What sort of automobile is the 2023 Dodge Hornet? What does it examine to?

The Dodge Hornet resurrects an outdated mannequin identify and applies to the most well-liked trendy car phase within the small crossover SUV. Sharing a platform with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Dodge Hornet competes with a spread of five-seat crossovers, from the Chevrolet Trailblazer to the Hyundai Kona.  

Is the 2023 Dodge Hornet a great automobile?

Assessment continues beneath

We gained’t know till we drive it later this 12 months, however the brand new mannequin represents a transition for Dodge from its vaunted V-8 muscle automobile historical past to a much less sure electrified future, capitalizing on the present development of crossover SUVs. Its efficiency promise stands out from different entry-level crossovers, however it stays to be seen the way it will stand out from the Tonale’s shadow. (Learn extra about how we fee vehicles.)

What’s new for the 2023 Dodge Hornet?

Every part. Although it shares the identical physique design, powertrain choices, chassis and mechanicals with the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale, Dodge positions the Hornet as a performance-oriented different. 

The smallest Dodge adopts the model’s swollen muscle automobile cues with hood vents and a large, low rectangular grille with a outstanding forehead housing LED headlights and working lights. The physique follows the sturdy, resolute slabs of different Dodge autos, leaving design prospers to wheel selections. Within the again, a crimson full-length mild sq. captures the Dodge DNA, which works out effectively as a result of the Dodge model identify can’t be discovered on the outside of the Hornet. A Blacktop package deal provides gloss black parts to the same old locations, together with 18-inch black alloy wheels. A Monitor Pack upgrades them to 20-inchers flashing crimson Brembo entrance brake calipers.

Whereas the outside can seem like the Tonale, the inside is all Dodge, with a standard sprint gauge cluster design going digital however stretching horizontally even because it ideas towards the motive force. Material and artificial leather-based bucket seats stitched with crimson accents uphold the Dodge vibe. 

The Hornet channels the Hudson Hornet from the center of final century in addition to an idea teased this century earlier than being derailed. It is available in two efficiency grades, a GT mannequin with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 making 265 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, or an R/T plug-in hybrid mannequin with extra efficiency potential.

Each fashions come commonplace with all-wheel drive, and the GT pairs with a 9-speed computerized transmission. A steering wheel button prompts Sport Mode that tweaks throttle response and delays shifts whereas tightening the digital energy steering. Accessible two-stage shocks stiffen the suspension to offset a few of its 3,715-lb curb weight in turns. On straights, Dodge says it goes 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

The R/T plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.3-liter turbo-4 with a 90-kw motor powering the rear axle, whereas a 6-speed computerized shuttles engine torque to the entrance axle. Mixed it makes 285 hp and 383 lb-ft, and with a “PowerShot” Sport mode that gives 25 further horsepower in bursts of 15 seconds, it will possibly go from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Dodge says that PowerShot shaves one second off its 60 mph time, so with out that perform the R/T is slower than the GT. 

Anticipate the R/T to be faster off the road and extra environment friendly throughout the board. The 15.5-kwh lithium ion battery pack feeds the motor and a starter generator to allow a minimum of 30 miles of electrical vary, Dodge estimates. A 7.4-kw onboard charger allows 240-volt charging in about 2.5 hours. It has regenerative braking however doesn’t have a one-pedal drive function. 

Dodge claims a number of best-in-class efficiency options, however we will’t corroborate that till we drive it. The absolutely unbiased suspension makes use of MacPherson struts up entrance and a three-link rear suspension. Accessible dual-stage shocks can stiffen the suspension on both mannequin. Dodge says extra physique stiffness and a 52/48 weight distribution guarantees extra spirited dealing with than the competitors.

For on a regular basis driving, Dodge equips the 2023 Hornet with commonplace driver-assist know-how meant to mitigate or keep away from crashes, together with commonplace computerized emergency braking with pedestrian and bike owner detection, lively lane management, blind-spot displays, and rear parking sensors. An accessible Tech Pack provides adaptive cruise management and associated freeway driving options. 

How a lot does the 2023 Dodge Hornet value?

With commonplace AWD, the Hornet GT prices between $29,995 and $34,995. That’s costlier than the competitors’s base fashions, however the Hornet comes as well-equipped as many premium fashions within the phase. Customary tech along with the driver-assist options embrace a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.3-inch touchscreen working the model’s newest infotainment system, wi-fi Android Auto/Apple CarPlay/Amazon Alexa connectivity, and wi-fi smartphone charging. It’s one of many higher working programs available on the market, and might host two telephone profiles concurrently so one can be utilized for navigation or calls and the opposite for multimedia. It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Choices embrace leather-based upholstery and 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound on Plus fashions, a crimson leather-based possibility, a heated steering wheel, heated seats, a hands-free energy liftgate, and all of the efficiency components upgrades accessible from Dodge’s factory-backed Direct Connection. 

The Hornet R/T will value between $39,995 and $44,995 however must be eligible for a few of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit score, as soon as the brand new legislation passes. Along with the efficiency upgrades over the GT, the R/T could have 18-inch alloy wheels, Brembo entrance brake calipers, and different enhancements. 

The place is the 2023 Dodge Hornet made?

In Naples, Italy, alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale.