Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sport Speciale AWD
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Nation of manufacture: Italy
Seating capability: 5
Shade: Grigio Ascari Metallic
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | A- |
| Match and End | A- |
| Gas Economic 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 stage evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” 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 automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Miles Pushed: 121
Noticed gas financial system: 23.8
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 21/29/24 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gas sort: Common fuel
Base value: $41,995 (not together with $3250 (vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Particular paint ($695), Energetic Help Bundle ($1250), sunroof ($1500), black roof ($95), Harman Kardon audio system ($750), Twin Mode Energetic Suspension ($350)
Worth as examined: $49,885
Audio-System Model
Harmon Kardon
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Wonderful
Execs and Cons
The nice: Pleasant sporty character, Unique really feel for mainstream cash
The nice: Stylish cabin, first rate gas financial system
The not so good: “All the time on” sportiness could show fatiguing on lengthy commutes
Assessment
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 exhausting to hate him for having a ‘Vette, although, to at the present time, I nonetheless envy him a bit.
Excessive-College Parking Lot
Rumor was that he had received some form of personal-injury settlement, and acquired the sports activities automotive with the proceeds. The automotive was geared up with detachable roof panels, in addition to a tall blonde younger woman who could have been the coed’s dedicated girlfriend. Dude had all of it.
This was again within the early Eighties, and the Corvette just about made every thing else within the Fremd parking zone look boring and unimportant. This was, partially, as a result of every thing else within the Fremd parking zone was boring and unimportant.
Alfa Romeo
Skip forward a number of a long time, and also you’ll doubtless agree that almost all parking tons 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. Just about any Alfa Romeo is able to perking up the lot, and the surprisingly reasonably priced Tonale crossover does so for concerning the common transaction value of a brand new automobile.
The Tonale anchors a three-vehicle Alfa Romeo lineup which additionally consists of 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 ($45,245)
The Veloce is the luxurious providing, that includes actual leather-based upholstery, distinctive cabin trim, 19-inch alloy wheels, crimson Brembo-brand brake calipers—seen by way of 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 automated transmission. Veloce and Sport Speciale fashions embrace steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, whereas all Tonales come commonplace with AWD.
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sport Speciale Check Automobile
Shopper Information just lately spent every 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 check automotive got here to $49,885.
Having just lately reviewed the Tonale—you may learn that analysis right here—we wish to deal with what it’s concerning 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 counsel this automobile is one thing apart from mainstream. We recognize the blackout trim and rakish roofline. Additionally of observe are the 20-inch wheels obtainable solely on the Sport Speciale. The black brake calipers are a bonus contact. The 20-inch wheels discovered on the Sport Speciale are, to our eyes, cool trying, however additionally they proving controversial–tell us what you assume.
Unique Model
Significantly, how many individuals are you able to title who’ve owned an Italian-brand automotive? Alfa’s historical past is lengthy and storied, and it’s a cool title to see on a automotive in any parking. Additionally, for people who worry Italian-car reliability, keep in mind 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 nicely. We advocate checking the Alfa Romeo web page for a fast have a look at Rosa Brera and Verde Fangio. You possibly can try our Verde Fangio Stelvio check automotive right here.
Bragging Rights
Excellent news, the Tonale is greater than only a fairly face with cool wheels and brakes. Per impartial checks, this little Alfa will hit 60 mph from a cease in lower than 6 seconds, and attain a prime pace of 140 mph. And, regardless of the vigor, the Tonale is sweet for near 30 mpg in relaxed freeway driving.
Worth
Whereas it’s not fairly a Corvette, A Tonale will allow you to 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 photographs)
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