2021 Alfa Romeo Tonale vs 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Comparison.

The all-new 2021 Alfa Romeo Tonale looks to inject some Italian blood into the fray of subcompact luxury crossovers. With curvy bodywork that's accentuated by Alfa's sharp-nosed face, the Tonale is as handsome as they come. In addition, it should offer a plug-in-hybrid powertrain with a short electric-driving range. Although that and many other facets about the small SUV are still unknown, the company has promised that it will continue Alfa's tradition of driving enjoyment. Throw in a high seating height and an all-wheel-drive option that consumers crave—as well as the potential for a high-powered Quadrifoglio model—and the 2021 Tonale is set to be a compelling new entry.

What's New for 2021?

The all-new Tonale debuted in concept form at the 2019 Geneva auto show, and more recently we've seen leaked images of it in production form. While we await official details on the version that will hit U.S. showrooms, we know that it will slot underneath the Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV and compete with subcompact alternatives such as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40.

There are several other hot-rodded compact crossovers, but none is as ravishing as the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Thankfully, the Italian stunner is as fun to drive as its curvy body is to look at, which earned it an Editors' Choice award. Alfa Romeo supplies the zestiest Stelvio (the rest of the lineup is reviewed separately) with a 505-hp twin-turbo V-6 that slings from a stop and sings at WOT (read: wide-open throttle). It is worth mentioning that Alfa is known for its reliability issues. Still, the enthralling six-pot sends power to all wheels via a prudent eight-speed automatic that can be shifted with prominent column-mounted paddles. Encounter a snaking mountain pass—like the one the Stelvio is named after—and the Quadrifoglio (QF for short) will showcase its surprising athleticism and immersive controls. Sure, the 2021 Stelvio QF's interior volume is smaller and its price higher than luxury rivals, but its attractiveness and exclusiveness are more apparent.

What's New for 2021?

The Stelvio QF enters the 2021 model year with fresh exterior colors and a new wheel-size option. The former includes four hues: Ocra GT Junior, Rosso GTA, Rosso Villa d'Este, and Verde Montreal. The latter is a newly optional set of 21-inch aluminum rims with Alfa's five-hole design that can be had in dark or silver finish.