The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale was released one last time a few days before its release and we get to see a few more details. This 13-second video appears to be of the tailgate and in addition to the name of the crossover, two things stood out. One of those is the trim because at the very end the video gives us a full view of the word Veloce, which can only mean this is one of the upper trims. The second one is the badge flanked by two LED lights, revealing the full-width taillight carried over into production completely unchanged.
The new #AlfaRomeoTonale fully embodies the brand’s DNA and projects it into the future. Experience it for yourself on February 8th and let “La Metamorfosi” begin! https://t.co/nFdtaOdaJC #AlfaRomeo pic.twitter.com/K9B71Nubeb
— Alfa Romeo USA (@AlfaRomeoUSA) February 2, 2022
The initial teasers of the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale showed us the taillights, headlights, and the Scudetto, Alfa Romeo’s trademark triangle grille. We’ve also gotten a glimpse of its interior including the contrast stitching and massive paddle shifters on the steering column. Taking all of these videos into consideration, it’s safe to say that the Tonale made it to production form with minimal changes.
Debuting on Feb. 8 at an event called La Metamorfosi (Italian for the Metamorphosis), the 2023 Tonale is a big deal. It’s the brand’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle, launching the transition toward full electrification by 2027. Slotting below the Stelvio, the Tonale’s key competitors include the Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge, BMW X1 and X2, Lexus UX, and Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. In the segment, the two Volvos, the Lexus, and Mercedes are the only ones offered with some form of electrification. However, the next BMW X1 and X2 are expected to get plug-in hybrid and battery-electric variants.
Based on a heavily modified version of CUSW architecture underpinning the Jeep Renegade, the Tonale will be the only FWD-based Alfa Romeo model. Originally planned to share its plug-in hybrid powertrain with the 4xe variants of the Renegade and Compass. That couples a 1.3-liter turbo-four to an electric motor, an 11.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Its most powerful iteration makes 237 hp combined. However, this may have been ditched in favor of a PSA-designed system, which could be part of the reason why the Tonale was delayed. That unit uses a 1.6-liter turbo-four coupled to two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery, and an eight-speed automatic. The most potent version of this plug-in hybrid system is in the Peugeot 508 PSE where it makes 355 hp and 384 lb-ft.
The Tonale is the first electrified vehicle to launch under the Alfa Romeo brand. It will launch one vehicle every year through 2026 as part of its revitalization plan. From 2027 onward, Alfa Romeo will only introduce battery-electric vehicles. This will see the Italian marque transition to the new range of Stellantis platforms developed specifically for EVs. Alfa Romeo will likely make extensive use of the STLA Small and STLA Medium architectures for its future EVs, which are good for 300 and 440 miles respectively according to Stellantis. Certain models could also use the STLA Large platform, which could have a range of 500 miles per charge. These will be complemented by the new STLA Brain software suite and the STLA SmartCockpit infotainment layout.
Expect the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale to go on sale this year but Europe will likely be the first market to get it. North America should follow shortly but will likely be limited to AWD versions and the plug-in hybrid. Pricing should be lower than the Stelvio effectively making the Tonale the new entry point to the Alfa Romeo brand.
