Virtually every automaker is manufacturing crossovers to offer SUV fans something more affordable and compact for everyday use. Alfa Romeo hasn’t fallen behind. In addition to the Stelvio, the Italian car brand has now created the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale, a model available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that signifies Alfa Romeo’s metamorphosis into the EV space while staying true to its Italian sportsmanship DNA. 

Even as the automotive world waits patiently for the Tonale’s market debut, the preproduction information on the car indicates that the car faces stiff competition from other luxury models, such as the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. However, a comparison between the two PHEV models shows that Cayenne E-Hybrid beats the Tonale hands down in performance, power, driving range, and tech features. 

What can you expect from the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV?

Wards Auto highlighted that the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale has two powertrain options. One is the PHEV Q4 AWD with a turbocharged 180-hp 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that feeds power to the front wheels and a 90-kW, 120-hp motor that serves the rear wheels. Together, they crank out 272 horsepower and reportedly up to 2,054 lb-ft of torque. The other powertrain is a Q4 AWD build with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine rated at 256 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. 

With the Tonale’s PHEV powertrain, you get enough propulsion power that takes the compact SUV from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds and enough battery capacity to cover an electric driving range of 30 miles. Stellantis reports that you can switch the electrified driving dynamics through three mode options: Dual power (PHEV)/Dynamic, Natural (automatic power management), and Advanced Efficiency (pure electric operation).

According to AutoWeek, Alfa Romeo and Fiat properties (formerly FCA) joined with French PSA to form Stellantis, which manufactures the SUV. Inside the car, you’ll find a Stellantis’ Uconnect 5 infotainment unit with multi-profile music and vehicle operation functionality. The unit is also compatible with Alexa and the Alfa Connect mobile app to let you perform tasks, such as engine ignition and unlocking the doors remotely. 

The 2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid: EV Performance and Features

Although it sits far from the range-topping Turbo GT, which boasts virtually double the base model’s horsepower, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid’s plug-in hybrid powertrain features a 14.3 kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 134 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Combined, the E-Hybrid has a total baseline output of 455 hp and 516 lb-ft.

When moving exclusively on the electric drive mode, the sporty SUV creeps up to 17 miles of all-electric range, but when the hybrid mode is deployed, the SUV can cover a driving mile range of 430 miles. Porsche ensured the Cayenne E-Hybrid earned its place in the acceleration-power scale. The PHEV compact SUV can zoom from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, reaching a maximum track speed of 157 mph. 

As noted on Autoguide, the Cayenne comes with four hybrid drive modes that let you choose the electrons based on the battery power: Hybrid Auto, E-Power (prioritizes battery power), E-charge, and E-Hold (keeping steady at a specific charge level). Priced at $83,300, you’ll find a 12.3-inch infotainment unit, PCM 6.0 OS, wireless charger, two USB-C ports, and much more. 

The 2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid boasts superiority to the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Autoblog points out that the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale shares the same mechanical underpinnings as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Compass – a unibody and similar wheelbase length. However, the 2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid has proven that it has everything in its arsenal to beat the Tonale hands down in virtually all aspects. 

From the above-mentioned performance numbers, it’s pretty evident that the Cayenne has a more robust PHEV powertrain, delivering 199 more combined horsepower. It also boasts a higher acceleration power that gets it from 0-60 mph 1.3 seconds earlier. As for inside, Cayenne E-hybrid vaunts a more comfortable and luxurious cabin with adult-friendly rear-seat accommodations and ample headroom. 

The only aspect that the Tonale wins over the Cayenne is the electric driving range. The former can cover 30 miles when running on its battery power, 13 miles more than the Cayenne E-Hybrid. The Tonale may probably be a better deal in terms of price, but we can’t confirm that yet as Alfa Romeo has yet to announce its MSRP for the car.