Volvo XC40 Vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale: Luxury SUVs Compared

Volvo XC40 Vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale: Luxury SUVs Compared

If you're on the hunt for your ideal small luxury SUV, our Volvo XC40 vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale comparison is here to help you decide between these two popular models. We'll look at their comfortable cabins, performance specs, interior and exterior dimensions, and more here to arm you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. When you're ready to get a vehicle with excellent safety features, appealing fuel economy, and incredible interior space, come by and talk to our Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek experts. We'll help you take home the Volvo XC40 trim you deserve.


Volvo XC40 vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale Performance and Safety

Volvo XC40 vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale Performance and Safety

Let's kick off our Volvo XC40 vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale review with a look at the performance specifications of each model. From this clash, we can only come to one conclusion: The Volvo XC40 is more appealing, giving you excellent power and better fuel efficiency for an enticing price.

Both have AWD as standard. The Alfa Romeo Tonale generates 268 horsepower, which is more than the 247 horsepower provided by the Volvo XC40. However, the Volvo XC40 delivers better MPGs, specifically an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 vs. the standard Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV's EPA-estimated 21/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2

Also, since the Alfa Romeo Tonale model has an available plug-in-hybrid variant, it's only fair to compare it to the Volvo EX40, as well – this all-electric variant of the Volvo XC40 soars past the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV with up to 402 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque. Since the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV model requires external charging (the Volvo XC40 mild hybrid does not), why not make the leap to complete freedom from the gas pump if you're looking to plug in?

On top of the gap in specs between the Volvo XC40 and Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Volvo XC40 gives you more luxury for an attractive price. Similarly, the Volvo XC40 is filled with innovative safety features and driver-assistance tech. Here are some of the standard outfittings for the Volvo XC40:

  • Blind Spot Information System (BLISâ„¢) and Cross Traffic Alert
  • Rear Collision Mitigation Support
  • Cruise Control
  • Lane Keeping Aid
  • Oncoming Lane Mitigation
  • Rear Park Assist
  • Rear Park Assist Camera
  • Rain Sensor
  • Road Sign Information System
  • Slippery Road Alert
  • Side Impact Protection
  • Whiplash Injury Protection

The Alfa Romeo Tonale comes standard with its own suite of driver-support features but lacks some of the advanced systems that the Volvo XC40 includes, such as Whiplash Injury Protection. It also falls short in terms of standard luxuries. For example, the Alfa Romeo Tonale has a six-speaker sound system and cloth seats in its base trim, while the Volvo XC40 has a standard eight-speaker high-performance sound system and Grey Melange Textile seats.

Volvo XC40 vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale Interior and Technology

Volvo XC40 vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale Interior and Technology

Compare Volvo XC40 vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale technology, and you'll be met with two models that boast elegant, modern cabins. Sliding into the driver's seat of either model will make you feel pampered, but which offers the technology more in line with your high-end tastes? Only you can answer that, but we can help you make the most informed choice.

Inside the new Volvo XC40, a tech-rich environment awaits. A 9-inch center touchscreen display works in tandem with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to give you intuitively displayed information as you travel. An available premium Harman Kardon® sound system gives you access to 13 speakers and an air-ventilated subwoofer, while standard built-in Google services allow you to use voice activation to set a destination and make reminders, among other commands.

The Alfa Romeo model offers many similar features, like available heated and ventilated seats, a premium Harman Kardon® sound system, leather seating, and driver seat memory. What the Alfa Romeo Tonale doesn't offer, but the Volvo model does, is Google built-in, which provides next-level connectivity and digital assistance.

Volvo XC40 vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale Dimensions and Cargo Space

Volvo XC40 vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale Dimensions and Cargo Space

Now that we've reviewed the thrilling performance and interior outfittings you'll get from each model, it's time to review dimensions and cargo space. Here, the same pattern emerges: the Volvo XC40 reigning supreme. The exterior frame of the Volvo XC40 is more inviting without giving up any of its agility. With a wider and taller frame, the Volvo XC40 manages to corner the market with a compact size capable of tackling tight city driving and spacious rural adventures.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale may be bigger with its 178.2-inch long frame, but it's a narrower vehicle than the Volvo XC40. The Volvo XC40 measures 174.8 inches in length but wins the war for dimensions with 75.2 inches of width and 65.2 inches of height. Meanwhile, the Alfa Romeo Tonale takes a hit to interior volume with its 72.4 inches of width and 63.2 inches of height.

Speaking of interior volume, here are the interior values you can expect from the Alfa Romeo Tonale:

  • Headroom (Front/Rear): 38.8 inches/38.2 inches
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 55.7 inches/54.8 inches
  • Hip Room (Front/Rear): 54.3 inches/53.5 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 41.7 inches/38 inches

Although the Alfa Romeo Tonale interior dimensions are appealing, the Volvo XC40 offers more room in three of the four categories:

  • Headroom (Front/Rear): 39 inches/39.1 inches
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 56.7 inches/56.3 inches
  • Hip Room (Front/Rear): 54.7 inches/54.6 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 40.9 inches/36.1 inches

As we can see from the above values, the Volvo XC40 is the champion between these two sleek and modern SUVs, and the point is only further made when looking at maximum interior cargo volume. The Volvo XC40 offers 57.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, whereas the Alfa Romeo Tonale only provides up to 50.5 cubic feet.

See The Winner at Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek

Compare Alfa Romeo Tonale vs. Volvo XC40 models, and you'll see the Volvo XC40 is the winner in several categories. Not only does it have more interior volume, but it also has a more efficient MPG rating and more manicured safety features. The electric Volvo EX40 model is a big win for the Volvo small-SUV family, too. If you're ready to start your next 36-month adventure of bliss, sign up for a Volvo XC40 lease with us today!

The Volvo XC40 is a sleek and agile SUV we adore from Volvo Cars, but if you're looking for something with a little more space, check out the new Volvo XC60. This model is larger than the Volvo XC40, raising the cargo space to 63.3 available cubic feet.


1EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/

2EPA-estimated 21 city/29 hwy/24 comb MPG with 2.0-liter turbo I-4 and nine-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.