The Dodge Hornet is an all-new compact SUV, the Dodge brand’s first entry in this class since the demise of the Nitro in 2012. Based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale (scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in 2023), the Hornet promises to be one of the sportiest competitors in its segment. Its closest rival is the turbocharged Mazda CX-5.
As of this writing, information is a bit limited on the specific features for each trim. What we know is this: The 2023 Dodge Hornet will be available in GT and plug-in hybrid R/T forms, and each will have a Plus variant with more premium features.
A Hurricane4 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers the Hornet GT. Dodge estimates it will make 265 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful gas engine in this class.
The Hornet R/T model uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain rated at 285 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Dodge says it will have an all-electric range of over 30 miles, although the EPA hasn’t yet reported its fuel efficiency numbers.
The Hornet GT uses a 9-speed automatic transmission; the Hornet R/T employs a 6-speed automatic. Every Dodge Hornet comes standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD).
We expect the 2023 Dodge Hornet to start at under $30,000. All pricing figures below are our estimates. We’ll update you when official pricing is released.
2023 Dodge Hornet GT (starting at $29,995, estimated)
The Dodge Hornet GT offers good performance and modern tech features at an affordable price. It benefits from Sport Mode, Koni shock absorbers, and enhanced body rigidity.
The standard Uconnect 5 infotainment system has a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-connected phone profile support, and Amazon Alexa. Other standard tech features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, passive entry, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear seat reminder system.
Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.
One option package we’re excited about is the Track Pack. The Track Pack adds 20-inch wheels, Alcantara seats with embroidered Dodge logos, and an available dual-stage-valve suspension for driver-selectable damping.
A Tech Pack also adds adaptive cruise control, driver-attention assist, traffic sign recognition, lane-centering, and traffic jam assist.
With its estimated price of $29,995 and an expected destination charge of $1,595, the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT will cost about $31,950. You will have a starting monthly payment of about $568, assuming a 60-month loan with 3% interest and no trade-in or down payment. See 2023 Dodge Hornet GT models for sale
2023 Dodge Hornet GT includes:
Hurricane4 turbocharged engine: Dodge says this engine makes a class-leading 265 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
22.5 inches of screen space: The standard infotainment system features a 10.25-inch display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Standard torque-vectoring AWD: This AWD system improves all-weather traction and performance on dry pavement.
2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus (starting at $34,995, estimated )
The Hornet GT Plus trim retains the turbocharged engine of the GT model but adds more premium features. A few standard features on the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus trim include leather seating, a Harman Kardon 14-speaker audio system, and a wireless charging pad.
Other features for the Hornet GT Plus include a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate, but it’s unclear whether these features will be standard or optional.
We expect the Track Pack and Tech Pack to be optional on the GT Plus trim, along with red leather seats.
With its estimated price of $34,995 and an expected destination charge of $1,595, the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT will cost about $36,590. You will have a starting monthly payment of about $657, assuming a 60-month loan with 3% interest and no trade-in or down payment. See 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus models for sale
2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus includes:
Leather seating: Leather seats add a premium feel to the Hornet interior.
Harman Kardon audio: This 14-speaker, 465-watt premium audio system is a significant upgrade over the stock sound system.
Wireless charging: No more fussing with wires to keep your phone charged.
2023 Dodge Hornet R/T (starting at $36,995, estimated)
The 2023 Dodge Hornet R/T uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain that boosts performance up to 285 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates aren’t out yet, but Dodge says the Hornet PHEV will be capable of traveling over 30 miles on electricity alone.
In addition to a Sport mode, the Hornet R/T has three hybrid drive modes: Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save. Hybrid is the standard drive mode, Electric allows for all-electric driving as long as there’s juice in the battery, and E-Save relies more on the gas engine if you’d like to save the electric range for later.
Additional standard performance features include Brembo brakes, a brake-by-wire system for consistent brake pedal feel, dual-exit exhaust, and PowerShot. With PowerShot, you get an extra 25 horsepower for 15 seconds, which cuts a full second off the Hornet R/T’s 0-60 mph time.
Other than that, the standard feature content of the R/T model is similar to the GT trim. The same Track Pack and Tech Pack options are also available.
The Hornet R/T PHEV should have a starting monthly payment of about $693 if you arrange a 60-month loan at 3% interest with no money down. See 2023 Dodge Hornet R/T models for sale
2023 Dodge Hornet R/T includes:
Plug-in hybrid powertrain: This high-performance hybrid powertrain makes 285 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Who said hybrids have to be boring?
PowerShot: This feature gives the Hornet some extra sting by unlocking an additional 25 horsepower for 15 seconds.
Brembo brakes: These high-performance Italian brakes provide confident braking in spirited driving conditions.
2023 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus (starting at $41,995, estimated)
Like the Hornet GT Plus, the Hornet R/T Plus builds on the plug-in hybrid Hornet R/T with more premium features. We expect it to come with the same features as the GT Plus but with the R/T’s powertrain and performance upgrades.
Assuming a 60-month loan with 3% interest and no money down, the Hornet R/T Plus should start at about $783/month, assuming our price estimate is accurate. See 2023 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus models for sale
2023 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus includes:
Optional red leather seats: Red leather is a rarity in this class and adds sportiness and luxury to the Hornet’s interior.
Harman Kardon audio: Hear your music how it was meant to be heard with this 14-speaker premium audio system.
Wireless charging: A wireless charging pad is a convenient feature for anyone with a compatible smartphone.
