Denza B8 vs Alfa Romeo Tonale
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 Denza B8 starts from $91,000 before on-road costs, while the Alfa Romeo Tonale opens at $56,900. That makes the Alfa Romeo Tonale the more affordable entry point by $34,100.
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 $100,100 and $62,590 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Alfa Romeo Tonale by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Denza B8 and Alfa Romeo Tonale hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Denza B8 and 84% for the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Alfa Romeo Tonale packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Denza B8.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Denza B8 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Alfa Romeo Tonale. The Alfa Romeo Tonale counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Denza B8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 425kW, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale responds with a Petrol MHEV making 118kW and 240Nm, paired to a dct driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds.
The Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 118kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Denza B8 measures 5,195mm long, 667mm longer than the Alfa Romeo Tonale at 4,528mm (2,636mm wheelbase).
For towing, the Denza B8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,250kg. That 2,250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Denza B8 and $1,881/year for the Alfa Romeo Tonale. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Denza B8) vs $1,881 (Alfa Romeo Tonale). The Alfa Romeo Tonale saves you roughly $257 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B8) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Alfa Romeo Tonale). The Denza B8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza B8 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Denza's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Alfa Romeo Tonale if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Denza B8 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Alfa Romeo Tonale will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. The Denza B8 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. 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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