Alfa Romeo Tonale vs Renault Scenic E-Tech
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Alfa Romeo Tonale starts from $56,900 before on-road costs, while the Renault Scenic E-Tech opens at $55,990. That makes the Renault Scenic E-Tech the more affordable entry point by $910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $62,590 and $61,589 respectively.
The Renault Scenic E-Tech qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Alfa Romeo Tonale, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Renault Scenic E-Tech hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Alfa Romeo Tonale and 88% for the Renault Scenic E-Tech.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Alfa Romeo Tonale and 7 in the Renault Scenic E-Tech. The Renault Scenic E-Tech adds a 360-degree camera that the Alfa Romeo Tonale misses.
Feature Showdown
The Alfa Romeo Tonale features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Renault Scenic E-Tech gets a 12-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Renault Scenic E-Tech. The Renault Scenic E-Tech counters with wireless charging and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Alfa Romeo Tonale uses a Petrol MHEV producing 118kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a dct to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds.
The Renault Scenic E-Tech responds with a Electric making 125kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.
The Renault Scenic E-Tech has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 118kW. In the real-world sprint, the Renault Scenic E-Tech is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Alfa Romeo Tonale measures 4,528mm long on a 2,636mm wheelbase, 58mm longer than the Renault Scenic E-Tech at 4,470mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Scenic E-Tech generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the Alfa Romeo Tonale and 545L in the Renault Scenic E-Tech, giving the Renault Scenic E-Tech a 45L advantage.
For towing, the Alfa Romeo Tonale leads with a 1,250kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (Alfa Romeo Tonale) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Scenic E-Tech). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Alfa Romeo Tonale if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Scenic E-Tech if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Scenic E-Tech takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Renault Scenic E-Tech has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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