The 2023 Dodge Hornet aims to bring muscle-car dynamics to the compact SUV segment and comes with a powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo and a plug-in hybrid.
On Monday, Dodge announced its exit from the ICE game and laid out a detailed plan regarding its electric future. And the iconic brand made an electrifying start with the launch of the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet compact SUV with an available plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Notably, this will be Dodge’s first attempt at anything electric, as the brand is generally associated with muscle cars and sports cars. For the SUV, though, the company took inspiration from the Alfa Romeo Tonale and gave it its ‘fast’ flavor. Yes, unlike the compact crossover segment, which mainly focuses on range/fuel consumption, safety, and space — the Hornet aims to have all this, plus speed!
Visually, the crossover is all Tonale, except its nose, which resembles the soon-to-be discontinued Charger and Durango. The Hornet will be available in two trims; the GT trim receives 17-inch silver alloy wheels, while the PHEV R/T rides 18-inch Graphite Grey alloy wheels. For both, a mail-slot grille opening and heat extractors integrated into the hood stay constant along with a signature style full-width stretching taillamp. For the first time, Dodge adds a lit-up ‘Rhombi’ logo to welcome its electrified range.
Dodge will offer two powertrain options, both paired with an AWD drivetrain. The GT trim packs a ‘Hurricane4’ turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, good for 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to sharper throttle response, optimized upshifts, tighter steering, and electronic limited-slip differential, this engine propels the Hornet to 60 mph in a mere 6.5 seconds before maxing out at an electronically limited top speed of 140 mph.
Next, the R/T Plug-In Hybrid model hosts a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder powering the front wheels, working in tandem with a 90-kW (121 hp) electric motor on the rear wheels. The result is a combined output of 285-plus horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
As a result, the Hornet PHEV reaches 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and achieves 128 mph (electronically limited). Now, that’s quick for a compact SUV, but it trails the 302-hp RAV4 Prime PHEV, which can hit 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
However, Dodge has an ace up its sleeve; the R/T-exclusive PowerShot feature provides a short boost of power and torque by optimizing the battery and electric motor systems. A 25 HP boost is available for 15 seconds when the driver pulls both paddle shifters and performs a pedal kick down. As a result, the 0-60 mph time decreases to 6.1 seconds, which is more in tune with its rivals.
Meanwhile, a 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides 30 miles of EV-only range, according to Dodge. Again, this is good but not earth-shattering. Moreover, a 7.4-kW charging module means a level 2 charger fully charges the battery in 2.5 hours.
Dodge Hornet’s cabin comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Uconnect5 software. Unsurprisingly, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard. Dodge also includes driver-aid systems on both trims, such as automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
However, the most impressive part is the price — the Hornet is a very affordable compact SUV. Without destination fees, the gas-only GT trim starts at $29,995, whereas the PHEV R/T commands a higher $39,995 price but will enjoy tax credit as a PHEV. Orders will open for GT models from August 17 onwards, and deliveries will commence in December.
Gallery: 2023 Dodge Hornet
