The 2023 Dodge Hornet is the brand's first all-new model in over a decade. That alone has created curiosity about the likable compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV). Still, there are other good reasons to consider what the Hornet is and what it means. In addition to being the first all-new Dodge in a long time, the Hornet also marks a significant departure for the brand. The Dodge Hornet R/T—a performance hybrid—is the first electrified Dodge in the brand's history. And though the Hornet relies on horsepower as one of its key differentiators, it is not a muscle machine in the same sense as its stablemates, the Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Durango.
Yes, the Dodge Hornet brings enticing doses of horsepower and the irreverence of the Powershot feature that releases 30 extra horsepower for occasional use. But based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale and built in Naples, Italy, the Hornet has a sophistication that the other Dodges in the garage lack—and frankly might sneer at. Beyond what it means to the Dodge brand, the Hornet is a breath of fresh air in a segment stuffed with lookalike-act-alike vehicles.
The Dodge Hornet will be available in two trim levels: GT and R/T. Dodge is releasing the Hornet GT as a 2023 model-year vehicle, while the Hornet R/T is due to arrive in showrooms later in 2023 as a 2024 model. Powered by the well-regarded Hurricane turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Hornet GT has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $31,590, including the $1,595 destination charge. The GT Plus adds a power-operated liftgate, sunroof, ventilated front seats, and other convenience and luxury items. It has a base price of $37,085.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T is not yet on sale but will come to market before the end of 2023. Powered by a hybrid drivetrain, it will be available in R/T and R/T Plus forms. The former will have a base MSRP of $41,590, while the more elaborately equipped R/T Plus will be $46,590.
The subject of this driving impression is a 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus equipped with the Tech Pack and the Track Pack. Highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, Brembo front brake calipers, a surround-view camera system, and a Level II active driving-assist system. The test vehicle had an MSRP of $41,810, including the $1,595 destination fee. Driving occurred at a Dodge-sponsored event in and around Asheville, North Carolina.
Like all compact SUVs, the 2023 Dodge Hornet is a handy size. Its interior is roomy enough for five adult passengers, and it offers a substantial amount of cargo space—much more than a 5-passenger midsize sedan. While these attributes apply to just about every compact crossover nowadays, the Hornet's interior goes to great lengths to emphasize the vehicle's essential "Dodgeness." As Senior Interior Designer Jack Liu told us, designers got their inspiration for the Hornet's instrument panel from the one in the Dodge Durango midsize SUV. The "driver-focused" design puts the biggest digital display screen—a 12.3-inch unit—right before the driver. Drivers can configure the screen, and it features crisp graphics.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
Continuing with the driver focus, the center stack controls, display screens, and vents angle toward the driver. Liu said he wanted everything a driver would need within easy reach. Red stitching on the dash, seats, and armrests makes it clear this isn't your average CUV.
Standard seats on GT and R/T trims use a combination of cloth and leatherette upholstery. Alcantara leather seats with suede-like texture are available with the Track Pack option. The test Hornet GT Plus treated occupants to power-adjustable, ventilated leather-covered seats. Red leather seats are available as well.
The Hornet has conveniently placed front and rear cupholders. And it offers a multiplicity of 12-volt electrical outlets—one in front of the conventional shifter, another in the center console, and a third in the cargo area. Dodge also fits the GT Plus trim with a wireless device-charging pad. The media hub up front has two USB ports; another pair of USB ports are standard for rear-seat passengers.
In front of the liftback, the Hornet provides an ample 27 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second-row seatbacks folded, the area grows to 54.7 cubic feet. Numbers aside, the new Hornet is a comfortable and convenient place to make miles disappear.
The Dodge Hornet employs the brand's new Android-based Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Brad Gieske, Dodge UX design chief, told us that a key goal for the Hornet's system was that the two displays work together seamlessly. For example, you can configure the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster screen to display navigation instructions. The centrally mounted 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment display facilitates personalization. Owners and family members can set and save music preferences, heat and ventilating settings, and seat positions. Occupants can connect two smartphones simultaneously, and Amazon Alexa integration facilitates easy and effective voice commands. Users can even use it to control Alexa-enabled at-home systems. The infotainment system has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity that worked flawlessly during the test drive.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
The 2023 Dodge Hornet offers a robust roster of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that equals or exceeds the norm in the segment. The optional ADAS also exceeds the offerings of most models in the class. For instance, as part of the Tech Pack, the Hornet offers active driving assist, a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Level II autonomous driving system. Its capabilities include speed assist, which detects the speed limit using traffic-sign recognition and allows the driver to adjust the speed easily. It also includes a driver monitoring system that detects fatigue and delivers warnings. Lane control and traffic-jam assist help keep the Hornet properly positioned, while adaptive cruise control takes care of speed and following distance. In my relatively brief test of this system, it worked well, performing the functions as advertised.
For $2,345, the optional Tech Pack is a worthwhile add-on. In addition to active driving assist and traffic-sign recognition, it includes side parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and parking assistance.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
The 2023 Dodge Hornet differs from most compact crossovers for its sheer fun to drive. That's what 268 standard horsepower and 295 pound-feet of standard torque will do for a vehicle. The even more positive news is that the Hornet's suspension and standard all-wheel-drive system are equally up to getting that power to the pavement. The Hornet GT delivers a winning combination of European-bred handling and ride comfort. Steering is reasonably quick, and body lean is at a minimum, something that was easy to test on the Great Smoky Mountain roads where we drove the Hornet GT. Braking was sure and fade-free.
The 2024 Hornet R/T, with which we spent a shorter amount of time, ups the horsepower quotient to 288 and allows drivers to push the Powershot button for an additional 30 short-term horsepower. That said, there is a lot to like about the all-around drivability of the turbocharged Hornet GT. In Plus trim at about $35,000, it is a premium-level offering that combines traditional Dodge muscularity with the brio of an internationally designed and Italian-built vehicle.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet is an intriguing and welcome addition to the immense compact SUV segment. It brings Dodge's attitude to a vehicle category that generally has almost none at all. At the same time, as the first all-new Dodge model in 10 years, it shifts the brand's image and points the way toward future Dodge vehicles. The plug-in hybrid 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T is the brand's first electrified vehicle and the more potent of the two Hornet variants. The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT keeps things simpler with its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine and an extensive list of available tech. Both variants deliver a premium feel that makes them worthy of consideration.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine and Kelley Blue Book and is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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