Alfa Romeo gave its SUV a soul: Tonale drives livelier than you would expect

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The updated Alfa Romeo Tonale Ibrida Sport Speciale in Monza Green looks like it wants to remind you not only of modern crossovers, but of older Alfa Romeos too. The deep blue-green shade nods to the brand's 1960s cars, while the facelift adds more signature graphics up front.

The biggest change outside is the redesigned scudetto, the marque's shield-shaped grille. Its horizontal bars with a recessed centre echo the modern 33 Stradale. The Tonale hasn't gone as aggressive as the Junior, but its face has grown more intricate and more present. Opinions will differ — calmer styling might have felt cleaner to some buyers, yet Alfa rarely picks the quietest path.

Inside, the crossover is modern but with the right references. There's a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, the DNA mode dial, large steering-wheel paddles and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The dial graphics are styled after classic Alfas: the fonts, radial markings, needle shapes and red zone look as if they were lifted straight from an old coupe.

Practicality hasn't been forgotten either. The second row has enough room, the backrest sits fairly upright and the seating helps keep your body planted on the road. For family use that matters more than fine phrases about Italian temperament: the Tonale is still an SUV you can drive with passengers, not just for yourself and not just for fun.

But the real focus of the test is the way it drives. The Tonale almost makes you forget the tall body. The steering responds without delay, the car stays composed through corners and the suspension remains taut and stable enough. Pirelli Scorpion 235/40 R20 tyres work with the chassis rather than against it, preserving the balance between comfort and precision.

The Ibrida version uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with 175 hp and 240 Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The zero-to-100 km/h sprint takes 8.5 seconds. There's enough pull across the rev range, and the engine spins up willingly without turning the drive into a fight with the transmission.

The Tonale isn't trying to be the most practical or the most powerful crossover in its class. Its strength lies elsewhere: it leaves the driver feeling that Alfa Romeo still remembers why a person needs a steering wheel, even if the body has grown taller.

Earlier, the new Alfa Romeo Tonale received hybrid versions and updates.