Alfa Romeo Tonale Gets Refresh for 2026, New Wheels and New Trim
Alfa Romeo has refreshed the brand’s compact SUV this year, tweaking styling, adding a new trim, and updating the interior.
On the outside, there is a new front fascia that retains the brand’s trademark grille, but now has more aggressive trilobe lower intakes, which is all part of the manufacturer’s attempt to make the SUV look wider, especially near the bottom. Furthering this visual update, the Tonale has a slightly wider track front and rear, along with reduced front overhang.
New Wheels, New Colors
Like with most refreshes, there are new wheel designs, including 20-inch wheels with an iconic three-hole design. The Alfa Romeo badge has been modernized and is now black and white, while it’s also possible to get a two-tone black roof, with or without the moonroof.
Three new exterior colors join the lineup for the 2026 model: Rosso Brera, Verde Monza, and Giallo Ocra. They join five carryover colors, Alfa Black, Milano White, Grigio Ascari, Verde Fangio, and Misano Blue.
Subtle Changes Inside
The interior gets an update that includes new materials, colors, and finishes. The red leather seating with coordinated red stitching featured in other Alfa Romeo products is now available in the Tonale. All trims get contrasting stitching on the dashboard, door panels, and armrest.
On higher trim levels, there are leather and Alcantara-trimmed seating surfaces that are eight-way power adjustable up front and include heating and ventilation.
Mechanics Carry Over
Other than the new wider tracks, the SUV's mechanical components remain relatively unchanged. There is still a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the brand’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system is standard.
The Dual Mode Suspension set-up continues, as do the aluminum shift paddles. Alfa Romeo’s selectable drive modes, called DNA, remain present as well.
New Sport Speciale
For the 2026 model year, the Tonale will be available in three trim levels: Sprint, Veloce, and the all-new Sport Speciale. The latter is a special edition that sits at the top of the vehicle’s trim structure. It has silver accents on the side skirts and rear bumper and gloss-black Brembo brake calipers. The previously mentioned contrasting black roof and new 20-inch wheels with the three-hole design are included on the Sport Speciale.
Inside, the top trim includes black-and-pearl perforated Alcantara-trimmed seats with contrasting white stitching and a black Alcantara-wrapped dash fascia.
Expect the 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale to arrive at North American dealerships by the end of this year. More details, including pricing, will be announced closer to launch.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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I can't see that top Sport Speciale model to be a big seller with Alcantra seats and dash, combined with the ugly three hole 20 inch wheels...