2023 Dodge Hornet First Look Review: Dodge Dynamite
The 2023 Dodge Hornet is a revival of an old nameplate and a new entry into the compact crossover segment from the Detroit-based brand. Built as one of the first models from Dodge available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain option, the Hornet will share underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Jeep Compass in the form of the FCA Small US Wide (SUSW) 4x4 platform. Dodge says the Hornet, a compact utility vehicle (CUV), is a gateway product to the brand's powerful vehicles, bringing more standard horsepower to the table than rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Two models, including a plug-in hybrid, both make well over 250 hp, even though the Hornet starts at under $30,000. As part of Dodge's plan to expand its brand beyond large V6 and V8-powered muscle machines and enter a new era of electrified mobility, the Hornet looks destined to be a big seller.
When Is The 2023 Dodge Hornet Coming Out?
Depending on the trim, the 2023 Dodge Hornet will be coming out at different times. In GT form, the Dodge Hornet's release date in the USA is in August 2022 before it reaches dealers in December 2022. The Hornet R/T, meanwhile, will be arriving in spring 2023.
2023 Dodge Hornet Price And Competition
At a cost of $29,995, the price of the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT is attractive considering its 268-hp output. The better-equipped GT Plus goes for $34,995. Next is the more powerful Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which starts at an MSRP of $39,995. In Plus specification, it costs $44,995.
Rivals will include the Mazda CX-5, a compact crossover that is renowned for its fun driving dynamics. For the Hornet PHEV, the model to beat will be the Toyota RAV4 Prime which can achieve a longer all-electric range and makes over 300 hp.
New Dodge Hornet Exterior
The brand's characteristic design language has been applied to the Dodge Hornet's exterior. This can be seen in aspects like the hood's integrated heat extractors and the mail slot-style grille opening. Along the sides are matte black molded-in-color lower cladding and valances. At the back, the Hornet R/T has dual exhaust outlets, and both models feature a full-width taillight with an illuminated Dodge Rhombi logo in the middle. The latter is a first for any Dodge.
The Hornet R/T comes with 18-inch Graphite Grey alloy wheels as standard, while the GT has 17-inch Silver alloys. Both trims can be specified with a Blacktop Package that adds 18-inch Abyss alloys, Gloss Black badging, Gloss Black mirror caps, and a Gloss Black painted daylight opening molding.
The full spectrum of Dodge Hornet colors includes Acapulco Gold, Blue Steele, Blu Bayou, Gray Cray, Hot Tamale, Q Ball, and 8 Ball. For the sportiest appearance, there is a Track Pack package with 20-inch wheels.
Dimensions
The Dodge Hornet's exact dimensions are very similar to those of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. It measures 178 inches in length, 82 inches wide including the mirrors, and has a 103.8-inch wheelbase. Whereas the GT is 63.8 inches tall and has eight inches of ground clearance, the sportier R/T is 63 inches tall and with just 6.1 inches of ground clearance. Unsurprisingly, the PHEV is heavier at a fairly portly 4,140 pounds, whereas the gas-only GT weighs 3,715 lbs.
Dodge Hornet Engine and Performance
Just because it fits into the value-conscious compact crossover segment, Dodge hasn't saddled the Hornet with some wheezy powertrain. The Dodge Hornet's engine lineup starts with the gas-only GT model's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine nicknamed Hurricane4. Producing 268 hp (with premium fuel) and 295 lb-ft of torque, it provides plenty of punch for a sub-$30,000 crossover. Dodge claims that the GT will be able to complete the 0-60 mph sprint in 6.5 seconds. This Hornet model comes with a fully electronic nine-speed automatic transmission but both the GT and R/T feature all-wheel drive.
The 2023 Hornet R/T combines a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with a 90-kW electric induction motor that powers the rear axle. Dodge says that this electric motor makes 184 lb-ft which should help the Hornet PHEV reach 60 mph in only 6.1 seconds. The R/T's peak outputs are 288 hp and 383 lb-ft combined, and the hybrid powertrain is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. There aren't many six-speed automatics around these days, so it'll be interesting to see how it compares to the more typical eight-speeders on the market.
Dodge's ability to appeal to enthusiasts is evident in features like the GT's Sport Mode which quickly sharpens throttle responses, stiffens the suspension, and optimizes gear changes. The R/T PHEV comes with a PowerShot function that temporarily provides a 25-hp boost for 15 seconds. After a 15-second cool-down period, the function can be used again. Being a PHEV, there is a fully electric driving mode.
Along with the spirited engines, the new Dodge Hornet crossover comes with several class-exclusive features for sharper handling and driving dynamics. That includes standard Koni frequency selective damping shocks, Brembo four-piston front fixed calipers on the R/T, and an available dual-stage-valve suspension.
Dodge has also teased a GLH, or Goes Like Hell, variant based on the GT with performance parts that will be available through Dodge dealerships.
Gas Mileage/Range, Charging, Battery Life
The big news here is the 30-mile all-electric range that Dodge has claimed for the Hornet R/T PHEV. Unfortunately, EPA ratings aren't available so we don't have mpg or MPGe ratings for the Hornet just yet. The PHEV's 15.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack can attain a full state of charge in about 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger. The Hornet PHEV doesn't match the Toyota RAV4 PHEV's 42-mile all-electric range, though, and the Toyota achieves an impressive 94 MPGe combined.
The non-hybrid Hornet will be compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-5 turbo's 22/27/24 mpg city/highway/combined.
Dodge Hornet Interior and Cargo
No compact crossover will win awards in this area, but the Dodge Hornet's interior should provide reasonable comfort for a family of four. We'll have to wait and see if three passengers can sit comfortably in the second row.
Dodge seems to be particularly proud of the technology inside the Hornet, which comes with a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a standard 10.25-inch central display running Uconnect 5 software. From experience, we know that the Uconnect system is one of the easiest to operate. The digital driver's display is highly customizable with special Sport Mode gauges or three hybrid drive mode displays for the PHEV.
On GT Plus and R/T Plus models, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is standard, as is wireless charging. Regardless of the trim, every Hornet comes with rain-sensing wipers, a lane support system, blind-spot detection, and rear parking sensors.
Elsewhere inside, the center stack controls and screen are gently tipped toward the driver, and there is a performance-oriented flat-bottom steering wheel. The Dodge Hornet's seats are also sporty, with available Alcantara upholstery and standard leather on Plus variants. Red leather upholstery is available, too.
Trunk volume specs are reasonable for the gas-only GT but less impressive for the R/T PHEV. The Dodge Hornet's cargo space measures 27 cubic feet behind the second row for the GT, increasing to 54.7 cubes when the rear seats are folded. In the R/T PHEV that has to accommodate additional electric components at the back, those numbers drop to 22.9 and 50.5 cubes, respectively.