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Dodge this spring moved into the fast-growing compact crossover utility vehicle segment with the introduction of the Hornet, which comes with a starting price of $29,995 (plus $1,595 freight).
The new Hornet is essentially an Americanized version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, and is made in an Alfa plant in Italy.
But the former Chrysler Corp. brand that has long made a name for itself with performance-oriented vehicles wants consumers to know that the Hornet was designed to continue the sporty Dodge image.
This isn’t your standard, boring crossover like the ones that dominate the school pickup lines every day.
Instead, Dodge has aimed to set the Hornet apart from the rest, giving it quick acceleration and precise roadhandling, bolstered by turbocharged engines and even a model with a plug-in hybrid drive system that cranks out a combined 383 foot-pounds of torque.
Already on sale is the 2023 Hornet GT, which comes with gasoline-only power. It’s available in two versions: the base GT, starting at the $29,995 price, and the better-equipped GT Plus model, which begins at $34,995 (and is the one we tested for this report).
Coming later this spring will be the 2024 Hornet R/T model, which has its own unique gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain, and the best overall performance.
Dodge says both models offer best-in-class performance.
The GT model, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane inline four-cylinder engine, connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission, can go from zero to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. This engine turns out 268 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque (using premium fuel).
Upgrading to the R/T brings a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, with net combined 288 horsepower and 383 foot-pounds of torque.
The big boost comes from an electric motor built into the rear axle that 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.
Both Hornet models feature standard all-wheel drive.
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.
The Hornet R/T is the first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge and will be the most powerful utility vehicle in the compact segment.
And here’s 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
There is also a sport mode for the GT model, which Dodge says brings a “sharper throttle, optimized upshifts, tighter steering and electronic limited-slip differential” to provide the 6.5-second zero-to-60 mph time.
Styling of the Hornet is pure Dodge, with a 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.
The Dodge performance styling cues are evident inside the Hornet, too. Dodge says the interior design “aligns with the driver-centric cockpit feel of the entire Dodge vehicle lineup.” Center stack controls, display screens and HVAC vents are “tipped” to angle towards the driver.
Some 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.
Inside, there is a best-in-class 12.3-inch digital cockpit instrument screen, 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 on both Hornet models, with features including 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.
The best-in-class Harman Kardon premium sound system has 465 watts of total system power delivered through 14 speakers and a subwoofer.
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.
For those who think a crossover utility vehicle should be more like a sports car, there is a Track Pack package available for both R/T and GT models. It includes 20-inch Abyss wheels, with additional performance and interior features.
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.
Leather seats are included on the GT Plus and R/T Plus models, and there are optional red leather seats.
Alcantara leather seats, with an embroidered Dodge Rhombi logo, are included on the Track Pack option. These racing-oriented seats feature unique “red crust” accents that “visually burst out and gradually fade, highlighting the unique Alcantara seat perforation,” Dodge says.
Our Hornet GT Plus model had the 8 Ball (black) exterior with black leather seats.
It 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.
Also included was the Tech Pack ($2,245), which brought Intelligent Speed Assist, Active Driving Assist, Surround-View camera system, Drowsy Driver Detection, and ParkSense front/rear/side parking assist.
A compact spare tire was $350 extra.
Total sticker price for our 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus model was $40,565, 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 2023 Dodge Hornet has room for up to five passengers in two rows of seating.
Stellantis/© 2023 Stellantis
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 base GT is on sale as a 2023 model; the hybrid R/T version will arrive as a 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 (2023): $29,995 (GT); $34,995 (GT Plus), plus $1,595 freight.
Price as tested: $40,565, including freight and options (2023 GT Plus).
On the Road rating: 8.7 (of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.
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