Italian cars tend to come with good looks but aren’t always loved for their reliability, especially if you’re looking for a daily driver. Alfa Romeo is looking to prove critics wrong, however. The Italian automaker is prepared to release its first plug-in hybrid 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale. If you’re looking to purchase a new vehicle, this luxury-subcompact crossover may be worth waiting for.

Alfa Romeo has plenty of experience but isn’t in good graces with critics

Alfa Romeo was founded initially in Milan, Italy, in 1910. It quickly joined the racing world and focused its attention on designing stunningly fast and incredibly beautiful vehicles. 

In the 112 years since Alfa Romeo began production, it’s remained true to its core roots and continues to focus on style and speed. With this in mind, it should be no surprise that Alfa Romeo drivers are known to be the most likely to get slapped with a speeding ticket.

Despite its vast history, critics aren’t that enthusiastic about Alfa Romeo. In fact, not a single Alfa Romeo has been recommended by Consumer Reports recently. Factors like this don’t look good on the Italian automaker, but that might be about to change.

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale has features you’ll crave

Luxury-subcompact crossovers are so common now that there are plenty of choices. This leads to the question of why you should wait for the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale when you can go purchase a similar vehicle right now.

Car and Driver believe you should wait because the Tonale brings the gorgeous good looks that only an Italian automaker can offer. From the lush paint job to the lux leather and microsuede interior, Alfa Romeo went all out to make the Tonale shine.

And let’s not forget that this is Alfa Romeo’s first foray into the world of electric vehicles. The Tonale is not fully electric but does offer a plug-in hybrid version, which allows drivers to coast 30 miles gasoline-free. It comes equipped with a 1.3L four-cylinder engine, plus an electric engine, which combines to generate 272 hp.

There is also a fully gasoline-powered vehicle, powered by a 2.0L turbo-four engine which generates 295 lb-ft of torque and 256 hp. Add in the standard AWD, and it quickly becomes clear why the Tonale is worth the wait.

There are other features you’ll love

Alfa Romeo isn’t skimping on the safety features of the Tonale. Lane departure warning, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist come standard. There is also adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. For those who have gotten used to cameras, there is an available 360-degree camera system.

A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster makes keeping up with the dynamics of the Tonale simpler than ever. There is also a 10.3-inch touchscreen that uses Uconnect 5 and a customizable home screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger come standard.

The Tonale will come in three trims, which Car and Driver believe will be on the more affordable end for luxury vehicles. The first is the Sprint, the second the Ti, and the highest trim will be the Veloce. While we don’t know a specific price range, Car and Driver believe that the Tonale will cost between $38,000 to $48,000.

So when will the Alfa Romeo Tonale become available for purchase? Word has it that the Tonale will hit showroom floors in the first quarter of 2023, so if you’re eager to purchase one, you won’t have to wait long.