Acura ADX vs Alfa Romeo Tonale 2.0T – Sporty, Small Crossover Shootout

Apr 29, 2025 6:00 PM EDT

Two great choices in a packed segment

Alfa Romeo recently reintroduced the Tonale SUV, adding a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to reinvigorate an already good-handling vehicle. It is very powerful and has good reflexes, making it one of the more enjoyable crossovers in this class from a driving standpoint. Then I drove the less powerful and less expensive all-new Acura ADX, and it was an eye-opening experience.

The sub-compact, luxury SUV landscape is vast. Nearly every automaker has an offering that falls between $35,000 and $55,000, and many of these models are based on shared platforms with other cars. The ADX, for example, shares its platform and many components with the Honda HR-V. On the other hand, the Tonale shares its platform with the Dodge Hornet, which is a bit of a step down from a certain point of view.

Either way, both of these vehicles battle in the same category for the same dollar, despite their differences. One thing I must say is that both fill an important requirement for your consideration – they are both a lot of fun to drive. I tend to value that above creature comforts and gizmos, which both vehicles have as well.

What is the 2025 Acura ADX?

As I stated earlier, the 2025 Acura ADX is based on the same platform as the Honda HR-V, which itself is based on the 11th-generation Honda Civic platform. Acura removed the anemic powertrain from the HR-V and gave the ADX a sprightly, turbocharged, 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and feeds the front, or all four wheels, via an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system. It’s pretty thrifty, getting 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The AWD version gets about 1 mpg less across the board.

Like the HR-V, the interior space is excellent. In fact, it is near the top of the class, as it has 24.4 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with all seats folded down. Cabin space is also good, and two adults can comfortably fit in the back. The standard ADX UX features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Acura ADX comes in three trims, and there are only a few options available. After the base ADX, Acura offers the more performance-oriented A-Spec, and the A-Spec with Advance Package. They mostly offer upgrades like wheels, tires, interior components, and gizmos – but there are a few exterior bits of garnish as well. Prices start at $35,000, and the fully loaded ADX A-Spec with Advance Package runs about $46,000 loaded with popular options.

Driving the Acura ADX A-Spec with Advance Package

The only model I drove was the A-Spec with Advance Package, and it was a joy to play with. It has an aluminum subframe, a MacPherson strut front suspension, and a multilink rear suspension. This setup gives the ADX a balanced, lightweight feel on all but the most challenging roads. Once you go crazy, it holds right up until the limit, and you have plenty of warning if it’s about to lose traction. Thanks to its uncommonly comfortable front seats, the ride quality feels downright luxurious. Steering is tight, but can be on the light side for some.

All in all, it makes you forget that you have a CVT-unless you’re in stop-and-go traffic. There, it can feel a bit sluggish. Although I’m not a big fan of CVTs for performance, this setup works well, and the little turbo spools up quickly to mitigate some of the lag. To be honest, my biggest gripe is the lack of satellite radio – but it has all of the other amenities, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. My top-of-the-line model also had the 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, which sounded amazing.

What is the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale 2.0 Turbo?

This platform was initially built for the Tonale, but it soon played double duty as the underpinnings for the Dodge Hornet as well. I think there were a few engineers and marketing folks in Italy who were less than pleased about this. Still, the platform is impressive, allowing a PHEV setup, or, like the vehicle in this comparison, a turbocharged 268-horsepower, four-cylinder. It produces 295 lb-ft of torque and moves with alacrity. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, all Tonale models come standard with the “Q4” AWD system. That 2.0-liter turbo is rated at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Space is decent, but not quite as good as the ADX. There’s 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row and 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The interior design is classy, yet simple. There’s a 12.3-inch TFT display for the driver, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with the Uconnect 5 UX. Back seat space is on the tighter side, requiring some compromise with the driver and front passenger to free up space for taller passengers.

Trims include the Sprint, Ti, Veloce and, Tributo Italiano. The 2.0-liter turbo Tonale starts at a base MSRP of $36,535 and ranges up to $45,230. The PHEV version is much more expensive and is not featured in this comparison, but it can cost over $57,000 when properly equipped.

Driving the Alfa Romeo Tonale 2.0 Turbo

I find driving the turbo to be a much more lively and involving experience than the more powerful PHEV model. It has a tight suspension, which may be a bit too tight for some, but it helps keep all four wheels planted. Underneath is a sophisticated active suspension setup with MacPherson struts up front and a “three-arm geometry” rear setup. This, along with a hefty steering feel, imparts a feeling of sportiness all the time. Yup, even in slow traffic, the Tonale Turbo wants to run around like a terrier after a ball.

The feeling gives many the impression of something far sportier than many competitors. That’s a pro and a con. I love a lively car, but that tight suspension feel and sporty steering might bother some doing the daily grind. It is a lot more fun than your average people mover, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Final thoughts

Since I live in Los Angeles and value marital tranquility, I think the Acura ADX would be a far more logical choice for me. It’s nowhere near as fast as the Alfa Romeo, but it’s quick. It can’t keep up with the Alfa on the track or switchback roads, but it’s s/till competent and fun to drive. Also, there’s something to be said about possible reliability issues and resale values, too. Yes, I think the all-new Acura ADX would be the smarter choice.