Lexus RX vs Alfa Romeo Tonale

The Lexus RX starts from $90,350 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 $33,450.

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 $99,385 and $62,590 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Lexus RX and Alfa Romeo Tonale hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Lexus RX 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 6 in the Lexus RX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus RX and 6 in the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

The Lexus RX features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Alfa Romeo Tonale gets a 10.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus RX stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound audio that you will not find on the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus RX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Alfa Romeo Tonale offers cloth. Climate control is 3-zone in the Lexus RX and 2-zone in the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 184kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

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 Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 118kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RX is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus RX measures 4,890mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 362mm longer than the Alfa Romeo Tonale at 4,528mm (2,636mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 612L in the Lexus RX and 500L in the Alfa Romeo Tonale, giving the Lexus RX a 112L advantage.

For towing, the Lexus RX leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,250kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Lexus RX and $1,596/year for the Alfa Romeo Tonale. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.

Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Lexus RX) vs $1,596 (Alfa Romeo Tonale). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Alfa Romeo Tonale). The Alfa Romeo Tonale has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX)—.