- Alfa Romeo Tonale refresh
- Sportier styling and new trims
- Borrows front grille from 33 Stradale supercar
- Price still be announced
- Order books due to open later this year
Here’s your first look at the updated Alfa Romeo Tonale, arriving later this year with sharper styling, updated powertrains and a new entry-level model.
The Tonale is Alfa’s medium-sized SUV and sits between the larger Stelvio and smaller Junior in the Italian firm’s line-up.
Available with petrol mild hybrid and powerful plug-in hybrid engines, the Tonale does battle with premium lease cars like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
Already something of a looker, the Tonale has been treated to a refresh which brings more aggressive looks and a new trim line-up.
Here’s everything you need to know:
How have the looks of the new Alfa Romeo changed with the 2026 model?
The new Tonale is said to embody Alfa Romeo’s design philosophy of ‘necessary beauty’ - and the manufacturer has looked to one of the most beautiful cars of all time as inspiration.
We’re talking about the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (below), a rival to the Lamborghini Miura and Ferrari Daytona back in the late 1960s, and which was reborn by Alfa in 2024 as a 620hp modern masterpiece.
.jpg)
The new Tonale features a three-dimensional concave ‘Scudetto’ front grille that’s influenced by the face of the 33 Stradale - and looks all the better for it.
Besides the grille, the updated Tonale gains a wider wheel track for a more imposing stance as well as 19-inch Stile and 20-inch Fori alloys.
The cabin has also been uprated, coming with the option of ribbed red leather seats or two-tone black and white Alcantara upholstery, complemented by contrasting stitching and ambient lighting with a gradient effect.
What trim levels are available with the new Alfa Romeo Tonale?
The old trim line-up (Sprint, Veloce, Intensa) has been jettisoned in favour of a new grade ladder (Tonale, Ti, and Veloce).
The new entry-level is simply called ‘Tonale’ and comes with 17-inch alloys, black fabric upholstery, leather steering wheel, a 12.3-inch ‘Telescope’ digital cockpit, and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring. You also get keyless entry, dual-zone air con, an electrochrome interior rearview mirror, and safety tech that includes adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera.
The mid-range Ti grade adds gloss black window frames, red or black leather seats that are heated and ventilated and eight-way electric adjustable, and aluminium paddle shifters for an ‘even more engaging driving experience’, says Alfa.
The Veloce is the range-topper, coming with 19-inch alloys, LED Matrix headlights, red Brembo brake calipers, twin chrome tailpipes (in the Plug-in Hybrid version). Driving dynamics benefit from ‘DSV’ dual-valve electronic suspension, designed to combine stability, comfort, and precision.
Besides those core models, the new Alfa Romeo Tonale will also launch with a limited edition model - called the ‘Sport Speciale’.
The Speciale will boast black and white Alcantara seats, silver exterior accents, Brembo brakes, and full customisation options across the new colour range.
What engines are available with the new Alfa Romeo Tonale?
The word ‘Ibrida’ means ‘Hybrid’ in Italian. So, where you see Alfa Romeo referring to the ‘Ibrida’, it’s talking about a mild hybrid, and where it talks about the ‘Q4 Ibrida Plug-In’, it’s referencing the all-wheel drive PHEV powertrain.
Overall, there’s good news and bad news when it comes to the engines.
At present, the current 1.5-litre mild-hybrid Tonale makes 160hp. The updated version will produce 175hp, which is a decent jump. Hurray! The mild hybrid engine is paired with 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive.
Plug-in hybrid power has, however, been toned down. You currently get 280hp, but that’ll be reduced to 270hp while still boasting all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
We don’t yet know how far the new plug-in hybrid will be able to travel using EV power alone.
Whichever engine you choose, the Tonale should still offer smile-inducing driving dynamics, thanks to its ‘balanced chassis with optimum weight distribution, independent McPherson suspension with sporty calibration’ and ‘the most direct steering in the segment’, according to Alfa Romeo.
When can I lease the Alfa Romeo Tonale 2026?
We expect the upgraded Tonale to become available later this year, with pricing and full specs still to be announced.
It’ll then be up to you whether you go for the Tonale, or you look to competitors like the Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, BMW X1 or the similarly sporty CUPRA Formentor.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- UK's favourite driving tunes revealed!
- New roundabout 'slingshot' warning for motorists
- Lightweight new British sports car breaks cover
- Epic supercar road trip for McLaren
- More power for BMW M performance models
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
