Lexus NX 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 Lexus NX starts from $59,900 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 $3,000.
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 $65,890 and $62,590 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Lexus NX and Alfa Romeo Tonale hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX 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 NX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 6 in the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus NX features a 14-inch touchscreen, while the Alfa Romeo Tonale gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus NX stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus NX uses a Petrol producing 152kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 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 NX has the clear power advantage at 152kW vs 118kW. In the real-world sprint, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 132mm longer than the Alfa Romeo Tonale at 4,528mm (2,636mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus NX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 500L in the Alfa Romeo Tonale, giving the Lexus NX a 20L advantage.
For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,250kg. That 400kg 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 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 $1,739/year for the Lexus NX and $1,881/year for the Alfa Romeo Tonale. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Lexus NX) vs $1,881 (Alfa Romeo Tonale). The Lexus NX saves you roughly $142 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Alfa Romeo Tonale). The Alfa Romeo Tonale has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus NX if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Alfa Romeo Tonale if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus NX takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus NX will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. The Alfa Romeo Tonale adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus NX and Alfa Romeo Tonale?
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is the cheapest at $56,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus NX by $3,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus NX uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus NX and Alfa Romeo Tonale all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus NX has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus NX has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Alfa Romeo Tonale has the longest warranty at 5 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus NX makes the most power at 152kW. The Alfa Romeo Tonale is quickest to 100km/h in 8.8s.
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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