The brand-new 2023 Dodge Hornet is the quickest, fastest, and most powerful compact utility vehicle (CUV) available for under $30,000.
With Dodge’s combination of muscular appearance wrapped around best-in-class standard performance from a multi-energy powertrain roster and a swarm of class-exclusive performance features, the 2023 Dodge Hornet reshapes the rapidly expanding CUV category.
The all-new Dodge Hornet R/T is the first electrified performance car, and it marks the beginning of the Dodge brand’s electrified vehicle.
The Dodge Hornet is ready to shake up the popular compact utility vehicle sector with undeniably Dodge’s look, feel, and performance.
With aggressive Dodge styling, the most power in the segment from their multi-energy lineup, the best driving dynamics, a full lineup of segment-exclusive performance features, the best standard technology, as well as available Direct Connection factory-backed performance upgrades, Hornet shakes up the status quo.
Dodge brand has just begun the journey toward electrification.
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Is Dodge Bringing Back the Hornet?
Dodge is bringing back the Hornet nameplate and it is going to debut as a brand-new model in 2023. The subcompact SUV brings in a new age of electrified vehicles for Dodge and shares many components with the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
The Hornet will be the smallest vehicle offered by Dodge, fitting into their lineup.
As the brand’s first compact SUV and plug-in hybrid, the Hornet will replace the midsize Durango SUV in Dodge’s current lineup. The all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet hopes to draw in more buyers without the bulky HEMI.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet Is Being Offered In 2 Trim Levels
Dodge Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- With over 285 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, it will be the most potent utility vehicle in its class. A 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery also allows for an all-electric range of more than 30 miles.
- With its class-exclusive, on-demand PowerShot function, the Hornet R/T PHEV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
- The R/T comes equipped with 18-inch Graphite Grey alloys, front fixed brakes with the Dodge logo, dual exhaust, steering-mounted paddle shifters, and more.
- Three hybrid driving modes are available for the R/T: Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save.
Dodge Hornet GT, fueled by the Hurricane4 engine
- With 265+ horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder.
- Under $30,000, the industry’s quickest, strongest utility vehicle
- With Sport Mode, you can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds thanks to a sharper throttle, optimized upshifts, tighter steering, and an electronically controlled slip differential.
- 17-inch silver alloy wheels
A “murder Hornet”-inspired car is brought to life with a Blacktop package, which is offered for both R/T and GT. It achieves a blacked-out look by adding:
- 18-inch Abyss alloy wheels
- Gloss Black badging and mirror caps
- Gloss Black painted daylight opening (DLO) molding
Available for both R/T and GT, the Track Pack kit offers the most performance-oriented configuration and upgrades to 20-inch Abyss wheels, with additional interior and performance features.
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Interior
The performance interior adheres to the driver-focused design that is a trademark of the Dodge brand vehicle portfolio on the inside.
Subtly “pointed” toward the driver, the center stack controls, display screens, and more put the driver in the cockpit in the center of the action.
A wrapped and stitched mid-bolster that continues through the instrument panel and achieves a cross-car read gives the instrument panel a lighter appearance while adding visual width.
The black inside of the Hornet features red stitching elements that are standard, notably on the mid-bolster, seats, and armrest.
Accents on the center switches and vents add a thin, technical accent that improves the interior’s performance appearance.
Steering Wheel
On the accent-painted finish console, the ignition control is prominently located.
The flat-bottom performance steering wheel has a button that allows drivers to select between Sport and Standard drive modes for the GT and hybrid driving modes for the R/T.
This keeps the driver engaged with the vehicle and puts additional performance controls at their fingertips.
Seats
Alcantara seats, which are class-exclusive and come with an embroidered Dodge Rhombi emblem as part of the Track Pack option, are among the premium interior accents.
The special “red crust” features on the racing-themed Alcantara seats visually pop out and then fade away, emphasizing the distinctive Alcantara seat perforation.
The GT Plus and R/T Plus come standard with leather seats, and Dodge made sure to offer optional red leather seats for customers looking for extra Dodge attitude inside.
2023 Dodge Hornet Powertrain
The R/T PHEV features 285-plus horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Stellantis Global Small Engine (GSE) family’s exclusive third-generation MultiAir technology, which enhances combustion efficiency by altering valve lift and timing, is used in the R/1.3-liter T’s turbocharged all-aluminum engine.
Battery
The 2023 Dodge Hornet R/T has an all-electric range of more than 30 miles. The rear axle is driven by an electric induction motor with a 90-kW output that can produce 184 lb.-ft. (250 Nm) of torque at zero rpm.
A 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that has a refrigerant gas cooling circuit to keep the battery at the right temperature further optimizes power.
The engine belt receives thrust from a starting generator, which helps with dynamic responsiveness and battery recharge.
Using a Level 2 charger, a full battery charge may be achieved in about 2.5 hours thanks to a high-power inverter and a 7.4-kW charging module.
The six-speed automatic transmission is paired with the R/T PHEV system.
Performance Mode
The Hornet R/T PHEV has a performance-focused Sport Mode that can be engaged by pressing a dedicated button on the center console.
This mode enables a sharper throttle, an optimized shift pattern, access to the hybrid system’s power and torque, and a more responsive steering wheel.
PowerShot
The class-exclusive PowerShot feature of the Hornet R/T PHEV maintains additional “sting” in reserve, ready to be released through a burst of 25 horsepower and instant torque.
Only the R/T can use the PowerShot feature:
- Activates by pulling both steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and performing a pedal kick down
- The System checks battery charge and temperature levels before performing the PowerShot function
- Provides 15 seconds of extra horsepower, and can be repeated after a 15-second cooldown period
- When activated, a PowerShot symbol in the instrument cluster provides real-time feedback to the driver
Dodge Hornet Hybrid Modes
The Hornet R/T PHEV can be adjusted by drivers to best suit their driving requirements by choosing one of three hybrid operating modes.
Available driving modes include the following and are controlled by a dedicated button conveniently situated on the steering wheel:
- Hybrid Mode: This mode maximizes the efficiency of the conventional engine and the electric motor while reducing fuel consumption by giving electric priority until a minimum battery level is met
- Electric Mode: Provides an all-electric, zero-emission mode and automatically switches to hybrid when the battery is depleted or when extra power is requested by the driver.
- E-Save Mode prioritizes the use of the conventional engine to preserve battery charge. It offers a passive option to maintain the battery charge and an active charging option to help recharge the battery.
Braking
The Hornet R/T PHEV also utilizes regenerative braking, which recovers kinetic energy and stores it in the battery for later use, as well as an e-Coasting function, which is initiated upon throttle release, to provide more energy recovery and shorter stopping distances.
Standard all-wheel drive comes with both powertrains.
The 1.3-liter engine that powers the front axle and the electric motor that powers the rear wheels are instantly switched out by the Hornet R/T PHEV all-wheel drive system to give all four wheels the best possible grip and handling.
2023 Dodge Hornet Gallery Images
Conclusion
While other subcompact SUVs offer a more upscale experience, the 2023 Dodge Hornet takes a sportier appearance. We will have to wait and see if it will deliver on its performance promise.