In the realm of luxury SUVs, the German marques—Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz—have unquestionably established dominance, and this comes as no surprise. Renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship, comfort, practicality, and formidable overall performance, they’ve earned their place at the forefront. However, those in search of an intriguing alternative might be enticed by the all-new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale (pronounced akin to “tamale”).

Positioned as a subcompact SUV, the Tonale finds its niche within the Alfa lineup just beneath the larger Stelvio SUV. Much like its Stelvio sibling, the Tonale makes a bold statement, showcasing its performance-oriented identity through striking headlights, the iconic inverted triangular Alfa Romeo grille, and a commanding, athletic stance. This design ethos stands in stark contrast to the Jeep Compass, with which it shares some foundational elements. Drawing on Alfa’s recent history, it’s likely that the Tonale’s driving dynamics will provide an engaging experience, even though its modest cargo capacity does impact practicality.

With optimism, the Tonale aims to enhance Alfa Romeo’s build quality, a factor that has been criticized in models like the Stelvio and Giulia, known for emitting creaks reminiscent of a ship at sea during a storm. If this aspect is addressed, the Tonale could potentially sidestep a lackluster position. In a segment populated by contenders such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB, BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Volvo XC40, the Tonale’s ranking could hinge on these improvements.

For those curious, stay tuned for more comprehensive details and driving experiences as the early 2023 on-sale date approaches for the Tonale.