The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce is not just another compact SUV—it’s a rolling embodiment of Italian passion, designed to inject joy into every drive. With its seductive styling, punchy performance, and a nod to Alfa Romeo’s storied heritage, the Tonale Veloce aims to stand out in a crowded segment. But does it live up to the hype? We took it for a spin to find out, and it left us grinning from ear to ear, even if it’s not without its quirks. Here’s our first test of the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce, a vehicle that promises to make you laugh all the way to the track.
A Stylish Italian Contender
From the moment you lay eyes on the Tonale Veloce, it’s clear this isn’t your average subcompact SUV. Alfa Romeo has infused the Tonale with its signature design language, featuring a sleek, curvaceous profile and the iconic trilobo grille—a shield-shaped centerpiece flanked by slim, mustachioed air intakes. The “3+3” headlight design, inspired by the Alfa Romeo SZ sports car, gives the Tonale a squinting, purposeful stare. Our test model, painted in a vibrant red (because what’s an Alfa without a splash of rosso?), turned heads wherever it went. The five-petal alloy wheels and sculpted “GT” line along the body add to its visual flair, making it look like a modern Alfa that stays true to the brand’s heritage without mimicking classic models.
Compared to rivals like the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Tonale’s exterior is a breath of fresh air. While competitors often lean toward aggressive or minimalist designs, the Tonale exudes personality. It’s not trying to be a retro throwback but rather a forward-looking interpretation of Alfa’s DNA. As MotorTrend noted, “This isn’t a modern-day SUV trying to look like a classic old Alfa; rather, it shows what a vehicle looks like when a brand stays true to its design motif”. Whether parked in a city lot or cruising down a coastal highway, the Tonale demands a second glance—and we found ourselves looking back at it, too.
Performance: A Lively Spirit
Under the hood, the 2025 Tonale Veloce packs a non-hybrid 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. These figures give it a competitive edge over rivals like the BMW X1 (241 hp) and Cadillac XT4 (235 hp). Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Tonale Veloce feels nimble and eager, especially in Dynamic mode, which sharpens throttle response and steering.
In MotorTrend’s testing, the Tonale hit 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds at 93.8 mph. That’s quicker than many in its class, though its 3,812-pound curb weight—heavier than competitors hovering around 3,500 pounds—means it’s not quite as agile as Alfa’s Giulia sedan or Stelvio SUV. Still, the Tonale’s handling is a highlight. Its quick steering (just 2.3 turns lock-to-lock) and well-tuned suspension with optional adaptive dampers make it a joy on twisty roads. We flung it through corners with confidence, enjoying the rear-torque bias that mimics torque vectoring, even if the brakes got a bit toasty after spirited driving.
The Tonale’s “DNA” drive mode selector—Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency—lets you tailor the experience. Dynamic mode brings the SUV to life, with a throaty exhaust note that’s quintessentially Alfa. Natural mode is ideal for everyday cruising, while Advanced Efficiency prioritizes fuel economy. The gas model achieves 24 mpg combined, lagging behind the plug-in hybrid’s 77 MPGe, but its 13.5-gallon tank offers a respectable 324-mile range.
Interior: Charm with Some Compromises
Step inside, and the Tonale Veloce’s cabin continues the Italian theme. The driver-centric dashboard, inspired by the Giulia and Stelvio, features circular air vents, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen running Stellantis’ Uconnect 5 system. The three-spoke steering wheel, adorned with large aluminum paddle shifters, feels substantial, and the seats, with red contrast stitching and Alfa crests, are stylish if not the most supportive for long drives.
However, the interior isn’t flawless. While soft-touch materials and premium touches like microsuede and aluminum trim elevate the experience, some plastics feel out of place in a vehicle priced from $38,490 (our Veloce test model was closer to $46,625 with options). Rear-seat space is adequate but not generous, and the cargo bay, while practical with a multilevel floor, isn’t class-leading. Compared to the BMW X1 or Volvo XC40, the Tonale’s cabin feels less refined, with some testers noting it shares too much with its Dodge Hornet sibling, a less expensive cousin.
The Uconnect 5 system is a bright spot, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a user-friendly interface, though some icons are small and tricky to use on the move. Standard features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition add value, but the lane-centering tech could use refinement. Overall, the interior is functional and stylish but falls short of the premium feel expected at this price point.
Driving Experience: Joyful but Not Perfect
On the road, the Tonale Veloce delivers the kind of driving experience Alfa Romeo is known for—engaging and spirited. The steering is light yet responsive, making it a breeze to navigate tight city streets or winding backroads. The suspension, especially with adaptive dampers, strikes a good balance between sportiness and comfort, though it can feel firm on rough surfaces. Unlike the plug-in hybrid version, which some testers found laggy or unrefined in power delivery, the gas-powered Veloce feels more cohesive, with smooth shifts and ample low-end torque.
However, the Tonale isn’t as sharp as Alfa’s Giulia or Stelvio. Some reviewers have noted that the steering lacks the feedback of its siblings, and body roll, while controlled, is more noticeable than expected. The weight of the SUV dulls its agility compared to Alfa’s sportier offerings, and the absence of a Quadrifoglio variant means it’s not chasing ultimate performance. Still, for a subcompact SUV, it’s a blast to drive, offering more personality than most rivals.
Practicality and Value
Priced from $38,490, the Tonale Veloce undercuts some premium competitors like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, which start closer to $40,000. The Veloce package adds desirable features like 19-inch wheels, heated and ventilated seats, and adaptive suspension, making it a compelling value. However, depreciation is a concern—analysts predict the Tonale will retain only 52-55% of its value after three years, compared to 64% for the X1 or XC40.
For company car drivers, the plug-in hybrid version (starting at $47,990) is more appealing, with up to 33 miles of electric range and low CO2 emissions, translating to an 8% Benefit-in-Kind tax rate in some markets. The gas model, while less efficient, offers simplicity for buyers who don’t want to deal with charging.
The Alfa Romeo Magic
What sets the Tonale Veloce apart is its intangible charm. As MotorTrend put it, “This is an SUV that feels alive and makes the driver feel alive, and reminds you that, whatever your present circumstances, there’s a place in the world where the sun is shining and twisty roads await”. It’s not the fastest, most practical, or most refined in its class, but it has a soul that’s rare in the segment. Whether it’s the burbling exhaust, the striking design, or the playful handling, the Tonale makes every drive an event.
Verdict
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce is a delightful surprise in the subcompact SUV segment. It’s not perfect—its weight, interior quirks, and less-than-stellar resale value hold it back—but it delivers where it counts: style, performance, and driving joy. For those seeking a premium SUV with Italian flair, the Tonale Veloce is a compelling choice. It’s not a hardcore sports car, but it’s a spirited companion that’ll have you laughing all the way to the track.