Alfa Romeo Tonale vs Volvo EX40
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 Volvo EX40 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 Volvo EX40 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 Volvo EX40 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 Volvo EX40.
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 Volvo EX40.
Feature Showdown
The Alfa Romeo Tonale features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Alfa Romeo Tonale gets leather/leatherette upholstery while the Volvo EX40 offers textile/leather blend.
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 Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 118kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX40 is 1.5s 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, 88mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX40 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the Alfa Romeo Tonale and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 36L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo EX40 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,250kg. That 550kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 (Volvo EX40). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Alfa Romeo Tonale if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX40 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volvo EX40 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 Volvo EX40?
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is the cheapest at $56,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX40 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 Volvo EX40 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX40 makes the most power at 185kW. The Volvo EX40 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
