VS
At a Glance
Power
268hp
180hp @ 5800
Torque
295lb-ft
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
25 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Towing
—
1500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Alfa Romeo Tonale and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Alfa Romeo Tonale delivers 268hp while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Tonale returns 25 mpg est. while the Forester uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $37,495 for the Tonale and $37,695 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Alfa Romeo TonaleSprint AWD 2026 - From $37,495
Subaru ForesterLimited AWD 2026 - From $37,695
Performance
Power Output (hp)
268hp
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
295lb-ft
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.5gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
178.3in
183.3in
Width (in)
72.4in
72in
Height (in)
63.2in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
103.8in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4133lbs
3613lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tonale
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Tied
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Lower starting price ($37,495)
Higher fuel consumption (25 mpg est.)
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tonale or Forester?
The Tonale gets 25 mpg est. and the Forester gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tonale or Forester?
The Tonale produces 268hp and 295lb-ft of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Tonale is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tonale and Forester?
The Tonale starts from $37,495 and the Forester from $37,695, a difference of just $200, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tonale or Forester?
The Tonale has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tonale or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.