Alfa Romeo Tonale

Importing a used Alfa Romeo Tonale from the USA

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is the brand's compact premium SUV, and in North America it is sold exclusively as a plug-in hybrid — a specific configuration that makes US examples distinct from the wider European range. Because the Tonale is new, the American used market consists of low-mileage, recent cars, which appeals to buyers who want an almost-new SUV in a particular colour and specification. As an independent broker, USCar Trader sources used Tonale examples in the States, verifies the history and origin, and manages ocean freight and German customs clearance. Here is what the model offers and how the import works.

Generations at a glance

The Tonale went on sale in Europe in 2022 and reached the United States for the 2024 model year. It sits on a Stellantis compact platform shared with vehicles such as the Jeep Compass, and it marked Alfa Romeo's first electrified model. There is only one generation so far, so importing a used Tonale from the USA means a recent, first-generation car. A key point for buyers: while Europe offered mild-hybrid petrol and diesel options, the US market received only the plug-in hybrid, so American cars have a consistent powertrain.

Powertrain lineup

US Tonale examples use the plug-in hybrid Q4 system: a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder driving the front axle combined with an electric motor on the rear axle, giving through-the-road all-wheel drive. Combined output is around 285 hp, and the vehicle offers a meaningful electric-only range for short commutes before the petrol engine engages. The petrol engine works through a six-speed automatic, while the rear electric motor provides instant torque and the electric driving mode. This layout means you can run local trips on battery power and rely on the hybrid system for longer journeys.

Trims in the US market

The Tonale is a five-door compact crossover SUV. US trims were led by Sprint, Ti and the sportier Veloce, with the usual Alfa options such as adaptive dual-stage suspension on higher trims, larger alloy wheels, a leather interior, a premium sound system and advanced driver-assistance features. American cars tend to be well equipped, and because the range is narrow, specification differences between examples are relatively easy to compare.

The used market stateside

Availability is limited by the model's youth — most used cars are 2024 and later, with low mileage and often remaining factory warranty in the US. That makes condition assessment more about specification, options and history than about wear. Because these are recent cars, a clean accident record and confirmation of the hybrid system's health matter most. As always, no European retail prices appear here; we quote origin-correct duty and the separate import VAT before you commit.

Who should import one

The Tonale suits a buyer who wants a distinctive, style-led compact plug-in hybrid SUV and is drawn to a nearly-new American example, perhaps in a specification not easily found locally. It is a car chosen as much for its design and badge as for its practicality. If you are comparing it with the larger Stelvio or the Giulia saloon, importing a used Tonale from the USA gives you access to the plug-in hybrid version specifically.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The Tonale is too new for a long-term reliability record, so honesty is the right approach: there is limited high-mileage data, and buyers should treat it as an early-production, technology-heavy vehicle. The plug-in hybrid system is the area to focus on — confirm the battery charges and holds charge, that electric-only mode engages, and that no hybrid or charging fault lights are present. As with many recent, software-rich cars, infotainment and driver-assistance updates are worth checking, and any manufacturer service campaigns should have been carried out. Because it shares components with other Stellantis models, parts and diagnostics are broadly accessible. When assessing Tonale reliability, prioritise a documented service record and a healthy high-voltage system over anything else.

What US models do differently

US Tonale cars have amber turn signals, DOT headlights, no rear fog lamp and mph-first instruments — all items the TÜV will want corrected or documented. The infotainment and connected services are provisioned for the US market and typically need reconfiguration for European use. The most significant difference is the powertrain: US cars are plug-in hybrids only, whereas European Tonales also came as mild hybrids and diesels, so an imported American car will always be the PHEV. Charging hardware follows US conventions and should be checked for compatibility with European AC charging.

Seven steps to your import

Selection from US inventory comes first, then a VIN and origin check to confirm the Italian build. A secure escrow payment protects your funds until agreed terms are met. The car travels by ocean freight to a German port, clears customs on arrival, and then goes through a TÜV inspection and individual approval (Einzelabnahme) with any required modifications before German registration. We coordinate and track each step, and note that plug-in hybrids require the high-voltage system to be documented during approval.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.

Origin sets the duty. The Tonale is built in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy, so it is not a US-origin vehicle. That means the 0% preferential EU import duty under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 — reserved for demonstrably US-built cars on direct transport — will generally not apply, and the duty rate follows the car's actual origin instead. Separately and always, German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) of 19% is charged on the customs value. We present duty and the 19% import VAT as separate line items with no hidden margin, so each cost is transparent before you decide.

German TÜV and registration

Typical work includes converting the headlights to ECE specification, fitting a rear fog lamp, documenting the speedometer and odometer, and confirming the high-voltage system and charging arrangements for European use. Once individual approval is granted, the car is registered at your local authority in the usual way.

The buyer checklist

Confirm the VIN on the car matches the title and paperwork. Order a Carfax or AutoCheck history for accident and title records. Verify the plug-in hybrid battery charges, holds charge and enters electric mode. Check that any manufacturer service campaigns or updates have been completed. Inspect for accident repair despite the car's youth. Confirm a clean, transferable title. Test all infotainment, driver aids and charging functions.

Questions and answers

Can I import a used Alfa Romeo Tonale from the USA to Germany?

Yes. It is a standard used-car import; we handle sourcing, freight, customs and TÜV approval, including the hybrid documentation.

Does the Tonale qualify for 0% import duty?

Usually not, because it is built in Italy. The 0% rate applies only to provably US-built cars; otherwise duty follows the actual origin.

Is the 19% import VAT always charged?

Yes. German import VAT of 19% applies to every import and is billed separately from any duty.

Is the US Tonale a plug-in hybrid?

Yes. North America received only the plug-in hybrid Q4, so imported American cars are always the PHEV version.

Is the Tonale reliable?

It is too new for a long-term record; buy on documented service history and a verified, healthy high-voltage system.

What changes are needed for TÜV?

Lighting conversion to ECE spec, a rear fog lamp, speedometer/odometer documentation, and confirmation of the charging system.

How long does the import take?

Typically several weeks, driven mainly by ocean freight scheduling and port clearance.

Discover the full range in the Alfa Romeo in the Carhub, compare it with the Stelvio SUV and the Giulia saloon, or browse current Alfa Romeo Tonale listings.