A 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sprint trim challenging the technical iCAR ice and snow track in Mirabel, Que.Stellantis/Courtesy of manufacturer
There is something inherently romantic about an Alfa Romeo, even when it’s covered in a layer of road salt. Named after the Tonale Pass in northern Italy, this compact SUV was born for winding mountain roads, but the real question is: can this plug-in hybrid handle a Tuesday morning in a Quebec snowstorm?
The ice dance: driving impressions
While the Tonale has been available in Canada since 2023, the 2026 model feels like it has finally found its footing. On the technical track at the iCAR facility northwest of Montreal, the Tonale’s handling on ice was surprisingly composed. Much of that planted feeling can be attributed to the Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak winter tires it was wearing. These aren’t your standard performance winters; they utilize the company’s MultiCell technology to bite into exposed ice, providing the kind of stopping power that feels almost unbelievable until you’re staring down a snowbank at 40 kilometres an hour.
The Q4 all-wheel-drive system is proactive, prioritizing efficiency by running in front-wheel drive during normal commutes, but it can shuffle up to 50 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels in just 0.15 seconds the moment it senses a slip.
However, the real soul of this Alfa comes out when you play with the DNA drive mode selector. The DNA (Dynamic, Natural and Advanced) system allows you to alter the steering, throttle, shift-mapping, and fuel efficiency of the car with the turn of a dial.
To get the most out of the Tonale on the track, traction control needs to be turned off. Left to its own devices, the SUV defaults to safe, predictable understeer – exactly what you want on your daily drive to work, but not what you want at iCAR. Once unleashed, the Tonale becomes a playful partner. Using the massive, column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters (which feel like they were ripped straight out of a Ferrari), you can hold gears and use the 347 lb-ft of instant electric torque to rotate the rear, powering out of corners with a level of fizz its German rivals would envy.
The interior of the 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Sprint.Stellantis/Courtesy of manufacturer
Design and interior
Visually, the Tonale remains a knockout, especially in the new Verde Monza green. Inside, the cabin is a sophisticated blend of Italian class and modern technology. The Cannocchiale digital cluster keeps the classic twin-cowl look while providing sharp navigation data. The top-tier Speciale trim adds perforated Alcantara seats with ice-coloured accents that feel more fashion week than family hauler.
Performance and range
Under the hood is a 1.3-litre turbo engine paired with a 90-kilowatt electric motor on the rear axle. It’s a best-of-both-worlds setup. You get roughly 53 kilometres of pure electric range for those quiet, emissions-free grocery runs, but when you bury your foot, the combined 285 horsepower will propel you to 100 kilometres an hour in about six seconds. Charging the 15.5-kilowatt-hour battery takes about 2-1/2 hours on a Level 2 charger.
The verdict
The Tonale is available in three trims: Sprint, Veloce and Speciale. While the BMW X1 or Audi Q3 might offer more clinical precision, the Tonale offers soul. It is a stylish, capable winter warrior that doesn’t sacrifice personality for practicality.
Tech specs
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV
- Base price/ as tested: $59,995 / $64,995 plus $2,195 for freight and pre-delivery inspection plus fees and taxes
- Powertrain: 1.3-litre turbo with a 15.5-kWh battery
- Transmission/drive: Six-speed automatic/Q4 AWD
- Horsepower/torque (lb-ft): 285/347
- Curb Weight: 1,875 kilograms
- Alternatives: BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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