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Alfa Romeo refreshes the Tonale ahead of the 2026 model year
Alfa Romeo has given its compact Tonale crossover a tasteful mid-cycle update for 2026, sharpening styling, refreshing the cabin and revising the powertrain lineup for different markets. Internally known as the 965, the Tonale arrived in 2022 and has become a meaningful volume contributor for the Milanese marque, with just over 100,000 examples produced through April 2025. The facelift aims to reinforce the Tonale's sporty character while addressing consumer demand for refinement and technology.
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Headline for the US: a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4
For buyers in the United States the biggest news is powertrain-related. Alfa Romeo will offer a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four as the Stateside option, pairing standard all-wheel drive with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Drive is routed mostly through a nine-speed automatic transmission supplied by ZF, a gearbox known for smooth shifts and robustness. Notably, the plug-in hybrid variant that appears in Europe will not be part of the US Tonale lineup, a decision Alfa has not fully explained.
European line-up remains more varied
Across the Atlantic, Alfa Romeo continues to list a broader range of powertrains. These include:
- A 1.6-liter turbo diesel producing about 128 hp and 320 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
- The mild-hybrid 'Ibrida' setup built around a 1.5-liter turbo from the Fiat Small Engine family, with a variable-geometry turbocharger delivering roughly 158 hp and 240 Nm.
- The more performance-oriented Ibrida Plug-In Q4, which combines a 1.3-liter turbo with an electric drive boost to produce about 266 hp. Its 15.5-kWh battery enables up to 61 km (38 miles) of electric range in the WLTP combined cycle and a total driving range that exceeds 600 km (373 miles) in mixed use. The plug-in retains a torque-converter automatic rather than a dual-clutch unit.
Performance and chassis highlights
Alfa Romeo emphasizes driving dynamics with the facelifted Tonale. Engineers focused on steering precision, claiming the Tonale now delivers some of the segment's most direct steering feel. Optional equipment that enhances dynamic ability includes four-piston front brake calipers from Brembo and a dual-mode suspension that lets drivers switch between comfort and sport-oriented damping. Aluminum shift paddles and revised steering calibrations also sharpen the driving experience.
Design tweaks: classic cues, modern execution
The most noticeable styling update is a concave scudetto grille inspired by the iconic 33 Stradale. The grille now has a blacked-out surround and horizontal slats for a stronger road presence. Safety rules have forced a centered license plate position, which changes the nose composition compared with earlier examples.
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Other exterior changes are subtle but effective: a shorter front overhang, wider tracks, fresh wheel designs, revised badging and a palette of new colors including Giallo Ocra, Verde Monza and Rosso Brera. Customers in Europe and the US can specify a contrasting black roof for a sportier two-tone look.
Interior updates and tech
Inside, Alfa has made selective rather than wholesale changes. The refreshed cabin gets a rotary shifter, new contrast stitching, a redesigned center console and the option of red leather upholstery. Small but tangible touches like aluminum shift paddles, refined ambient lighting signatures and revised seat materials elevate perceived quality.
Trim choices and equipment in the US
Alfa Romeo will offer three trims in the United States for 2026: Sprint, Veloce and Sport Speciale.
- Sprint: 18-inch wheels, gloss-black exterior elements, LED lighting, aluminum door sills and contrast stitching.
- Veloce: steps up to 19-inch wheels, perforated leather seats, dual-mode suspension and Brembo front brakes, plus a hands-free power liftgate.
- Sport Speciale: 20-inch wheels, Alcantara and leather combinations, unique ambient lighting signatures and gloss-black brake calipers instead of red. Curiously, dual-mode suspension remains optional on the Sport Speciale.
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Market context and outlook
Alfa Romeo faces a challenging market in the US. Dealers moved 4,778 Alfa Romeos in the first nine months of 2025, down about 30 percent versus the same period in 2024. The Tonale accounted for 2,109 of those sales, followed by the Stelvio SUV and the Giulia sedan. The refreshed Tonale is intended to arrest that decline by offering stronger visual appeal, sharper handling and updated technology.
Key takeaways:
- US buyers get the 2.0-liter turbo AWD Tonale with 268 hp and a ZF nine-speed automatic.
- European buyers retain diesel, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, including a PHEV with about 38 miles WLTP electric range.
- Design refresh centers on a 33 Stradale-inspired concave grille, new colors and tighter proportions.
- Optional Brembo brakes and dual-mode suspension underpin a sportier driving promise.
The refreshed Tonale arrives at US dealerships toward the end of 2025, aiming to blend Alfa Romeo's sporting DNA with everyday crossover practicality. For buyers who prioritize driving feel over straight-line EV range, the updated Tonale remains a compelling option in the competitive compact premium crossover segment.
Source: autoevolution
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