Everything You Need To Know About The 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

The 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale arrives as a much-needed refresh for the Italian brand’s smallest SUV in the U.S.—one that finally aligns with what enthusiasts expect from the Alfa nameplate. After a slower-than-expected sales start in the U.S. and Canada, Alfa Romeo is using this mid-cycle update to sharpen the Tonale’s styling, simplify its lineup, and, most importantly, make it feel more like an Alfa should.

Gone is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that aimed to meet regulatory goals and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. In its place, Alfa is returning to its roots—pure driving emotion, expressive design, and mechanical balance. The Tonale’s turbocharged gasoline setup, paired exclusively with standard Q4 all-wheel drive (AWD), now defines every model in the lineup.

Exterior Design –

The 2026 Tonale adopts a bolder, more purposeful design. Alfa Romeo’s signature scudetto grille now features a concave shape inspired by the legendary 33 Stradale, while the redesigned trilobe lower intakes give the SUV a more aggressive stance.

A shorter front overhang and wider tracks emphasize a planted, athletic look. The updated black-and-white Alfa Romeo badge modernizes the front fascia, while optional contrast roof finishes add visual drama.

The wheel lineup now includes three distinctive designs:

• 18-inch Black Diamond-Cut (standard on Sprint)

• 19-inch Polished Aluminum (standard on Veloce)

• 20-inch Three-Hole Alloy (exclusive to Sport Speciale)

These new wheels, particularly the 20-inch “telephone dial” design, celebrate Alfa’s motorsport heritage while giving the Tonale a sophisticated, high-performance appearance.

Interior Design & Comfort 

Inside, the Tonale receives a major boost in refinement for 2026. Materials and build quality have been upgraded throughout the cabin, including new stitching patterns, softer-touch surfaces, and improved fit and finish.

For the first time, Red leather upholstery joins the lineup alongside the Black/Tan leather and Alcantara-trimmed options. In the Sport Speciale, the black-and-pearl Alcantara seats with contrast stitching create a distinctly upscale and athletic atmosphere.

The driver’s seat features 8-way power adjustment with 4-way lumbar support, and both heating and ventilation are available. Ambient interior lighting has been refined for a more luxurious nighttime experience, while the updated infotainment system features quicker response times and cleaner graphics.

Technology & Safety

All 2026 Tonale models come equipped with Alfa Romeo’s DNA Drive Mode Selector, allowing drivers to toggle between Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency settings.

The available Active Assist Package enhances safety with features such as:

• ParkSense Front, Rear, and Side Park Assist

• Surround View Camera

• Active Driving Assist System

• Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors

The Harman Kardon™ Premium Audio System, featuring 14 speakers and a subwoofer, delivers audiophile-grade clarity, while over-the-air software updates keep the Tonale’s infotainment system up to date.

Powertrain

The biggest mechanical change for 2026 is the removal of the PHEV system. Now, every Tonale sold in North America is powered by the brand’s proven turbocharged 2.0-liter GME-T4 I4 engine, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard Q4 all-wheel drive, delivering strong low-end torque and balanced handling. Engineers have fine-tuned the throttle mapping and shift calibration for smoother, more responsive acceleration.

Suspension updates and a wider track width improve cornering stability, while the optional dual-mode suspension allows drivers to tailor ride comfort between relaxed cruising and sportier handling. The Tonale’s steering remains among the sharpest in its class, with a 13.6:1 ratio, providing precise and direct feedback.

Pricing Breakdown

The 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale is available in three trims — Sprint, Veloce, and Sport Speciale — all featuring the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and Q4 all-wheel drive system.

Tonale Sprint Q4 AWD – Starting at $39,745 (Including Destination)

The entry-level Sprint starts at $36,495, with a $3,250 destination charge bringing the total to $39,745. Standard features include 18-inch black diamond-cut wheels, LED lighting, aluminum pedals, and sport cloth seating with Alfa Romeo’s iconic Biscione logo stitching.

Buyers can add the Active Assist Package ($1,250) for advanced driver assistance features, or upgrade with either the Black Premium Package or the Red Premium Package (each $1,995), which adds ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, and ambient lighting. Optional features include a Power Moonroof ($1,500), Harman Kardon™ premium audio system ($750), and a Black Roof ($95). Depending on the configuration, a fully equipped Sprint can cost over $44,000.

Tonale Veloce Q4 AWD – Starting at $44,245 (Including Destination)

The Veloce trim builds on the Sprint with a sportier, more performance-focused character. Priced from $36,495 plus $4,500 for the Quick Order Package 23H Veloce and $3,250 destination, it totals $44,245. This package adds dual-mode suspension, red Brembo® calipers, aluminum paddle shifters, and unique Veloce badging.

It also includes 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, a power liftgate, and gloss black trim accents. Optional 20-inch diamond-cut Miron Matte wheels are available for an additional $500. Interior options include perforated leather seating in either Black/Tan or Red, both standard at no extra cost. Fully equipped, a loaded Veloce tops out near $47,000.

Tonale Sport Speciale Q4 AWD – Starting at $44,245 (Including Destination)

The range-topping Sport Speciale trim starts at $40,995 plus $3,250 destination, for a total of $44,245. This version blends luxury with Alfa’s most expressive design touches. Standard features include exclusive 20-inch three-hole alloy wheels, silver lower body accents, gloss-black Brembo calipers, and a black-and-pearl Alcantara interior.

Available options include the Active Assist Package ($1,250), Dual Mode Suspension ($350), Power Moonroof ($1,500), Harman Kardon Premium Audio ($750), and Black Roof ($95). A fully loaded Sport Speciale can exceed $46,000, making it the most refined and dynamic Tonale ever offered.

Colors

Alfa Romeo offers an expressive eight-color palette for the 2026 Tonale, allowing buyers to personalize their SUV with a distinctly Italian flair.

Standard Color:

• Milano White

Premium Colors (+$695):

• Foresta Green

• Glorious Red

• Grigio Ascari Metallic

• Misano Blue Metallic

• Tuscan Ochre

• Alfa Black

Exclusive Color (+$1,695):

• Verde Fangio Metallic

Each shade accentuates the Tonale’s sculpted body lines differently, with Misano Blue and Verde Fangio particularly emphasizing its curves and contours.

The 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale marks a clear shift in the brand’s strategy. By simplifying the lineup, eliminating the PHEV variant, and refining both the driving experience and craftsmanship, Alfa Romeo has given the Tonale a more confident identity.

With its sportier appearance, updated interior, and the same powertrain as the Dodge Hornet GT, the Tonale delivers familiar performance in a more premium, European package. And since Dodge has officially suspended production of the Hornet, buyers looking for that combination of turbocharged power and all-wheel-drive performance will find the revised Tonale Sprint a worthy successor — one that won’t leave many missing the Dodge badge.