2023 Dodge Hornet – Performance, Price, Specs and Photos

The Dodge 2023 Hornet is the brand’s return to the compact crossover market. Dodge has decided to share a platform with a Stellantis-company cousin, the Alfa Romeo Tonale, instead of reskinning an existing Jeep Compass as it did with the unpopular Caliber. Standard equipment includes a 265-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and nine-speed automatic transmission, while the plug-in hybrid R/T model has 285 total system horsepower and more than 30 miles of electric range.

In addition to being equipped with Dodge’s first hybrid powertrain, the Hornet will also feature the most cutting-edge technology available on any model in the brand’s lineup. This includes a digital gauge display, Uconnect 5 infotainment software, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. By the end of 2022, we should see the release of the gas-only GT models, and by early 2023, we should see the introduction of the plug-in hybrid R/T variants.

What Is Coming in 2023?

The Hornet will be a new model for Dodge, slotting in below the Durango in terms of size. This subcompact SUV will go up against vehicles like the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, and Volkswagen Taos

PRICING & RELEASE DATE

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The engine in the Hornet GT is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 265 horsepower and is mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. With the available all-wheel drive system, the Dodge Hornet can reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, according to the company. For its first plug-in hybrid model, Dodge went with the R/T, which features a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor that produce a combined 285 horsepower.

The R/T has a six-speed automatic transmission rather than the nine-speed automatic found in the GT, but all-wheel drive is still standard equipment. For a limited time, the powertrain’s output can be increased by 25 horsepower thanks to a feature called PowerShot, which is activated by pulling both paddle shifters. Dodge claims that the R/T PHEV can reach 60 mph in 6.1 seconds when in PowerShot mode. The story will be updated with the Hornet’s performance numbers and our first impressions of driving it once we’ve had a chance to put it through its paces.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Dodge claims that the plug-in hybrid R/T model’s 12.0-kWh battery pack can travel more than 30 miles on a single charge. A level 2 charger takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge a device.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Even though the EPA hasn’t yet released fuel economy estimates for either Hornet model, we anticipate the R/T PHEV to be the more frugal of the two. When we get a chance, we plan to cruise the highway at 75 miles per gallon in the Hornet.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Our first drive in the Hornet’s Italian relative, the Alfa Romeo Tonale, led us to believe that the rear seats would be cramped compared to the front. As with the Tonale, the interior is styled similarly, with the primary controls and infotainment system canted slightly toward the driver and the tall shift lever for the automatic transmission located on the center console.

The Hornet borrows the Alfa Romeo’s steering wheel for its own, though it bears the Dodge logo in its center instead of the Alfa’s. The standard interior is black with red stitching; however, leather is included in the GT Plus and R/T Plus trims, and faux-suede is included in the Track package. The interior can be upgraded to red leather for an additional cost.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display are standard on all models. Stellantis models like the Chrysler Pacifica minivan and the Ram 1500 pickup truck share the latest generation Uconnect 5 system for their user interface software. Connectivity to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Amazon Alexa, are built in wirelessly as standard equipment. An upgraded 14-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo system and a wireless smartphone charging pad are included in the GT Plus and R/T Plus trim levels.