The Dodge brand of Auburn Hills’ Stellantis has debuted the 2023 Dodge Hornet, which it says is the quickest, fastest, and most powerful compact utility vehicle (CUV) with a price tag under $30,000.
The all-new Hornet was revealed yesterday at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, with three vehicles showcasing the Dodge brand’s new entry in the CUV segment: the Dodge Hornet R/T; the Dodge Hornet GT, the industry’s quickest, most powerful utility vehicle under $30,000; and the Dodge Hornet GT GLH Concept, which showcases available Direct Connection performance parts upgrades for the newest entry in the four-car Dodge vehicle lineup.
“The Dodge brand’s electrified transformation has left the starting line, with the all-new Dodge Hornet R/T representing the first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge,” says Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand CEO. “The Dodge Hornet is poised to jolt the mainstream compact utility vehicle segment with looks, feel, and performance that are unmistakably Dodge.
“Hornet shakes up the status quo with aggressive Dodge styling, the most power in the segment from our multi-energy lineup, the best driving dynamics, a full lineup of segment-exclusive performance features, the best standard technology, as well available Direct Connection factory-backed performance upgrades. And this is just the start of the Dodge brand’s electrification journey.”
On the vehicle’s exterior, the hood features integrated heat extractors for a performance-focused appearance while the front also incorporates a mail slot-style grille opening sculpted into the fascia.
Integrating into the lines of the bodyside are the matte black molded-in color lower cladding and valances. The Hornet R/T has unique new Abyss painted lower cladding and rear valance with integrated dual exhaust ports.
At the rear, the taillamp extends the width of the vehicle and features a lighted red signature, as well as an illuminated Dodge Rhombi logo in the center — featured for the first time on a Dodge vehicle — identifying from a distance that it’s a Dodge.
A unique new exterior Hornet badge on the fender celebrates the revival of the Hornet — a name first used on the famed Hudson Hornet in the 1950s and again in 2006 as a popular Dodge concept vehicle — and joins current iconic Dodge badging lineup, such as Scat Pack, Hellcat, and Hellcat Redeye.
Inside, center stack controls, display screens, and more are subtly angled toward the driver. The instrument panel utilizes a wrapped and stitched mid-bolster that extends through the panel and achieves a cross-car read, creating a lighter feeling while adding visual width. Red stitching accents, standard on Hornet, flow throughout the black interior, including on the mid-bolster, seats, and armrest.
Under the hood, the Hornet delivers best-in-class standard performance in both of its powertrain options, as well as a unique new PowerShot horsepower boost feature on the Dodge Hornet R/T, the brand’s first electrified performance vehicle.
The Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV achieves a segment-leading 285-plus horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T features a 1.3-liter turbocharged all-aluminum engine, part of the Stellantis Global Small Engine (GSE) family, which includes exclusive third generation MultiAir technology that improves combustion efficiency by adjusting valve lift and timing.
The Hornet R/T offers more than 30 miles of all-electric range. An electric induction motor powers the rear axle; the 90-kW electric motor can deliver 1,844 lb.-ft. (2,500 Nm) of torque from 0 rpm.
A Sport Mode for the Hornet R/T PHEV is performance focused and accessible by a dedicated button on the center console, unlocking a sharper throttle, optimized shift schedule, access to the hybrid system’s optimized power and torque, and a tighter steering wheel feel.
The Hornet R/T PHEV holds extra “sting” in reserve, ready to be unleashed through the PowerShot feature that provides a boost of 25 horsepower and delivers instant torque. This feature shaves a whole second off the 0 to 60 mph time and can be used in 15-second intervals of use and cooldown.
The Hornet R/T PHEV also works to replenish battery power with a regenerative braking feature that recovers kinetic energy and stores it in the battery for future deployment, as well as an e-Coasting function, activated during throttle release, that allows for shorter stopping distances and additional energy recovery.
The entry-level Dodge Hornet GT model is powered by the Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with direct fuel injection and engine stop-start technology, providing dynamic performance to the tune of 265-plus horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, combined with low emissions.
The Dodge brand’s Direct Connection parts portfolio will expand with performance products developed exclusively for the Hornet to give enthusiasts the keys to the only factory-backed performance upgrades in the segment. Direct Connection parts will also be available to upgrade the Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV.
The vehicle offers numerous safety features, including three levels of parking assistance with acoustic and visual warnings displayed on the 10.25-inch main screen. Standard features include four rear parking sensors along with a high-definition back-up camera with guidelines, with additional available parking assistance on the Tech Pack.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet will be built at the Giambattista Vico Stellantis plant in Pomigliano d’Arco, Naples, Italy. The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT will open for orders August 17, 2022. The Dodge Hornet GT will begin arriving in dealer showrooms in late 2022, with the Dodge Hornet R/T scheduled to hit showrooms in spring 2023.
