Tonale vs UX 300h
This is a classic rivalry: the Tonale against the UX 300h, Alfa Romeo against Lexus, both in subcompact luxury suv territory. 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
Key Differences
-
The Tonale has 72 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 268 hp to the UX 300h’s 196 hp, the Tonale has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Both come in at nearly the same overall dimensions, so pick on other grounds.
Dimensions
| Spec | Tonale | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.3 in | 177 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 60.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.8 in | 103.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Tonale leads
This section belongs to the Tonale. In engine & performance, it leads the UX 300h by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Tonale stands out with 72 hp more power. The Tonale’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Tonale.
Total system output
Tonale: 268 hp UX 300h: 196 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the Tonale and the UX 300h land in almost the same place. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the Tonale and the UX 300h barely differ. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Tonale | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 196 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Tonale | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 43 mpg Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 45 mpg Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 41 mpg Best highway economy |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 10.6 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Tonale | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 17.2 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Tonale | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Tonale | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| 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 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.3 in | 177 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 60.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.8 in | 103.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Tonale | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $37,455 |
“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 196 hp)
- you trust Alfa Romeo and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Tonale or the UX 300h?
On the specs compared here, the Tonale makes more sense for most buyers; the UX 300h doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Tonale or the UX 300h?
The Tonale and the UX 300h are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Executive Summary
Alfa Romeo or Lexus? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Tonale versus the UX 300h. The Tonale wins me over with 72 hp more power.
If engine & performance is your thing, the Tonale fits. If the things a spec sheet can’t capture matters more, the UX 300h makes more sense.
My pick: the Tonale.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.