The 2023 Dodge Hornet, a new compact crossover, has been just revealed and already collected 14K reservations within only 24 hours. Is it evidence of future popularity?
The Dodge Hornet is a North American alternative to the Alfa Romeo Tonale. It is being pre-ordered well, and Dodge is calling the vehicle a hot hatch SUV.
Its exterior features 18- and 20-inch wheels, full-LED lighting, a dual-exhaust system, and a vented hood.
Inside the Hornet, you’ll find a flat bottom steering wheel, a 10.25-inch screen of the Uconnect 5 multimedia system, a digital gauge display, and sports seats.
The list of available equipment includes, among other things, a premium Harman Kardon audio system with 14 speakers and a subwoofer, and cruise control with traffic sign recognition.
What’s Under the Hood?
All-wheel drive is standard for the model, which is available with two powertrain variants.
The Dodge Hornet GT is equipped with a 2.0-liter 265-hp/295-lb-ft turbo-four engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This version speeds up from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
The company will add several products for the crossover via Direct Connection for those customers who wish to enhance the Hornet’s performance. Already now, the vehicle represents an outstanding performance at a reasonable price of under $30K.
A higher-end modification is a hybrid Dodge Hornet R/T with a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine for the front wheels connected to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and a 90-kW electric motor for the rear wheels powered by a 15.5-kWh battery.
The total system output is 285 hp. In electric-only mode, the vehicle can cover 35 miles when fully charged.
Dodge offers a PowerShot feature for the Hornet PHEV that adds a temporary boost of 25 horsepower and shortens the 0-60 mph acceleration time by a second (to 5.1 sec).
When Will It Be Available?
The Dodge Hornet GT will hit U.S. dealers in December 2022. The hybrid Hornet R/T will go on sale in spring 2023.
The model is fresh blood in an oversaturated segment that carries the spirit of a muscle car for comparatively little money. It sits below the midsize Durango in Dodge lineup.
The small crossover will compete against such rivals as the Cadillac XT4, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen Taos. The closest rival to the Hornet GT is the Chevrolet Trailblazer RS with AWD.
Stellantis will build the Dodge Hornet alongside its ‘European brother’ – the Alfa Romeo Tonale – at the Giambattista Vico Stellantis plant in Naples, Italy.
