There is no denying, the SUV market has exploded in recent years. Almost every manufacturer now offers at least one SUV in their lineup. From mass-market manufacturers like Ford to ultimate luxury brands such as Bentley and Rolls-Royce, everyone is trying to cash in on the trend and grab a slice of the action.
Unfortunately, the explosion has led to many drab, dreary and dull models being created purely to tick a box. While many buyers simply don't care and now view buying their next vehicle in the same way they would consider a new appliance, for others, it is a pretty depressing situation. Thankfully, not every brand has gone for the copy-and-paste design model, and there are some distinctive options available. Alfa Romeo is one such company, and their Stelvio SUV has been a refreshing change, combining a sporty design and even serious performance, where the "Quadrifoglio" model is concerned. Now, Alfa has unveiled a refreshed Stelvio, and an all-new Tonale model, so it is an exciting time for potential buyers. Which model should you opt for? Here are five things we like about the Tonale and five reasons we'd buy a Stelvio instead.
10 Tonale: Heritage-Inspired Design
Even at first glance, the new Tonale is instantly recognizable as an Alfa Romeo. The brand's iconic styling adds a distinctive Italian flair that will really appeal to some potential buyers. Arguably, the iconic "V Scudetto" grille is its most distinguishing feature.
The heritage links also extend to the car's interior. The traditional driver dials have been shelved and replaced with a "12.3-inch "Cannocchiale" Digital Instrument Display.
9 Stelvio: Stunning Face Lifted design
The 2023 Stelvio has received a very successful "nip and tuck." Let's face it, the Stelvio was already a great-looking and desirable car, but given it launched back in 2017, it was arguably due a bit of a midlife refresh.
The most notable changes have been made to the Stelvio's front end. The headlights have been revised to incorporate three light elements, linking them to Alfa models of old. Regarding their performance, the bi-xenon lamps have been replaced by LED units, giving better visualization of the road ahead in addition to providing a modern look. Other tweaks have been made to the car's exterior, including the alloy wheels, grille, and rear lights.
8 Tonale: Slick Infotainment System
Being a new model to market, the Tonale is equipped with Alfa's latest and greatest infotainment offering. The setup is focused on a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which provides all the expected functionality. From heating and ventilation to audio and smartphone integration, almost everything you could need to control can be adjusted through the slick system.
Providing the ultimate in convenience, the Tonale even comes with modern developments such as Amazon's Alexa fully integrated. The handy voice assistant allows drivers to access a wealth of information, all without taking their eyes off the road.
7 Stelvio: Larger Dimensions
While both the Stelvio and Tonale and relatively similar in size, the Stelvio does edge out in front of the Tonale. Consequently, the Tonale is likely the best option for those who regularly drive in city environments, while the Stelvio will provide an extra bit of practicality.
Cargo capacity is 17.7 cubic feet in the Tonale, with the Stelvio accommodating up to 18.5 cubic feet. Helping to make the best use of the additional space, Alfa Romeo has included an electric tailgate as standard fitment. In terms of length, the Stelvio is a pretty long car at 184.5 inches, while the Tonale comes in at a slightly shorter 178.4.
6 Tonale: Sophisticated Safety Systems
In line with Alfa Romeo's ongoing commitment to improving safety, the Tonale is packed with a raft of cutting-edge technologies. From Intelligent Active Cruise Control to Lanesense Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning With Full Stop and Lane Centring.
The Tonale even features a Driver Attention Alert, which adds another level of security for the car's occupants. Should the car detect driver distraction or drowsiness, visual and audible alerts will be produced, advising a break is taken, and minimizing the potential for a collision.
5 Stelvio: Choice Of Engine Options
The majority of Stelvios will come equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood. Producing a decent 280 hp, the 2.0-liter unit enables the Stelvio to propel itself from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds before continuing on to a 144 mph top speed.
There is also a mouth-watering twin-turbo 2.9-liter engine available in the sublime "Quadrifoglio" edition.
4 Tonale: Versatile Hybrid Powertrain
Powering the Tonale is a versatile 272-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain. The setup is formed from the combination of a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and a 15.5 kWh battery-powered electric motor.
Drivers can travel up to 30 miles using electric power alone, and the car can be plugged-in and recharged. Consequently, many users will be able to complete their daily journeys without ever engaging the combustion engine.
3 Stelvio: Glorious Quadrifoglio Edition
For those looking for the ultimate in performance, the brutal "Quadrifoglio" is the variant to go for. Powering the beast is a twin-turbocharged 2.9 liter V6. The engine is derived from the Italian supercar manufacturer Ferrari, which is something special in itself.
Serious performance is on offer, with the engine putting out 505 hp and generating 443 pounds-feet of torque. The car sports a much more aggressive look than the regular car,
2 Tonale: Comfort Focussed Interior
The cabin of the Tonale makes a refreshing change to some of the bland and cookie-cutter interiors seen in many mass-market SUVs. Premium materials are widely used, with aluminum, leather, and Alcantara distributed around the cabin.
The seats are something seriously special. Providing a sporty look are red contrast stitching and the Alfa Romeo logo that features on the headrests. The seats not only look good but are well padded, ensuring a comfortable ride.
1 Stelvio: Engaging Driving Experience
SUVs have come a long way from the wallowy and uninspiring rides of older models. That desiring engagement would generally be better off exploring other segments. The Stelvio is a bit of an outlier, however, as it evokes Italian passion and flare.
Under the SUV body, the Stelvio shares much of its underpinnings with the Giulia sedan, which is already one of the segment's best-handling cars. Alfa has equipped the Stelvio with a performance-biased all-wheel drive system known as "Q4". While the system is capable of splitting the power between the front and rear axles 50/50, the car remains rear-wheel drive in everyday driving.
Source: Alfa Romeo