ADX vs Tonale
Two brands, one target. The ADX from Acura and the Tonale from Alfa Romeo compete head to head for subcompact luxury suv shoppers. Surprisingly little separates them. A handful of specs move the needle; the rest are rounding errors.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tonale wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.1
- Engine & Performance9.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Tonale has 78 hp more power
At 268 hp versus 190 hp, this is a decisive lead for the Tonale, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Tonale has 116 lb-ft more torque
If torque is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Tonale leads clearly with 295 lb-ft to the ADX’s 179 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
The ADX simply takes up more room than the Tonale, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space.
Dimensions
| Spec | ADX | Tonale |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 178.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 63.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | 103.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Tonale leads
No contest in engine & performance: the Tonale is the stronger of the two. The Tonale comes with 78 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Net result: the Tonale leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
ADX: 190 hp Tonale: 268 hp The Tonale’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
ADX: 179 lb-ft Tonale: 295 lb-ft The Tonale’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the ADX and the Tonale land in almost the same place. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
If off-road & towing matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the ADX and the Tonale list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | ADX | Tonale |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 190 hp | 268 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft Least torque in class | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | ADX | Tonale |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | ADX | Tonale |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 55.1 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | ADX | Tonale |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | ADX | Tonale |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | ADX | Tonale |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 178.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 63.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | 103.8 in |
Price
| Spec | ADX | Tonale |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,000 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the ADX if…
- you find that bigger suits the way you use a car
- you already know your way around Acura’s products
Choose the Tonale if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (268 hp vs 190 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft of torque)
- you want the more compact car
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the ADX or the Tonale?
On the specs compared here, the Tonale makes more sense for most buyers; the ADX doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the ADX bigger than the Tonale?
Going by the official dimensions, the ADX is the bigger of the two at 185.8 × 72.5 × 63.8 in. The Tonale measures 178.3 in.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Acura’s ADX against Alfa Romeo’s Tonale. It’s hard to argue with 78 hp more power, which is exactly what the Tonale brings.
For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the ADX fits better. For engine & performance, the Tonale is the better match.
My pick: the Tonale.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.