Key Points
- The Alfa Romeo Tonale gets a face-lift that brings a new grille and front fascia for the 2026 model year.
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain dropped
With imports of the Dodge Hornet temporarily halted due to tariffs, observers might have expected Alfa Romeo to press pause on the Tonale since the two small SUVs are built on the same line in Italy and share many parts. However, the Tonale is not just back for the 2026 model year, but it’s refreshed, too.
Related: 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Vs. 2024 Dodge Hornet: Which Does It Better?
Revised front-end styling gives the Tonale a more aggressive look, with a new concave grille and lower intakes that sweep up into a grin. Alfa Romeo says the front and rear tracks are wider, though that’s likely due to wider tires or an increased wheel offset, as there are no evident mechanical changes to the structure. New wheel designs join three new color options to help the face-lifted Tonale stand out. Inside, the cabin is finished in fresh materials and colors, including the vehicle’s first ever available red leather.
Something Speciale
The 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale seen here is the new range-topping trim, the Sport Speciale. Sitting atop a lineup that now consists of the Sprint at the bottom and the Veloce in the middle, the Sport Speciale is distinguished by silver accents on its side skirts and rear bumper, as well as black brake calipers and an available contrasting black roof. Its new wheels are a three-hole take on the classic Alfa Romeo “telephone dial” design. The Sport Speciale also boasts a black-and-pearl two-tone interior with synthetic suede and contrast stitching.
The Sport Speciale does not get the potent plug-in hybrid powertrain offered in the 2025 Tonale, however. For 2026, every Tonale is powered by a 268-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 295 pounds-feet of torque. The four-cylinder is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Release Date and Pricing
The fate of its Dodge Hornet platform mate remains uncertain, but the 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale will arrive in the U.S. late in 2025. Pricing will be available closer to the start of sales.
Read More About the Alfa Romeo Tonale:
- 2025 Alfa Romeo Intensa Special Series Introduced for Tonale, Stelvio, Giulia
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale?
- 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Review: A Shot of Espresso in a Decaf World
- Is the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale a Good SUV? 5 Pros and 3 Cons
- Research the Alfa Romeo Tonale
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