Alfa Romeo has begun taking pre-orders for its Tonale SUV in the U.S. where prices start at US$ 44,995. That money buys a basic Ti-spec car, but buyers have the option of upgrading to the the plusher Veloce version for an additional US$ 2,500. That means the cheapest Tonale costs a massive US$ 14,405 more than the entry-level version of its Dodge Hornet twin. But while both the US$ 30,590 Hornet GT and US$ 35,490 GT Plus are powered by a conventional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that sends 265 hp to all four wheels, all North American Tonales get an entirely different plug-in hybrid drivetrain not offered on the Dodge.

The PHEV Tonale’s front wheels are driven by a 1.3-liter gasoline engine and the rears by an electric motor, with the two power sources delivering a combined 285 hp and 475 Nm of torque. That’s enough for a 6-second zero to 97 km/h time and an estimated 50 km of electric-only driving. Both versions of the Tonale are well equipped and offer a hands-free tailgate, adaptive LED Tribolo headlamps, a 12.3-in digital gauge cluster, 18-inch wheels, heated seats and wheel, wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, and a 10.25-in touchscreen featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Options on the base Ti include 19- and 20-inch wheels (US$ 1,500 and US$ 2,000), a US$ 1,500 High-Performance Driving Package that includes paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, and red Brembo brake calipers, and a US$ 2,500 Premium Interior and Sound Package that brings ventilated leather seats and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Stump up the additional US$ 2,500 for the Veloce and the standard kit list grows to include 19-inch wheels, Alcantara upholstery, aluminum shift paddles, adaptive dampers, a dark grille treatment, and chrome exhaust tips. Once customers have placed their order on the reservations page a dealer will contact them to finalize the build details. Alfa says U.S. cars will begin production in March 2023 with the first deliveries happening in May.