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The National Times - Alfa Tonale 2026: With a new look

Alfa Tonale 2026: With a new look

AUTOMOTIVE 22.02.2026
Alfa Tonale 2026: With a new look
Alfa Tonale 2026: With a new look

Alfa Romeo has given its Tonale compact SUV, launched in 2022, a very subtle but effective update. Three years after its debut, the designers are drawing on Alfa's typical heritage and sharpening its profile: The front now features a more pronounced, concave Scudetto radiator grille, which references the historic ‘33 Stradale’ with horizontal struts. The grille is flanked by a redesigned front apron, in which a wider air intake and side openings give the Tonale a more dynamic look. Alfa Romeo has also shortened the front overhang and widened the track, giving the car a more muscular appearance. Newly designed alloy wheels in sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches and fresh paint finishes – including Rosso Brera, Verde Monza and Giallo Ocra – underline the refreshed look.

Interior: new colours, more comfort
The interior also benefits from ‘a little cosmetic surgery’. Alfa Romeo is expanding its range with new colours and materials. In addition to the familiar black fabric and leather upholstery, bright red leather seats or a two-tone combination of white imitation leather and black Alcantara are available for the first time. A new ‘Cannelloni’ seat design with pronounced cross-beading is reminiscent of the sports seats from the 1960s. Perforated Alcantara upholstery with white or ‘Ice’ contrast stitching is available for the Sport Speciale variant; the dashboard is also trimmed in Alcantara. LED ambient lighting in various colours, including a serpentine pattern paying homage to the coat of arms of Milan, further enhances the cockpit. In Europe, a flat rotary knob replaces the previous gear lever, while the US version retains a classic gear selector – both variants feature large aluminium paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The infotainment system includes a 10.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital speedometer; a 360-degree camera, wireless charging and a Harman Kardon sound system are available as options.

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Engines: varies depending on market
The facelifted engine range remains broad in Europe. The base model is still a 1.6-litre diesel with 96 kW/130 hp and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Above that is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which now delivers 128 kW/174 hp thanks to software optimisation – 14 hp more than before.
 The top model remains the plug-in hybrid, whose system output drops to 199 kW/270 hp; the 1.3-litre turbo continues to work with an electric motor on the rear axle and a six-speed automatic transmission. The electric range is around 60 kilometres. Alfa Romeo is discontinuing the plug-in hybrid for the US market, replacing it with a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 268 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The petrol engine is coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and transfers its power to all four wheels as standard. An optimised steering gear with a 13.6:1 ratio and an adaptive dual damper option are designed to improve cornering behaviour.

Equipment lines and special edition
Alfa Romeo is restructuring its model family. In many markets, the Tonale will be launched as the Sprint (or Tonale Base). This version rolls on 18-inch wheels, features LED lights and a black body kit, and offers fabric seats with contrasting Biscione embroidery. Above this is the Ti (in Germany) or Veloce (in the USA), which features 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, red Brembo brake calipers and ventilated leather seats with electric adjustment. The top-of-the-range model is the Sport Speciale, an elaborate launch edition with 20-inch Fori rims in a three-hole design, silver side skirts, black Brembo calipers, black logos and an exclusive interior in black and pearlescent Alcantara. Italian tricolour accents on the exterior mirrors and centre tunnel emphasise its origins. An adaptive damper system, a black roof, a panoramic roof and numerous assistance systems are available as options.

Market launch and prices
The refreshed Tonale will be delivered in Europe from November 2025 (as a 2026 model year). Prices are likely to remain just above €40,000. In the USA, the Tonale will launch in 2026 at around $39,745. The Sport Speciale variant will be priced accordingly higher. For Alfa Romeo, this model update is above all a signal: with subtle visual refinements, more modern technology and a tighter drive portfolio, the Tonale is set to become more attractive and boost its recently sluggish sales figures. Whether these ‘cosmetic changes’ will be enough ultimately depends on customer acceptance in a highly competitive segment. One thing is certain: the compact Italian car has a fresher look while remaining true to its roots.

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