Italian Glamour in a More Affordable Package-See the Refreshed 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

If you have ever dreamed of owning an Italian sports car, this may be your chance! Alfa Romeo is out with an updated version of its 2026 Tonale, a premium, compact SUV with the heart of a much more expensive sports car. The 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale is on display this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Tonale looks exotic enough to stand out next to the run-of-the-mill econo-boxes and the prices are not exorbitant. 

“With the new 2026 Tonale, we’ve added even more style, substance and customer personalization options while maintaining a base price under $37,000,” said Chris Feuell, head of Alfa Romeo North America. “It’s a clear reflection of Alfa Romeo’s commitment to delivering distinctive Italian design, a dynamic driving experience and exceptional value to our customers.”

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Even though the Tonale lives in the premium sector, it has surprisingly affordable starting prices. The 2026 Tonale, has three different trim packages available, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $36,995. The Tonale is one of those vehicles that when you see it, you want to know what it is and who makes it. 

The 2026 Tonale’s refreshed exterior design has a restyled front fascia featuring a new grille inspired by Alfa Romeo’s high-end sports cars. The refreshed Tonale has more of an athletic stance.  Options like new 20-inch wheels, red leather seats and updated black-and-silver Alfa Romeo badging add to its contemporary sportiness. Other options include new 19-inch black aluminum wheels, new black roof and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Veloce trim includes 19-inch wheels, red Brembo brake calipers, steering column-mounted paddle shifters, dual-mode suspension, dark exterior badges, ambient lighting and hands-free power liftgate. 

Distinctive Italian Design    

Italian automakers will tell you that their vehicles are dedicated to beauty and performance. Alfa Romeo says the new 2026 Tonale is a modern interpretation of Alfa Romeo’s “necessary beauty” design philosophy in which beauty is not an abstract concept, but demonstrated by the convergence of proportions, surfaces, lines and functionality. The 2026 Tonale has a 2.0-liter turbocharged Inline-4 engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2026 Tonale delivers segment-leading dynamics with a balanced chassis, Q4 all-wheel drive and four-piston Brembo brakes. The Tonale has the segment’s most direct steering ratio (13.6:1) which gives superior cornering and reduces roll and understeer.  

New Higher End Tonale Sport Speciale Package Available

The new Sport Speciale special edition represents the pinnacle of the Tonale lineup, with silver accents on the side skirts and rear bumper, gloss-black Brembo brake calipers and an available contrasting black roof. The new 20-inch wheels with striking three-hole design reflect a modern take on the classic telephone dial theme while being lighter than the five-hole design they replace.

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Pricing

• Tonale Sprint - $36,995
• Tonale Veloce - $41,495
• Tonale Sport Speciale - $41,495

Destination charges drive those prices up by $3,250.

Additional Options for 2026 Tonale

Active Assist Package – $1,250 

• Active Driving Assist System
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• ParkSense park assist
• Surround view camera system

Premium Package – $1,995 (Sprint)

• Black or red leather seats
• Ambient lighting package
• Gloss black DLO
• Hands-free power liftgate
• Ventilated front seats

Other Upgrades

• Black roof – $95 (all trims)
• Dual Mode suspension – $350 (Sport Speciale)
• Harmon Kardon premium audio – $750 (all trims)
• Power moonroof – $1,500 (all trims)

When the 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Will be Available

The 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale is built at the Giambattista Vico Stellantis plant in Naples, Italy. The 2026 models will begin arriving in North America showrooms at the end of 2025. I have not driven the 2026 Tonale, yet, but I can’t wait to take it on a curvy Colorado mountain road to see how it handles. 

Alfa Romeo Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.