Text by Tom Appel
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sport Speciale AWD
Specs
Class: Compact Crossover
Country of manufacture: Japan
Seating capacity: 5
Color: Grigio Ascari Metallic
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | A- |
| Fit and Finish | A- |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B |
| Tall Guy | B |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 268-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Miles Driven: 121
Observed fuel economy: 23.8
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 21/29/24 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $41,995 (not including $3250 (destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($695), Active Assist Package ($1250), sunroof ($1500), black roof ($95), Harman Kardon audio system ($750), Dual Mode Active Suspension ($350)
Price as tested: $49,885
Audio-System Brand
Harmon Kardon
Audio-System Quality
Poor Fair Good Very-Good Excellent
Pros and Cons
The great: Delightful sporty character, Exotic feel for mainstream money
The good: Classy cabin, decent fuel economy
The not so good: “Always on” sportiness may prove fatiguing on long commutes
Review
There was a student at Fremd High in Palatine, Illinois, who drove a white Corvette to school every day. Can’t remember his name, but, given how nice he was—he really was a decent guy—it was hard to hate him for having a ‘Vette, though, to this day, I still envy him a little.
High-School Parking Lot
Rumor was that he had won some sort of personal-injury settlement, and bought the sports car with the proceeds. The car was equipped with removable roof panels, as well as a tall blonde young lady who may have been the student’s committed girlfriend. Dude had it all.
This was back in the early Eighties, and the Corvette pretty much made everything else in the Fremd parking lot look dull and unimportant. This was, in part, because everything else in the Fremd parking lot was dull and unimportant.
Alfa Romeo
Skip ahead a few decades, and you’ll likely agree that most parking lots lack cars that that draw much attention, much less the envy of fellow commuters. But, there are a few vehicles you can buy that, though functional by design, can make other rides look dull and unimportant. Virtually any Alfa Romeo is capable of perking up the lot, and the surprisingly affordable Tonale crossover does so for about the average transaction price of a new vehicle.
The Tonale anchors a three-vehicle Alfa Romeo lineup which also includes the Giulia small sedan, and Stelvio compact crossover. For the record, the Stelvio is considerably larger and pricier than the Tonale.
Prices and Trim Levels
For 2026, the Tonale is offered in three trim levels:
- Sprint ($40,745)
- Veloce ($45,245)
- Sport Speciale ($45,235)
The Veloce is the luxury offering, featuring real leather upholstery, unique cabin trim, 19-inch alloy wheels, red Brembo-brand brake calipers—visible though 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.
Both the Veloce and Sport Special come with an adaptive suspension with unique tuning.
Engines
All Tonales are powered by a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Veloce and Sport Speciale models include steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, while all Tonales come standard with AWD.
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sport Speciale Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sport Speciale in Grigio Ascari Metallic. Including the Active Assist Package, sunroof, and destination charge, our test car came to $49,885.
Having recently reviewed the Tonale—you can read that evaluation here—we like to address what it is about the Tonale that livens up the office parking lot. Read on:
Look of Performance
Though the Tonale, which was freshened for the 2026 model year, doesn’t scream high performance, there are plenty of cues that suggest this vehicle is something other than mainstream. We appreciate that blackout trim and rakish roofline. Also of note are the 20-inch wheels available exclusively on the Sport Speciale. The black brake calipers are a bonus touch. Also, the 20-inch wheels found on the Sport Speciale are, to our eyes, cool looking, but they also proving controversial.
Exotic Brand
Seriously, how many people can you name who have owned an Italian-brand car? Alfa’s history is long and storied, and it’s a cool name to see on a car in any parking. Also, for folks who fear Italian-car reliability, remember that the Tonale comes with a 4-year, 50,000 mile warranty.
Fun Colors
While we find Grigio Ascari Metallic—as seen here—to be a classy hue, the Tonale can he had in more, overt tones as well. We recommend checking the Alfa Rome web site for a quick look at Rosa Brera and Verde Fangio. You can check out our Verde Fangio Stelvio test car here.
Bragging Rights
Good news, the Tonale is more than just a pretty face with cool wheels and brakes. Per independent tests, this little Alfa will hit 60 mph from a stop in less than 6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 140 mph. And, despite the vigor, the Tonale is good for close to 30 mpg in relaxed highway driving.
Value
While it’s not quite a Corvette, A Tonale will help you stand out in the office parking lot, and, assuming that’s something you’d like to do, it’s good to know this little Alfa is also a joy to drive.
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2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sport Speciale Pictures
(Click below for enlarged images)
