A completely new subcompact SUV, the 2023 Dodge Hornet is noteworthy for several reasons. Although the Durango from about 2011 is still with us, it is the first completely new car from Dodge since the now widely forgotten Dodge Dart in 2012. Though it can’t reasonably claim complete credit, the Hornet is the firm’s first subcompact SUV and plug-in hybrid. That’s because the Hornet, which should arrive in the United States this spring, is a restyled (and cheaper) Alfa Romeo Tonale.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT, which has an all-wheel-drive system and a 268-horsepower four-cylinder engine, goes on sale around the same time. The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T debuts in the summer with a 285-hp plug-in hybrid with up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Both have a brashly athletic design that blends nicely with Dodge’s waning and ageing range, but sluggish engine reactions and subpar handling qualities hamper actual performance. Both models come in an AWD Plus grade.
Even with the R/T PHEV, the Hornet joins a congested subcompact SUV market even though it is just the third Dodge vehicle for the brand. There are more affordable and pleasant options from Honda (HR-V), Toyota (RAV4 and its plug-in Prime), or Volkswagen (Taos). In addition to being more inexpensive and having higher performance than the Hornet, the Hyundai Kona N is also a little bit smaller inside. The R/T is priced similarly to comparable SUVs with premium namesakes, like the new BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35, and Genesis GV70. Although they provide better luxury and sophistication, these options are also fascinating to drive.
The cost is another factor. The basic GT starts at $31,590, over $8,000 more expensive than a more modest Honda HR-V (destination costs are $1,595). Plus, versions start at $34,995. The standard BMW X1 is more abundant and enjoyable to drive than the R/T, which begins at $41,590, or about $3,000 more. Although the Hornet has striking looks, it isn’t the sportiest SUV. The Kona N has earned that status despite its divisive style and much less upscale interior.
The Dodge Hornet’s external appearance, which it shares nearly entirely with its nearby cousin Tonale, is one of its most outstanding features. The inside of the Dodge is athletic but elegant, particularly in the R/T model, with its sizable metal shift paddles affixed to the column rather than the wheel. Both variants have many fundamental technological and safety features, and the Plus trims add even more.
With its outgoing design and sportier driving characteristics than the standard SUV, the 2023 Dodge Hornet will undoubtedly draw customers. However, performance enthusiasts would agree that there were some possibilities lost. Dodge may be making way for more severe talents, but that is yet to be determined.
What’s New?
- A brand-new subcompact SUV with a dynamic flair that distinguishes it from the competition is the 2023 Dodge Hornet.
- Dodge’s first plug-in hybrid, the 2024 Hornet R/T, debuts later with a 285-hp motor and up to 30 miles of electric-only range.
- shares a platform and other resources with Stellanti’s near relative, Alfa Romeo Tonale
- First subcompact SUV for Dodge
Performance: Dodge Hornet
A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet torque powers the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT. Both all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic are standard. In the summer, a plug-in hybrid engine with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic gearbox will be available for the 2024 Hornet R/T. The rear wheels are propelled by an electric motor that receives power from a 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. With a combined output of 285 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, Dodge predicts a range of up to 30 miles when using electric power.
According to expectations, the Hornet GT will reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is impressive for subcompact SUVs. The R/T should take 5.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. Although these numbers are outstanding for the class, the Hornets seem significantly slower due to their delayed responses and lack of early power. On a winding road, the Hornet is fun and turns with more sporting agility, but if pushed too much, the front tires lose grip first, producing some unfortunate front-end plough. In contrast, the Hyundai Kona N is faster and handles more sportily.
Fuel efficiency: Dodge Hornet
According to estimates, the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT will achieve a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg and city/highway mileage of 21 mpg. These estimates are a few more miles per gallon than usual subcompact SUVs like the Honda HR-V and Volkswagen Taos, but they are a few more miles per gallon than the Hyundai Kona N. These numbers resemble high-end rivals like the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 and BMW X1.
Although fuel efficiency numbers for the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T are not yet available, Dodge claims that despite the R/T’s smaller fuel tank, both variants will have comparable cruising ranges. Our calculations provide a combined estimate of 26 mpg after deducting the 30 miles of electric vehicle range. Although the Hornet is advertised as a performance hybrid rather than a fuel-sipper, you may save a lot of money on petrol provided you often have access to a charger and a short commute.
The plug-in hybrid R/T can use a Level 2 charger to charge up to 7.4 kW. It is not required nor offered to use DC rapid charging. According to Dodge, a complete charge will take 2.5 hours.
Safety & Driver Support
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not yet released their crash test findings. Still, you may anticipate them closer to the on-sale dates. These evaluations need to raise their ranking.
Frontal collision warning with automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assistance, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a rear-seat reminder system are all standard safety equipment on all Hornet models. Lane-centering, a 360-degree video system, a sleepy driver monitor, automated speed adjustment for the adaptive cruise control, and a traffic sign reader are all included with the optional Tech Pack.
Comfort and Space
The Hornet’s front seats have substantial side bolstering to hold you in place during turns, which makes for a close fit that might be uncomfortable for more prominent people. The chairs have many adjustability to suit tall or short drivers and are well-shaped for long-distance comfort. A 5-foot-10 adult may fit comfortably in the backseats because of the additional headroom, roomy leg, and footroom.
The seats of the basic GT trim are covered in a combination of fabric and synthetic leather. Genuine leather, heating, and ventilation are included when upgrading to the GT Plus. Seats made of grippy Alcantara suede are offered with the Track Pack.
Because of its superior handling, the Hornet has a stiffer ride than the conventional SUV. Although you will feel every bump on the road, they are flattened to an audible thud, preventing them from being overly harsh. Larger wheels with thinner sidewalls amplify these jolts. On coarse asphalt, the constant presence of road noise might be bothersome. When pushed hard, the engines are also audible and regrettably don’t sound all that sportier than a standard four-cylinder.
Infotainment: Dodge Hornet
A 10.2-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument panel that can be customized come standard on the Dodge Hornet. Wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android are offered, and the system supports simultaneous connections to two phones. Monitoring and managing the car remotely using a smartphone app is also standard. A GPS, wireless charging pad and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon luxury music system are included when upgrading to the Plus grade.
We are pleased to have physical buttons for the temperature settings and like how neatly the on-screen menus are structured for ease of use. Because the touchscreen buttons are so tiny, using them correctly while driving requires extra focus. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system from Stellantis runs on Android and has Amazon Alexa, which understands orders spoken in a natural voice and makes operation even more accessible.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The Dodge Hornet GT has a sizable under-floor storage compartment and can accommodate up to 27 cubic feet of stuff behind the back seats. When the seats are folded flat to the floor, the volume increases to 54.7 cubic feet. The 60/40 split-folding back chairs also include a central pass-through for longer items, making them spacious for subcompact SUVs. The batteries in the plug-in hybrid R/T lower capacity to 22.9 and 50.5 cubic feet, which are roughly typical for the class. The hold on the Honda is 24.4 cubic feet, the VW is 24.9, and the Hyundai is just 19.2 cubic feet. It is 55.1, 60.2, and 45.8 cubes with the rear seats folded down.
Front-seat passengers can access medium-sized cupholders, door pockets, a rubberized tray for their phone, and a tiny but deep centre armrest bin for minor stuff. While there will be plenty of room for your belongings, some SUVs provide more.
Design: Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet’s external styling is one of its outstanding features. Although the Alfa Romeo Tonale inspired its general design, Dodge’s forceful scowl is boldly shown in a modernized form on the unique grille. With a variety of Dodge’s signature colourful paint colours, it stands out significantly amid its somewhat dull competition. Another notable back-end feature is the full-width taillight, reminiscent of the Porsche Macan.
The Tonale’s interior is substantially identical to the Hornet’s, which is advantageous. Compared to other high-tech interiors that primarily rely on enormous tablet displays, the dash has a more conventional design. The SUV’s materials quality is somewhat higher than the class average, and it leans toward the entry-level luxury end of the luxury spectrum with well-grained and soft-touch materials. The R/T’s huge metal shift paddles, which are attached to the column rather than the wheel and give the Hornet a very sporty attitude, are something we especially appreciate.
The Dodge Hornet 2023: Is It Worth It?
Waiting until summer to purchase the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T ($41,590) is advised since performance, or at least the appearance of performance is the Hornet’s key selling point. Your trips to the petrol station may decrease if you have a short commute and access to chargers since it seems faster on paper. We’d also upgrade to the Plus trim ($44,995) to acquire the additional tech and convenience features. We’d avoid the Track Pack and its wider wheels, which tend to make the ride stiffer.
But the Hornet R/T isn’t inexpensive. The beginning price for the standard GT is $31,590 (plus $1,595 in destination costs), while the starting price for the Plus is $34,995. It is more expensive than the BMW X1, which is a better car to drive and has a more upscale interior. Although the Hyundai Kona N costs a few thousand dollars less and is more enjoyable, the harsh plastic interior may put some off. However, it makes the Tonale challenging to sell since the base model of the Italian SUV costs $42,995. The Hornet is a pricey, fashionable SUV that needs crisper and more responsive performance.
How Much Will Insurance for a 2023 Dodge Hornet Cost?
We don’t have enough information on insurance rates for the 2023 Dodge Hornet since it is a brand-new car. Still, we anticipate that a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record would pay an annual premium that starts at $2,200 on average across all 50 states. Similar SUVs are found in the same price range. Owners of the BMW X1 may spend $2,175 annually, compared to $1,938 for the Hyundai Kona N and slightly under $1,800 for the more affordable Honda HR-V.
Verdict
Although its performance is lacking, the 2018 Dodge Hornet’s aggressive appearance stands out in a bland class of subcompact SUVs. It still offers a better driving experience than many competitors and offers a plug-in hybrid variant, the R/T, with a 30-mile pure battery range. However, this comes at a price, both monetarily and in terms of comfort. The Hornet is quite similar to the Alfa Romeo Tonale in design, yet both car companies (members of the Stellantis family) guarantee distinctive experiences. Apart from certain stylistic decisions and the Hornet’s reduced price, we’re not convinced there’s much difference. Nevertheless, the Hornet is a pricey, luxurious SUV whose performance may need improvement.
