Dodge, which had focused on power and performance in 2021 and 2022 by keeping only the Charger, Challenger and Durango, is coming back to its senses for 2023 by adding the all-new Hornet to its lineup.
This compact SUV, which in a way fills the void created by the departure of the Journey, takes up a name that was also used to baptize a Dodge concept in 2006. Here are five things you should know about it…
Italian roots
The 2023 Dodge Hornet is built on the same architecture and shares several components with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which will go on sale early next year. Both will be assembled in Naples, Italy. Exclusive to the North American market, the first is a cheaper alternative to the second and the leaders of Alfa Romeo are rather offended. What do you want? This is the kind of thing that will happen more and more within the big Stellantis family.
Photo: Dodge
Different on the outside, same on the inside
Despite their similar silhouette, the Hornet clearly stands out from the Tonale and we recognize Dodge’s signature. Although it’s reminiscent of the Durango from certain angles, this new kid still has its own distinct styling – from the grille to the taillights to the wheels. It even has its own emblem on the front fenders.
Inside, it’s very similar to the Tonale, though. Hide the logo on the steering wheel and you could confuse the two models. 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and a central 10.25-inch driver-facing touchscreen dominate the cockpit. Contrast stitching adorns the dashboard, console, seats and doors.
Photo: Dodge
Hornet GT
At the entry level, Dodge offers the GT version which houses a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine. It develops 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to reach 100 km/h in just over 6.5 seconds. However, premium gasoline (91 octane) is required.
A nine-speed automatic transmission controls the power, which is distributed to all four wheels. Additionally, the Hornet can tow up to 907 kilograms, or 2,000 pounds.
Photo: Dodge
Hornet R/T
Dodge boasts of offering the most powerful compact SUV in the category with the Hornet R/T. Surprisingly, it’s a plug-in hybrid that combines a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a 90kW electric motor and 15kWh battery, not to mention the six-speed automatic transmission. This gives the possibility of traveling up to 50 kilometers in electric mode, just a little less than the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
As for performance, the 285 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque shorten the 0-60 mph sprint by half a second. That’s not all: thanks to the electrical system, a function called PowerShot makes it possible to obtain 25 additional horsepower on demand.
Photo: Dodge
For when and how much?
Dodge will begin production of the Hornet GT this fall and hopes to deliver the first units sometime in December. Canadian prices are yet to be confirmed, but we know that this version will start below the $40,000 mark.
In the case of the Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid, the first customers in the country will have to wait until spring 2023. The base price should logically be less than $50,000.