Alfa Romeo Tonale vs smart #3
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Alfa Romeo Tonale starts from $56,900 before on-road costs, while the smart #3 opens at $57,900. That makes the Alfa Romeo Tonale the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $63,690 respectively.
The smart #3 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 smart #3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Alfa Romeo Tonale and 90% for the smart #3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
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 smart #3.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Alfa Romeo Tonale features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the smart #3 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #3 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and Beats audio that the Alfa Romeo Tonale does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Alfa Romeo Tonale gets cloth upholstery while the smart #3 offers leather.
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 smart #3 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 118kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 3.0s 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, 128mm longer than the smart #3 at 4,400mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the Alfa Romeo Tonale and 370L in the smart #3, giving the Alfa Romeo Tonale a 130L advantage.
For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,250kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.5m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 / 150,000km (smart #3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Alfa Romeo Tonale if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #3 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #3 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Alfa Romeo Tonale has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Alfa Romeo Tonale and smart #3?
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is the cheapest at $56,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #3 by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Alfa Romeo Tonale uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Alfa Romeo Tonale and smart #3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Alfa Romeo Tonale has the largest boot at 500L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #3 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #3 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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