2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Deciding between sharp Italian flair and robust Japanese practicality often boils down to size and budget when cross-shopping compact SUVs. You are looking at the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale starting at $36,495 versus the significantly larger 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander priced from $40,860. That $4,365 upfront difference is substantial, especially since both manage a shared 24 combined MPG, though the Tonale specifies premium fuel while the Grand Highlander runs on regular unleaded. Handling dimensions show the Tonale is clearly the smaller option at 178.3 inches long, making city parking easier than the massive 201.4-inch Grand Highlander. Interestingly, the smaller Tonale offers slightly more contained cargo space at 22.9 cu ft compared to the Grand Highlander’s 20.6 cu ft, perhaps due to the Grand Highlander prioritizing passenger space for a larger rear row.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale
Its smaller footprint makes navigating tight urban environments easier while carrying a lower initial purchase price.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Its greater overall length and width strongly suggest superior passenger and general utility space necessary for carrying larger groups or significant gear.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Despite being larger, the Grand Highlander posts a higher horsepower figure of 265 hp and torque of 310 lb-ft compared to the Tonale’s unspecified output.
2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale
It saves the buyer $4,365 upfront, achieving the same 24 combined MPG while offering slightly more dedicated cargo space.
Choose the Alfa Romeo Tonale if...
- Your budget ceiling is firmly below $38,000 for a new crossover.
- You frequently deal with parallel parking on crowded city streets.
- You prioritize Italian styling flair over maximum passenger room.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You need the largest possible footprint for passengers and belongings.
- You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline over premium.
- You want the known power advantage, boasting 265 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Tonale | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.3" | 201.4" |
| Width | 72.4" | 78.3" |
| Height | 63.2" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Horsepower | — | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | — | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
Suspension
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Does the lower MSRP on the Tonale mean higher running costs?
Yes, potentially. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale requires premium unleaded fuel, which will increase your cost per gallon compared to the Grand Highlander which uses regular unleaded.
How much bigger is the Toyota Grand Highlander in practical terms?
The Grand Highlander is substantially larger, measuring 23.1 inches longer (201.4 inches vs. 178.3 inches) and 6 inches wider, which directly translates to more interior room.
Which vehicle offers more accessible cargo storage?
Surprisingly, the smaller 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale lists slightly more cargo volume at 22.9 cu ft compared to the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander’s 20.6 cu ft, suggesting the Toyota sacrifices rear utility for passenger seating.
Are the fuel economy numbers truly identical?
Based on the provided data, both crossovers share an identical 24 combined MPG rating. However, the Tonale achieves slightly better highway efficiency at 29 MPG versus the Grand Highlander’s 28 MPG highway rating.
Does the difference in horsepower matter if the MPG is the same?
If the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander has 265 hp as listed, it will feel significantly quicker and handle highway merging more confidently than the Tonale, whose power figures were not supplied.
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