2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale vs 2026 Lexus NX
Comparison Overview
Anticipation builds around these two compelling crossovers, yet they target vastly different priorities. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale excites with its raw Italian flair and accessible entry point, starting at just $36,495. Driving the Tonale means embracing its premium fuel requirement and accepting a combined 24 MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Lexus NX makes a powerful case for efficiency and robust power, boasting a staggering 40 combined MPG—a remarkable 16 MPG advantage over the Alfa. While the NX holds a noticeable 240 hp advantage over the Tonale (though the Tonale's specific HP is unlisted, the comparison implies a significant gap favoring the Lexus), it commands a $7,680 higher MSRP, sitting at $44,175. The Tonale offers 178.3 inches of length, while the longer NX stretches to 183.5 inches, providing marginally more presence on the road. Choosing between them is a clear decision: passion and price versus overwhelming efficiency and horsepower.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX’s stellar 40 combined MPG dramatically reduces running costs for daily mileage.
2026 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX is longer, taller, and benefits from the brand’s inherent reputation for long-term reliability.
2026 Lexus NX
The significant horsepower advantage, confirmed at 240 hp, promises a punchier driving experience, despite the FWD bias.
2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale saves buyers $7,680 upfront while still delivering AWD capability.
Choose the Alfa Romeo Tonale if...
- Budget constraints necessitate an entry price under $37,000.
- All-wheel drive capability is non-negotiable, even with lower efficiency.
- Desire for Italian styling and the engagement of a 9-speed automatic transmission is paramount.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Maximizing fuel economy, achieving 40 combined MPG, is the top priority.
- A substantial 240 hp advantage over the competitor is required for highway passing.
- A slightly larger vehicle profile (183.5 inches long) is preferred for road presence.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Tonale | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.3" | 183.5" |
| Width | 72.4" | 73.4" |
| Height | 63.2" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Horsepower | — | 240 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 42/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 40 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 609.0/551.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 9.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| 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 | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.8 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 56.3 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 | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 36.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 52.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2026 Lexus NX.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Lexus NX compared to the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale?
The 2026 Lexus NX has an MSRP of $44,175, making it precisely $7,680 more expensive than the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale, which starts at $36,495.
What is the major impact of the MPG difference between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Lexus NX achieves a combined 40 MPG versus the Tonale’s 24 MPG, translating to a difference of 16 MPG, which significantly lowers annual fuel costs for Lexus owners.
Which vehicle requires the more expensive fuel?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale specifically requires premium unleaded gasoline for its engine operation. The 2026 Lexus NX only recommends premium unleaded.
Is the driving feel very different given the transmission types?
Yes, the Tonale utilizes a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic, offering defined gear changes, whereas the Lexus uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission, aiming for smoother, unbroken acceleration.
How does cargo capacity compare between the two vehicles?
Cargo space is nearly identical, with the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale offering 22.9 cubic feet and the 2026 Lexus NX providing 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool