Dodge is back in the small SUV game! Well, not quite yet. But when the 2023 Dodge Hornet small crossover finally hits the road later this year, it'll hit the road running. That's because Dodge says it has muscle car DNA in it, and it shares a platform with its Stellantis-stablemate, the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Which means it's already got an upper hand in premium underpinnings. Instead of the Jeep Compass underpinnings Dodge made do with in its previous small SUV, the Dodge Caliber.
The Dodge Hornet nameplate may sound familiar. It was on a concept car that was shown in 2006, complete with a compact footprint, butch styling, and suicide rear doors. In a way the 2023 Dodge Hornet finally fulfills that prophecy. As for the muscle car DNA, if there's one thing Dodge knows, it's America. So even while Dodge is set to phase out two of its best known muscle cars next year, the Hornet should at least offer some respite. It's already pegged to be the quickest, most powerful sub-$30k small SUV!
The Hornet will replace the midsize Durango SUV in Dodge’s existing lineup as the company’s first small SUV and plug-in hybrid vehicle. Without the bulky HEMI, the brand-new 2023 Dodge Hornet aims to attract more customers. The PHEV G/T model will debut in spring 2023, with the gas-powered GT variant going on sale in late 2022. Let's take a closer look at these new models.
Fastest Budget SUV For Gearheads: The Hornet GT
According to Dodge, the Hornet creates a new entrance for the Brotherhood of Muscle. Dodge sells it in two main trim levels: R/T and GT. The Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0L inline-four turbocharged shared with Jeep models, powers the GT.
Before you start seeing Hornets in showrooms, don’t be shocked if it has more power and torque than the minimum 265 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. All four wheels of Hurricane4 receive power from a nine-speed automatic transmission. They estimated the GT to speed up from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds while in Sport Mode.
They offered the GT with four-piston fixed brakes from Brembo. McPherson struts up front and a 3-link Chapman suspension in the back makes up the completely independent suspension. Dynamic torque vectoring, which is standard on both the GT and R/T, functions like an electronic limited-slip differential while in Sport Mode. Dodge further asserts that the Hornet has the best body rigidity and weight distribution in its class because it is closely connected to the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Head Of The Hive: The Hornet R/T
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The Hornet R/T is the more futuristic of the two trims, starting at $39,995. A 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine powers it and, with an electric motor, it produces 285 horsepower. The R/T receives a six-speed automatic in place of the GT’s nine-speed automatic, although all-wheel drive is still standard. The R/T also offers a Sport Mode that improves steering feel and access to the hybrid system’s optimal power and torque levels. While also quickening throttle response and shift timing.
The Hornet R/T receives a special plug-in hybrid powertrain that allows for brief electric boosts. Dodge’s “PowerShot” technology is another feature of the new trim. PowerShot releases 25 more horsepower and torque for up to 15 seconds. We can activate the PowerShot by lifting steering wheel-mounted paddles and squeezing the pedal. The SUV’s time from 0 to 60 mph is reportedly cut by a full second, according to Dodge. The starter-generator motor at the front power unit and the back power unit are both powered by a 15.5 kWh battery. The Hornet R/T will be able to go more than 30 miles in the all-electric mode without charges when driven gently. According to Dodge, in around 2.5 hours, a Level 2 (7.4 kW) charging cable can fully recharge that battery.
A Track Pack And Tech Pack Options Of The New Hornet
For all models, there will be a Track Pack option available. That will add 20-inch performance wheels, a computer-adjustable suspension, and other features. The Track Pack option also includes class-exclusive Alcantara seats with embroidered Dodge Rhombi logos.
Dodge is not attempting to win over fans solely through power. Additionally, the 2023 Dodge Hornet offers a Tech Pack option for safety. The Tech Pack option brings more than automatic emergency braking, lane assist, and blind spot detection. Additional Level 2 semi-autonomous driver aids, such as “Intelligent Speed Assist,” “Driver Attention Assists,” and “Adaptive Cruise Control,” are all included in the package.
The Hornet's Driver-Focused Interior Design
Despite having slightly sharper curves, the Hornet’s interior resembles that of the Charger and Challenger. Like the other Dodge models, the Hornet will have a digital instrument panel with a customizable dashboard and performance gauges behind the steering wheel. The 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system central display slightly canted toward the driver and 12.3-inch digital cockpit cluster are both standard across the entire Hornet series.
Although Uconnect5 is based on Android, it also supports wireless Android and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, the Hornet has Amazon Alexa connectivity built-in. That allows users to do activities such as wirelessly starting the automobile if the user is close to the car. The vehicle comes with a hands-free tailgate, a heated steering wheel, and heated leather seats beside a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a wireless smartphone charging pad.