Alfa Romeo Tonale vs Subaru Solterra
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 Subaru Solterra opens at $76,990. That makes the Alfa Romeo Tonale the more affordable entry point by $20,090.
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 $84,689 respectively.
The Subaru Solterra 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 Subaru Solterra hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Alfa Romeo Tonale and 88% for the Subaru Solterra.
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 5 in the Subaru Solterra.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru Solterra. The Subaru Solterra counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, heated front seats and V2L. 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 Subaru Solterra responds with a Electric Motor making 252kW and 455Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Subaru Solterra has the clear power advantage at 252kW vs 118kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Solterra is 1.9s 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, 162mm shorter than the Subaru Solterra at 4,690mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Solterra generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the Alfa Romeo Tonale and 452L in the Subaru Solterra, giving the Alfa Romeo Tonale a 48L advantage.
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
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 (Subaru Solterra). 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 Subaru Solterra if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Solterra 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 Subaru Solterra?
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is the cheapest at $56,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Solterra by $20,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Alfa Romeo Tonale uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Alfa Romeo Tonale and Subaru Solterra 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 Alfa Romeo Tonale has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,250kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Solterra makes the most power at 252kW. The Subaru Solterra is quickest to 100km/h in 6.9s.
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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