeo promise.
SCORE: 3.9/5
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Specifications
Price: TBA
Basics: PHEV, 5 seats, 5 doors, SUV, AWD
Range: 61km
Battery capacity: 15.5kWh lithium-ion
Warranty: Five years, unlimited kilometres
Energy consumption: TBA
Engine: 1.3-litre turbo-petrol
Motors: 1 rear
Combined output: 198kW
AC charging: 7.4kW Type 2 plug
DC charging: 75kW
0-100km/h: 6.6 seconds