The Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4, the first electrified model from the Italian brand, has been named the 2024 Green SUV of the Year by Green Car Journal, a leading authority on green vehicles and environmental issues. The award recognizes Tonale’s outstanding combination of performance, efficiency, style, and innovation and its contribution to reducing emissions and petroleum use.
What is the Green SUV of the Year Award?
The Green SUV of the Year Award is among the prestigious honors bestowed by Green Car Journal, which also awards the Green Car of the Year, the Luxury Green Car of the Year, the Family Green Car of the Year, and the Green Performance Car of the Year. The awards are presented annually at major auto shows or industry events and are selected by a jury of experts and celebrities, including Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Matt Petersen, and Clay Nesler.
The Green SUV of the Year Award was introduced in 2016, reflecting SUVs' growing popularity and importance in the market. The award criteria include environmental performance, driving experience, market significance, and value. The finalists for the 2024 award were the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Honda CR-V, the Kia EV6, the Subaru Solterra, and the Fisker Ocean.
Why did the Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 win the award?
The Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 won the award for its impressive features and capabilities, which make it a compelling choice for SUV buyers who want to enjoy the benefits of electrification without compromising on driving pleasure, design, and functionality.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and two electric motors, one on each axle, delivering a combined output of 271 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The system allows the Tonale to operate in four modes: Electric, Hybrid, Dynamic, and E-Mozione. In Electric mode, the Tonale can travel up to 43 miles on battery power alone, with zero emissions and zero fuel consumption. In Hybrid mode, the Tonale optimizes the efficiency and performance of the powertrain, achieving an estimated 80 mpg equivalent and a CO2 rating of 26 grams per kilometer. The Tonale unleashes its full potential in Dynamic mode, offering a sporty, responsive driving experience. In E-Mozione mode, the Tonale enhances the driver’s involvement and enjoyment with sharper throttle response, tighter steering, and more aggressive sound.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 also features a state-of-the-art 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a range of advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tonale also offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, with carbon cloth or leather heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and a power-operated rear liftgate. The cargo capacity is 385 liters, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 also stands out for its distinctive and elegant design, which blends the heritage and DNA of Alfa Romeo with the modern and futuristic elements of electrification. The Tonale’s exterior features the iconic Alfa Romeo grille, the signature three-lobed headlights, the muscular and sculpted body, and the dynamic and aerodynamic profile. The Tonale’s interior features the Giulia-derived steering wheel, aluminum paddle shifters, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and high-quality materials and finishes.
