2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$36,495 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and the 2026 Subaru Outback really comes down to whether you prioritize Italian flair or pure practicality. If saving money at the pump and maximizing space is key, the Outback starts strong with a lower MSRP of $34,995 versus the Tonale’s $36,495, and it runs happily on regular unleaded fuel. The Tonale mandates premium gasoline, which will hit your wallet harder, although its 24 MPG combined is respectable for a premium crossover. Where the Outback truly dominates is space; it offers a massive 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Tonale’s meager 22.9 cu ft. However, the Tonale, despite being significantly shorter at 178.3 inches, likely aims for a sportier feel, while the Outback offers more utility thanks to its larger dimensions (191.7 inches long). Power figures aren't explicitly listed for both, but the Outback starts at 180 hp.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Alfa Romeo Tonale if...

You crave the distinct styling and badge prestige of the Alfa Romeo brand.
You prefer the driving engagement potentially offered by a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You want a slightly more compact vehicle, measuring only 178.3 inches in length.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You regularly carry large items and need the 34.6 cu ft of available cargo space.
You want to avoid the cost premium associated with running on required premium unleaded fuel.
You prioritize overall fuel efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Alfa Romeo Tonale	Subaru Outback
Length	178.3"	191.7"
Width	72.4"	74.0"
Height	63.2"	67.5"
Wheelbase	103.8"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 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	—	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	—	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Drive Train

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	283.5/391.5 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
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	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	12.1 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	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.8 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	55.5 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	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	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
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.5 in.	55.1 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	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Subaru
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How much longer is the Subaru Outback compared to the Alfa Romeo Tonale?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is noticeably longer, measuring 191.7 inches in total length. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale comes in much shorter at 178.3 inches, making the Outback over 13 inches longer.

Is the fuel cost significantly different between these two crossovers?

Yes, the Tonale requires premium unleaded fuel, which is more expensive than the regular unleaded the Outback uses. This difference, combined with the Outback’s slightly better MPG (27 vs 24 combined), suggests higher running costs for the Alfa Romeo.

What is the main difference in available storage space?

Storage heavily favors the Subaru; the 2026 Outback provides 34.6 cu ft of cargo space. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale offers substantially less, measuring only 22.9 cu ft behind the rear seats.

How does the starting price compare for these two AWD crossovers?

The 2026 Subaru Outback has a lower base MSRP at $34,995. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale starts slightly higher at $36,495.

Can I expect a major power advantage in the Tonale over the Outback?

Based solely on the provided data, we know the 2026 Subaru Outback starts with 180 hp, but the horsepower figure for the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale is not listed, making a direct power comparison impossible.