It’s long past the point for brands historically known for sports cars and sedans to tighten their belts when it comes to building SUVs. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to give these vehicles a brand personality. It will become even more difficult as electrification increases. But Alfa Romeo did pretty well with its first effort, the high-strength Stelvio. Tonale has appeared. The Tonale is smaller, cheaper and built on a shared platform with a partially electric powertrain. No wonder the Tonale’s persona seems a little thin compared to its more flavorful showroom sibling.
With its triple LED headlights, triangular center grille and telephone dial wheel design, the Tonale’s design details identify it as an Alfa Romeo, even if the practical compact crossover’s shape does not. I am. The Tonale’s 103.8-inch wheelbase and 178.3-inch length precisely match that of its platform mate, the Dodge Hornet, both of which are produced in Italy. Alfa has three trim levels. Entry-level Sprint ($44,590), intermediate-level Ti…