The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale marks a crucial step for the luxury automaker as it enters the age of electrification. The compact SUV shares a foundation with the Dodge Hornet, both of which boast plug-in hybrid powertrains. However, the Alfa Romeo Tonale stands out from its corporate cousin thanks to its unique advantages.

Overview of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Starting at around $43,000, the Alfa Romeo Tonale packs a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. According to Alfa Romeo, the Tonale also has a 121-hp electric motor driving the rear wheels, providing all-wheel drive capability. Their combined peak output is 285 hp. With a fully charged 15.5-kWh battery pack, the Tonale can travel approximately 30 miles on electric power alone.

The interior features easy-to-use controls, including a conveniently placed start button, an ergonomic steering wheel, and aluminum paddle shifters.

Equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, the Tonale offers DAB radio, built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, dual-zone air conditioning, keyless start, a power tailgate, and front and rear parking sensors with a backup camera.

Advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, drowsy driver detection, speed assist, and traffic sign recognition.

The Dodge Hornet at a glance

The Dodge Hornet, the brand’s first new model in over a decade, also enters the plug-in hybrid market. This small crossover’s base model comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It also has a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, providing capable performance.

In addition, the Hornet offers an R/T high-performance hybrid trim. Its turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder harnesses 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. This model incorporates an electric motor on the rear axle, a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. With the PowerShot mode activated, temporarily boosting power by 30 hp, the R/T can achieve 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The R/T also has three other driving modes: Sport Hybrid, E-Save, and E-Power. Its estimated electric-only range is 32 miles.

The R/T and Hornet GT boast LED headlights and taillights, a black grille, body-colored door handles and mirror caps, roof rails, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, and various interior amenities. Dodge starts the Hornet at $30,735.

What advantage does the Alfa Romeo Tonale have over the Dodge Hornet?

One of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale’s most notable advantages over the Dodge Hornet is its standard plug-in hybrid powertrain. Every Tonale trim is a PHEV, allowing for efficient and eco-friendly driving. In contrast, the Hornet offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain on select trims.

In addition, the base-model Hornet has only a gas-powered engine, lacking the hybrid benefits that come standard with every 2024 Tonale. This distinction positions the Alfa Romeo SUV as a more eco-conscious choice, offering greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

What are the 2024 Tonale’s disadvantages?

Because the Tonale is a luxury SUV, it’s much more expensive than the Hornet. The Alfa Romeo crossover starts at over $12,000 more than the Dodge vehicle.

In addition, the Tonale’s 285-hp powertrain falls short of the Hornet R/T’s more potent 288-hp setup. Similarly, the Tonale’s torque figures are lower than the Hornet’s 383 lb-ft of torque, potentially impacting overall performance.

And while the Tonale offers an electric-only range of approximately 30 miles, the Hornet provides a slightly longer range of 32 miles.