Tonale vs X1
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Tonale and the X1 show how Alfa Romeo and BMW each approach the subcompact luxury suv class. Where they differ, they differ gently, which makes the few meaningful gaps worth a closer look.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tonale wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance9.5
- Engine & Performance7.5
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 27 hp more power
It’s a small lead (268 hp versus 241 hp), but it’s real, and it goes to the Tonale. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Tonale | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Tonale leads
The X1 comes close on engine & performance, but the Tonale does just enough to lead. The Tonale scores with 27 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Weighing only engine & performance, the Tonale comes out ahead.
Total system output
Tonale: 268 hp X1: 241 hp The Tonale’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on space & practicality. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Tonale | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 241 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD (xDrive) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Tonale | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 33 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Tonale | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 25.7 cu ft Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 57.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Tonale | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Tonale | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Tonale | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.8 in | 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 Tonale if…
- you want more power (268 hp vs 241 hp)
- you already know your way around Alfa Romeo’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Tonale or the X1?
On the specs compared here, the Tonale makes more sense for most buyers; the X1 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Tonale versus the X1 is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Alfa Romeo and BMW made different bets. The Tonale earns my vote first and foremost with 27 hp more power.
In my head, the Tonale is the engine & performance pick and the X1 is the the things a spec sheet can’t capture pick.
My pick: the Tonale.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.