2023 Dodge Hornet: Performance, Price, And Photos

It's been more than a decade since Dodge last introduced an all-new model. The wait is over as the American heavyweight finally breaks into the fiercely competitive crossover segment with its first plug-in hybrid model, the 2023 Dodge Hornet. The Hornet name itself goes back decades to the 50s, and Dodge even tried to revive it, when it showcased a concept compact SUV back in 2006. But due to a downturn in the economy, that project never saw the end light.

Now for 2023, the Hornet is back and is essentially the American sibling to the distinctly Italian Alfa Romeo Tonale, but obviously with a Dodge twist. Where the brand has primarily relied on good old V-8s for decades, this front-wheel drive-powered compact crossover marks a departure from that ethos. As per Dodge, when the 2023 Hornet comes to market, it’ll be the most powerful and fastest sub-$30,000 small SUV on sale.

Dodge Hornet

8.50 / 10

Key Features

Sub $30,000 Starting Price
RT Performance 30-Miles EV Range / Powershot Mode With Extra 25 HP
Track Pack Adds Performance Features / Dual Exhaust Tips
Koni Frequency Selective Dampers / Brembo Brakes
Electronic Limited Slip Differential / Torque Vectoring
13-Speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Audio System
GT Trim Offere's Best In Class Power To Weight Ratio

Specifications

Model: 2023 Dodge Hornet
Engine: 1.3 Hybrid /2.0-Liter Inline-4
Power Output: 265 - 285 HP
Torque: 295 - 383 LB-FT
Transmission: 9-Speed Auto / 6-Speed Auto
Driveline: All-Wheel Drive
MSRP: $30,000 - $40,000 (EST)

Pros

Potent Powertrains For The Money
Promises Sporty Handling With Standard AWD

Cons

Styling Not To Everyone's Taste
Small Cargo Area On Hybrid R/T model

2023 Dodge Hornet Performance And Capability

The Hornet features a transverse engine, and like the Alfa Romeo, Dodge is putting a heavy emphasis on speed, agility, and performance first.

The Hornet is available in two trims:

Hornet GT
Hornet R/T

Both the GT and R/T models of the Hornet feature standard all-wheel drive, with the former, using a conventional gasoline engine and the latter using a hybrid drivetrain to power the front and rear wheels.

Under the hood of the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT, you’ll find the Hurricane4, which is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces over 265 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GT employs a nine-speed automatic gearbox and gets to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. Switching to Sport mode optimizes the throttle response, gear changes, and steering weight.

The Dodge Hornet R/T, on the other hand, comes with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, and a 90-kilowatt electric motor mounted on the rear axle that draws power from a 15.5 kWh battery pack.

With the two powertrains working together, you get a combined power output of over 285 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque with 184 pound-feet coming from that rear electric motor alone. They work with a six-speed automatic transmission. A new PowerShot mode with an additional 25 extra horsepower is available for around 15 seconds and will come with the plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Dodge

Aside from that, the Hornet R/T also offers an all-electric driving range of about 30 miles (EPA numbers TBA). The battery can be fully charged in about 2.5 hours using a level two charging system with a 7.2-kilowatt onboard module. On the R/T, you can choose from a bunch of drive modes including Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save.

As for the ride and handling package, what sets the Hornet apart from the competition is its range of class-exclusive features on offer. They include:

- Four-piston Brembo front brakes are standard on the R/T, available on GT

- Koni frequency selective damping shocks are standard on the R/T, available on the GT

Brake-by-wire Intelligent Braking System
Available dual-stage-valve suspension
Best-in-class front and rear fully independent suspension
Dynamic torque vectoring
Electronic limited-slip differential

With this level of performance hardware on offer, you can expect the Hornet to take corners with composure. But if that doesn’t get your pulse racing, then MOPAR has you covered and will answer the call of the enthusiast. That is the Dodge way.

The Direct Connection program's factory-backed performance upgrades for the Hornet (showcased on the Hornet GT GLH concept.) Available exclusively through Dodge's Power broker-dealers, they offer so much more for your Hornet and so, you can spec it to provide even higher levels of performance.

The upgrades may be anything from a complete engine tune to new wheels, exhaust, and even custom graphics. A nationwide manufacturer warranty protects your investment with these upgrades.

2023 Dodge Hornet Specs
Trim	GT	R/T
Horsepower	265+ hp	285+ hp
Torque	295 lb-ft	383 lb-ft
Transmission	9-Speed auto	6-Speed Auto
0-60	6.5s	6.1s
Drive	AWD	AWD

Exterior Design

Although it differs visually from the Alfa, when viewed head-on, the Hornet’s side profile sure does resemble the Tonale. This is especially true when you look at the glasshouse of both SUVs. Having said that, the Hornet does look unlike any other Dodge on the market today.

The inclusion of Dodge’s traditional mail slot grille and integrated heat extractors on the hood complements the Hornet's muscular fascia. There's just a hint of Charger and Challenger in that front end. Both trims come equipped with sleek headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a full-width light bar.

The backlit Dodge Rhombi logo within that light bar and the Hornet badge on the fender are nice touches. Now, this wouldn’t be a crossover unless you have the obligatory body cladding and so the Hornet gets some, albeit in a dark gray glossy finish.

The standard wheel size for the GT is 17-inches, while the R/T has 18-inch graphite alloys. Both trims also include a Blacktop Package which added 18-inch Abyss alloy wheels and gloss black badging, mirror caps, and painted daylight opening molding.

A "Track Pack" is an available extra on both trims, boosting the performance and aesthetic impact both inside and out along with 20-inch rims. Yes, that's right, a track pack on a front-wheel-drive-biased vehicle, which goes to show just how serious Dodge is about offering up a stellar drive, with the Hornet.

Available exterior colors for the Dodge Hornet include:

Acapulco Gold
Blu Bayou
Blue Steele
Gray Cray
Hot Tamale
Q Ball
8 Ball

Interior Quality And Technology

Step inside and once again, you can’t help but draw the similarities to the Hornet’s Italian sibling. The steering wheel for instance is straight out of the Tonale, with a few minor modifications.

Instead of placing the start/stop button on the wheel, as in the Alfa, Dodge has moved it to the center console. What’s also different is the design of the outer air vents, which are more squared-off rather than the circles found on the Alfa. But many of the gauges and controls on the dashboard come straight from the Alfa.

As for the tech, the Hornet offers a 12.3-inch digital driver display as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment display powered by the latest Android-based Uconnect5 system. This is the most up-to-date version of Uconnect in Stellantis' lineup and also features Amazon Alexa integration.

Both trims seamlessly pair with your smartphone with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A wireless phone charger is standard on GT and R/T Plus trims. A 465-watt 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system with a subwoofer is available on the GT plus and R/T plus models.

The sporty nature of the Hornet comes through with the Track Pack. It includes premium interior touches that include class-exclusive perforated Alcantara seats that feature a Dodge Rhombi logo, while Leather seating is standard on the GT Plus and R/T trims.

You also get unique red crust accents on the seats and the armrest and they contrast well against the black interior. All trims also come standard with a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and a powered tailgate for added convenience. As for the Cargo room, the GT offers a generous 27 cubic feet with all seats in place. That number drops to 22.9 cubic feet on the hybrid R/T.

2023 Dodge Hornet Price And Availability

2023 Dodge Hornet Price
Trim	Price
Hornet GT	$30,000 (est)
Hornet R/T	$40,000 (est)

The 2023 Dodge Hornet should start at an estimated $30,000, plus destination. The hybrid Hornet should cost around $10,000 more, coming in at an estimated $40,000. Dodge is already accepting orders for the Hornet GT, with deliveries expected to begin in December 2022. The plug-in hybrid model will follow in spring next year.

Also, the final assembly of the Hornet will take place alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale at the Giambattista Vico Stellantis plant in, Naples, Italy. As a result, the Hornet won’t benefit from the federal tax credit program as manufacturing will happen, outside the United States using batteries whose origins are unknown.

Safety

The Dodge Hornet comes with a comprehensive set of safety and driver assistance features. As part of the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), the Hornet includes:

Automatic emergency braking
Lane departure warning
Blind-spot detection
Rear-cross traffic alert

The Hornet also offers Level 2 autonomous driving as part of an optional tech pack that comes with:

Traffic sign recognition
Adaptive cruise control
Traffic jam assist
Advanced lane centering

Main Competition

The Dodge Hornet is set to enter one of the most competitive segments of the auto industry. Size-wise, it falls somewhere between a sub-compact and compact SUV and should go up against the likes of the Mazda CX-30, and the Kia Seltos.

In the compact SUV space, buyers can choose from over 20 different models. A hybrid option is also available with most of these models and the Dodge Hornet sure has its work cut out. The Hornet R/T will take on the likes of the Lexus UX Hybrid, and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid to name a few.

So to summarize, Dodge is turning up the heat on the compact crossover segment. With two exciting powertrain options to choose from, this tiny crossover hits all the right notes, that promise engaging performance. According to Moparinsiders, Dodge has already racked up 14,000 pre-orders since bookings opened. It appears that the market is ready for the Hornet and here's how it could shock the CUV segment in America.

FAQ

Q: Is Dodge bringing back the Hornet?

The Hornet name traces its lineage back to the 50s and Dodge is finally reviving the moniker with a sporty compact SUV for 2023.

Q: How much will the 2023 Dodge Hornet cost?

Estimated prices for the 2023 Dodge Hornet range between $30,000 for the GT and $40,000 for the R/T Hybrid model.

Q: When can I order a Dodge Hornet 2023?

Dodge began accepting orders for its Hornet SUV back in August 2022 with a record 14,000 pre-orders since bookings opened. Delivers are scheduled for late 2022.