BMW X2 vs Alfa Romeo Tonale
What's the difference?

BMW X2

$59,885 - $79,999

2024 price

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Alfa Romeo Tonale

$64,990 - $79,000

2026 price

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Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2024 BMW X2

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

By Tim Nicholson

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Broad range of EV or petrol options
Attention-grabbing design
Excellent powertrains

Sculpted looks
Improved spec
Driver-centric interior

Dislikes

Pricier than some rivals
Some options should be standard
Overly thick steering wheel

Fun but not thrilling
Not the most practical SUV
Pricey servicing, bleak residuals

2024 BMW X2 Summary

BMW’s original X2 crossover from 2018 was not a massive sales success in Australia. The related X1, however, was and continues to be a very popular pick in the ultra competitive premium small SUV class.

BMW has flipped the script for the second-generation X2, giving it a dramatic makeover that ushers in a bold design that’s now in keeping with its SUV strategy. That is to offer a ‘conventional’ SUV - X1, X3 and X5 - and then a coupe-style sibling - the X2, X4 and X6 - to sit alongside it.

Beyond the new look there are significant changes throughout the car, including the introduction of an all electric version - the iX2.

We drove the two flagship grades at the international launch in Lisbon, Portugal - the petrol-powered M35i xDrive, and the iX2 xDrive30. They might look the same, but they maintain their own distinct characters. Let’s dive in…

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2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Summary

Alfa Romeo’s Tonale has been a success for the company globally, but you wouldn’t know it in Australia.

Alfa, along with brands like Fiat, Peugeot, Renault and even Skoda are scrabbling for traction in our oversaturated market, absolutely heaving with mainstream mid-size SUVs and cheap competition.

Euro alternatives are on the back foot and the Tonale looks like it’s on the precipice of extinction, registering just 50 units in the sales data this year.

That hasn’t stopped Alfa from introducing this new updated model with a raft of improvements it says will help boost its chances.

Is it worth a second look? Let’s find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 BMW X2 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Verdict

There is little doubt the new X2 represents a vast improvement over the original model. The design alone gives it a lot more presence.

More interior and boot space also helps widen the SUV’s appeal and the significant tech updates are welcome.

It is on the pricey side and there are a few too many options that should be standard.

However, the M35i is hard to ignore as a sporty premium crossover, and the iX2 xDrive30 is the sort of electric SUV that should worry Volvo.

They both have their own distinct flavours, so there’s no dud in this line-up. Of course, we will hold final thoughts for the local launch when we can drive all four grades. But until then, it’s a welcome return to form for the X2.

Verdict

Stuck between efficiency and performance, the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Ibrida can’t really decide what kind of car it wants to be.

Fun, but not fun enough. Efficient, but not truly frugal. Pragmatically sized, but not super practical. Improved on inclusions, but not on price point.

The one area this car truly excels at is looking really good no matter what it’s doing. I’m not sure that’s enough to increase its appeal in what has become the most competitive new car market in the world.

BMW X2 vs Alfa Romeo Tonale What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X2 vs Alfa Romeo Tonale
What's the difference?