Sometimes, an otherwise fun-to-drive vehicle can be spoiled by its packaging. So it goes with the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale.
I’ve been on record before as saying that the “lesser” version of the Tonale — the Dodge Hornet — is preferable with the non-hybrid powertrain. This is because the gasser feels more spritely and lighter, and you don’t need to give up much, if at all, in terms of creature comforts and features.
We all know, of course, that if you want to Italianize (Italicize? That doesn’t sound quite right) your Hornet by making it an Alfa Romeo Tonale, you had to get it with the plug-hybrid powertrain. Sorry, no choice — until now. Alfa/Stellantis has made the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder available. The same one that makes 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It mates to a nine-speed automatic and the Tonale is all-wheel drive.
As is the case with the Hornet, the Tonale is a better on-road drive with the 2.0-liter. It feels lighter on its feet and the engine is responsive and rev-happy. As befits an Alfa, handling is spot-on sharp, and there seemed to be little penalty in terms of ride. This is one of the most fun small crossovers I’ve driven, and it’s a looker, too. Italian style and all that.
Unfortunately, small is a key word. I am a tad over six-foot tall and I had the driver seat lowered as far as I could, and I still felt my head scrape the headliner. This was a street drive, not track, so it’s not like I had a helmet on.
If I were, say, six-nine, I can understand the lack of front headroom. But at just six-one? At least legroom was fine.
I didn’t get a chance to get in the rear, but if headroom is that tight up front and the roofline is sloping — well, you can do the math.
Tight quarters aside, I’d still pick the Tonale over the Hornet — it’s a better-looking vehicle, it’s not that much more expensive, and with the four-banger it’s a blast to drive. Even better news is that you can get desirable features like Harman Kardon audio, power liftgate, and cooled front seats as options without springing for the PHEV.
From a performance perspective, I’d be quite happy to have a Tonale four-cylinder — in Alfa Rosso red, naturally — parked in my driveway. It’s unfortunate that a small interior detracts from an otherwise overall solid experience.
On the other hand, style does count for a lot. So does fun-to-drive factor. So maybe having hair mussed by the headliner is a small price to pay.
[Images: Alfa Romeo]
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