Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sport Speciale AWD
Specs
Class: Compact Crossover
Nation of manufacture: Japan
Seating capability: 5
Coloration: Grigio Ascari Metallic
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | A- |
| Match and End | A- |
| Gasoline Financial system | B |
| Worth | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Client Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 268-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 9-speed computerized |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Miles Pushed: 121
Noticed gas economic system: 23.8
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 21/29/24 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gasoline sort: Common fuel
Base value: $41,995 (not together with $3250 (vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Particular paint ($695), Energetic Help Bundle ($1250), sunroof ($1500), black roof ($95), Harman Kardon audio system ($750), Twin Mode Energetic Suspension ($350)
Value as examined: $49,885
Audio-System Model
Harmon Kardon
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Glorious
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Pleasant sporty character, Unique really feel for mainstream cash
The great: Elegant cabin, first rate gas economic system
The not so good: “All the time on” sportiness might show fatiguing on lengthy commutes
Evaluate
There was a scholar at Fremd Excessive in Palatine, Illinois, who drove a white Corvette to high school every single day. Can’t keep in mind his title, however, given how good he was—he actually was a good man—it was arduous to hate him for having a ‘Vette, although, to today, I nonetheless envy him a little bit.
Excessive-Faculty Parking Lot
Rumor was that he had gained some kind of personal-injury settlement, and acquired the sports activities automobile with the proceeds. The automobile was geared up with detachable roof panels, in addition to a tall blonde younger woman who might have been the scholar’s dedicated girlfriend. Dude had all of it.
This was again within the early Eighties, and the Corvette just about made every part else within the Fremd parking zone look boring and unimportant. This was, partly, as a result of every part else within the Fremd parking zone was boring and unimportant.
Alfa Romeo
Skip forward a number of a long time, and also you’ll seemingly agree that almost all parking heaps lack automobiles that that draw a lot consideration, a lot much less the envy of fellow commuters. However, there are a number of autos you should buy that, although purposeful by design, could make different rides look boring and unimportant. Nearly any Alfa Romeo is able to perking up the lot, and the surprisingly inexpensive Tonale crossover does so for in regards to the common transaction value of a brand new automobile.
The Tonale anchors a three-vehicle Alfa Romeo lineup which additionally contains the Giulia small sedan, and Stelvio compact crossover. For the document, the Stelvio is significantly bigger and pricier than the Tonale.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2026, the Tonale is obtainable in three trim ranges:
- Dash ($40,745)
- Veloce ($45,245)
- Sport Speciale ($45,235)
The Veloce is the luxurious providing, that includes actual leather-based upholstery, distinctive cabin trim, 19-inch alloy wheels, pink Brembo-brand brake calipers—seen although the wheels—and heated and cooled seats.
The Sport Speciale is the athlete of the trio, boasting 20-inch alloy wheels, black Brembo brake calipers, and faux-leather seating.
Each the Veloce and Sport Particular include an adaptive suspension with distinctive tuning.
Engines
All Tonales are powered by a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine mated to a 9-speed computerized transmission. Veloce and Sport Speciale fashions embrace steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, whereas all Tonales come customary with AWD.
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sport Speciale Check Automobile
Client Information not too long ago spent per week behind the wheel of a 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sport Speciale in Grigio Ascari Metallic. Together with the Energetic Help Bundle, sunroof, and vacation spot cost, our take a look at automobile got here to $49,885.
Having not too long ago reviewed the Tonale—you may learn that analysis right here—we like to handle what it’s in regards to the Tonale that livens up the workplace parking zone. Learn on:
Look of Efficiency
Although the Tonale, which was freshened for the 2026 mannequin yr, doesn’t scream excessive efficiency, there are many cues that recommend this automobile is one thing aside from mainstream. We respect that blackout trim and rakish roofline. Additionally of be aware are the 20-inch wheels obtainable completely on the Sport Speciale. The black brake calipers are a bonus contact. Additionally, the 20-inch wheels discovered on the Sport Speciale are, to our eyes, cool trying, however in addition they proving controversial.
Unique Model
Severely, how many individuals are you able to title who’ve owned an Italian-brand automobile? Alfa’s historical past is lengthy and storied, and it’s a cool title to see on a automobile in any parking. Additionally, for folk who concern Italian-car reliability, do not forget that the Tonale comes with a 4-year, 50,000 mile guarantee.
Enjoyable Colours
Whereas we discover Grigio Ascari Metallic—as seen right here—to be an aesthetic hue, the Tonale can he had in additional, overt tones as properly. We suggest checking the Alfa Rome site for a fast have a look at Rosa Brera and Verde Fangio. You possibly can try our Verde Fangio Stelvio take a look at automobile right here.
Bragging Rights
Excellent news, the Tonale is greater than only a fairly face with cool wheels and brakes. Per impartial exams, this little Alfa will hit 60 mph from a cease in lower than 6 seconds, and attain a high pace of 140 mph. And, regardless of the vigor, the Tonale is nice for near 30 mpg in relaxed freeway driving.
Worth
Whereas it’s not fairly a Corvette, A Tonale will assist you stand out within the workplace parking zone, and, assuming that’s one thing you’d love to do, it’s good to know this little Alfa can be a pleasure to drive.
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2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sport Speciale Footage
(Click on beneath for enlarged photos)
