Dodge Hornet compact crossover rings up as a bargain in base form

We first encountered the all-new Dodge Hornet five-passenger crossover this past spring during a daylong manufacturer media ride-and-drive program in Asheville, North Carolina.
Our initial impressions of Dodge’s first foray into the small-crossover segment were favorable, but our time in the driver’s seat was limited. 
For this report, we were given a full week to explore the Hornet, with our test vehicle being the base GT model, which starts at $30,735 (plus $1,595 freight) – a bargain for what you’ll get.

We also recently tested the Alfa Romeo Tonale, another new compact crossover from the same parent company as Dodge (Stellantis). There were many similarities, because the Dodge Hornet is essentially an Americanized version of the Tonale, and is made in the same Alfa plant in Italy.
This familial connection is key to the Hornet’s mission: to bring a sporty compact crossover into the Dodge lineup to appeal to young couples and families. Alfa has long been known as a sports brand.

Some of the Hornet GT’s sporty attributes – beyond its styling – include quick acceleration from its turbocharged gasoline engine and roadhandling that feels more like that of a sports coupe than a family SUV. All-wheel drive is standard on all Hornet models, as well.
The GT model comes with the 2.0-liter Hurricane inline four-cylinder turbo engine, connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission, rated at 268 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque (using premium fuel).

Dodge says it can go from zero to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. That’s not exactly sports-car performance, but it’s impressive for a family hauler.
There also is a GT Plus model, using the same drivetrain, which offers more standard amenities including leather seats, starting at $35,735.
For 2024, Dodge is rolling out the Hornet R/T (base price $40,935), a plug-in hybrid version. There is also the R/T Plus hybrid ($45,935), with similar upgrades to those of the GT Plus.

R/T models get a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, with a total of 288 horsepower and 383 foot-pounds of torque. 
The big boost for the R/T comes from an electric motor built into the rear axle. It adds 184 foot-pounds of torque immediately upon startup to the 199 foot-pounds from the gasoline engine and small electric motor powering the front end.
The Hornet R/T all-wheel drive system adjusts power automatically between the gasoline engine that powers the front axle and the electric motor that drives the rear wheels, providing optimal traction and control to all four wheels. It’s the first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge.
Also a plus: the Hornet R/T can go up to 30 miles on battery power alone between recharges, Dodge says. There is a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, equipped with a cooling system to keep it at its optimum temperature. 
A starter generator delivers torque to the engine belt, aiding in dynamic response and battery recharging. A high-power inverter and 7.4-kW charging module allow for a full battery charge in about 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger.
There’s a special on-demand “PowerShot” feature included on the R/T model that gives an instant burst of 30 additional horsepower, cutting 1.5 seconds off the normal zero-to-60 time, Dodge says.
Other standard features on the R/T include 18-inch Graphite Grey wheels, Dodge-branded Brembo front brake calipers, dual exhaust, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and more.
The R/T also has a sport mode for more-robust driving and handling, along with three hybrid driving modes: Hybrid, Electric and E-Save
As for the GT model, it comes with a sport mode that brings a “sharper throttle, optimized upshifts, tighter steering and electronic limited-slip differential” to provide the quick startup.
The Hornet has a sporty, muscular design that includes a hood with integrated heat extractors, a “mail slot” style grille opening, and fender-to-fender taillights with illuminated center Dodge Rhombi logo.
Dodge performance styling extends to the interior, as well. Dodge says the interior uses the same driver-centric cockpit design of the entire Dodge vehicle lineup. Center stack controls, display screens and HVAC vents are angled towards the driver.
Other Hornet features unique to the compact crossover segment include Koni shocks, Brembo four-piston brake calipers, and dynamic torque vectoring. 
These are designed to enhance suspension, braking, steering and handling.
The cockpit includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, along with a 10.25-inch mid-dash display, both standard on R/T and GT, delivering more than 22.5 inches of in-vehicle display screen space, Dodge says.
Dodge’s Android-based Uconnect 5 infotainment system is standard. It includes home screens that can be personalized, connections for two smartphones at the same time, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Amazon Alexa integration.
Available driver-assist technology includes Intelligent Speed Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Assist, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control and more. Also available is a panoramic sunroof that gives the Hornet an open-air feel.
Hornet is offered in seven exterior colors with some exotic names, including Acapulco Gold, Blu Bayou, Blue Steele, Gray Cray, Hot Tamale, Q Ball, and 8 Ball.
Our tester came in the black 8 Ball exterior color with black cloth/leatherette upholstery.
Leather seats are included on the GT Plus and R/T Plus models, and there are optional red leather seats.
The test vehicle also came with the Blacktop Package ($1,995), which added Gloss Black outside mirror caps and side window moldings, a dark Hornet badge, a dark GT badge, 18-inch Abyss Finish wheels, and 225/55R18 all-season tires.
Available but not included on our tester is the Tech Pack ($2,245), which adds Intelligent Speed Assist, Active Driving Assist, Surround-View camera system, Drowsy Driver Detection, and ParkSense front/rear/side parking assist.
Total sticker price for our 2023 Dodge Hornet GT model was $34,325, including freight and options.
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.

2023/24 Dodge Hornet

The package: Compact, five-door, five-passenger, gasoline only or plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid, all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicle.
Highlights: This is Dodge’s entry-level crossover utility vehicle. It’s essentially a version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, tweaked for the U.S. market. It offers speedy takeoffs and sporty handling, along with decent fuel economy and plenty of utility. The GT models are on sale for 2023; the hybrid R/T version is added for 2024.
Negatives: Can be a tight fit for adults in the back seat.
Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder, gasoline (GT model); 1.3-liter turbo four-cylinder gasoline combined with two electric motors (R/T model).
Power/torque: 268 HP./295 foot-pounds (GT); 288 HP./199 foot-pounds (1.3-liter), plus 184 foot-pounds from rear electric motor for total of 383 foot-pounds (R/T).
Transmissions: Nine-speed automatic (GT); Six-speed automatic (R/T).
Length: 178 inches.
Curb weight: 3,715 pounds (GT)/4,140 pounds (R/T).
Cargo volume: 27 cubic feet (GT, behind rear seat)/54.7 cubic feet (GT, rear seat folded); 22.9 cubic feet (R/T, behind rear seat)/50.5 cubic feet (R/T, rear seat folded).
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Trailer-towing capacity: 2,000 pounds.
Fuel capacity/type: 13.5 gallons/unleaded premium (GT); 11.2 gallons/unleaded regular (R/T).
EPA fuel economy: 21 mpg city/29 highway/24 combined (GT); R/T ratings are still pending.
Major competitors: Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Crosstrek, Volvo XC40.
Base prices: $30,735 (2023 GT); $35,735 (2023 GT Plus); $40,935 (2024 R/T) ; $45,935 (2024 R/T Plus) ; plus $1,595 freight.
Price as tested: $34,325, including freight and options (2023 GT with Blacktop Package).
On the Road rating: 8.7 (of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.