2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Review: A Charming Italian Crossover

Alfa Romeo is one of those brands that just feels different from the moment you get behind the wheel. That holds true in the 2025 Tonale Veloce, a compact crossover boasting spirited performance and a distinct personality. Sitting in the middle of Alfa’s growing SUV lineup, the Tonale slots below the Stelvio but offers more than enough Italian flair to stand out from the crowded compact crossover segment. It’s available in either a plug-in hybrid or a turbocharged gasoline model. The Veloce trim tested here was equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. While it might not be the most refined vehicle in its class, it’s certainly fun to drive.

Styling is a strong suit here. Up front, you get Alfa’s trademark triangle grille, surrounded by wide headlight units with triple running light accents. The Tonale cuts a sleek silhouette with proportions that are more like an oversized hatchback than a boxy SUV. The Veloce grade dresses things up further with aluminum door sills, gloss red brake caliper covers, and aluminum paddle shifters. Our test car came with the upgraded 20-inch 5-hole wheels and was slathered in Alfa Rosso red paint, a deliciously vibrant hue that could also be called Alfa Romeo Tomato.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that kicks out 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. That’s routed through a 9-speed automatic and an all-wheel-drive system that’s front-biased and shuffles power to the rear when needed. Acceleration is brisk, with plenty of punch off the line and enough torque to make passing maneuvers effortless. That front-bias does mean there’s some torque steer under hard throttle, but it’s a minor tradeoff for this level of zippiness. The Tonale uses Alfa’s DNA drive mode system, which adjusts throttle mapping, steering weight, and shift points.

In “D” for Dynamic mode, the Tonale comes alive, with sharper reflexes, crisper shifts, and tighter steering. The Veloce’s dual-mode active suspension firms up nicely when hustling down a curvy road. The ride in “N” (Natural) mode is comfortable enough for everyday driving, soaking up most bumps without complaint. “A” (Advanced Efficiency) mode prioritizes fuel savings and smoothness but dulls the experience a bit. While the cabin is free from rattles and squeaks, a fair amount of road and wind noise penetrates the cabin at highway speeds.

Inside, the Tonale has a cabin that looks the part, though it doesn’t always feel it. The dashboard is clean and modern, with cool ambient lighting running through the trim and a nice mix of textures. Unfortunately, there’s also a fair amount of hard plastic lurking around, particularly on the top of the dash and center console, which undercuts the upscale vibe Alfa is clearly aiming for. Still, the layout is driver-centric, with tactile controls, a traditional gear shifter, and an engine Start/Stop button mounted on the flat-bottomed steering wheel. The big aluminum paddle shifters, fixed to the steering column, are also a treat to use. They’re a nice nod to Alfa’s racing DNA and more engaging than those cheap plastic tabs that move with the steering wheel.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is sharp and configurable, while the 10.25-inch touchscreen is backed by Stellantis’ very good Uconnect 5, one of the most intuitive systems on the market. Text can be a little small because the user interface seems optimized for even larger screens. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and a wireless charger is conveniently nestled at the bottom of the center stack.

Our test vehicle also packed a crisp 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system that sounds great across the frequency range, whether you’re into bass-heavy playlists or podcasts. Equipped with the Active Assist package, the Tonale has an ample list of safety and convenience tech, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and front/rear park sensors.

The Tonale’s upgraded leather front seats are sporty and reasonably supportive, though longer seat cushions would benefit taller drivers. You do get four-way power adjustment and heating, and there’s enough adjustment range to get my wide, 6-foot-tall frame in a comfortable driving position. Rear seat space is adequate for shorter adults and kids, though taller passengers will find legroom tight. The back seat gets its own climate vents as well as USB-A and USB-C ports for charging phones.

The Tonale has good cargo space for its size. With 22.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, it’s more than sufficient for groceries, luggage, or gear for weekend adventures. The floor is flat, and there’s a pass-through for longer items, such as skis, for added versatility. That said, it’s not quite as roomy as a CR-V or RAV4.

Overall, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce is a compelling little crossover for buyers who want more than just another appliance on wheels. It’s quick, agile, and full of personality, even if it makes a few compromises in material quality and noise insulation. Pricing for the Tonale starts at $36,495. Our well-equipped tester topped out at about $46,625, including the Veloce Package, 20-inch wheels, and that beautiful Alfa Rosso paint. If you value style and driving dynamics over ultimate utility or plushness, the Tonale is definitely worth considering.