Eventually, the 2023 Dodge Hornet small SUV surfaced. Based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the 2023 Dodge Hornet will come in two variations. The Alfa Romeo Tonale and the new Hornet will both be produced in Italy.
The plug-in hybrid Hornet R/T will be the star model. It has a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 121-horsepower electric motor at the rear axle. The Dodge Hornet R/T has a total output of +285 horsepower and 519 Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission works in tandem with the 1.3-liter engine to provide power to all four wheels.
The 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and starter generator used by Dodge in the Hornet R/T help the vehicle respond dynamically and recharge the battery.
On EV mode, it can drive up to 48 kilometers. Additionally, the Hornet R/T has an exciting "PowerShot" feature that gives an additional 25 horsepower for up to 15 seconds. According to Dodge, the sprint to 96 km/h takes just 6.1 seconds, saving an entire second.
The Dodge Hornet GT is the second model, which is the base model. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Hurricane4 engine from the manufacturer with 268 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. It has an impressive nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. This model has a 96 km/h top speed in 6.5 seconds.
There are also three hybrid driving modes available. The engine and motor work together to produce the most efficiency in "Hybrid Mode," the default setting. In "Electric Mode," the SUV only uses electric power; in "E-Save Mode," the 1.3-liter engine takes precedence in order to preserve battery life. There is also regenerative braking included.
The automaker has also introduced the Hornet GT GLH Concept to provide a sneak peek at the wide range of Direct Connection parts that are available for the SUV. In developing the Hornet GT GLH Concept, Dodge was inspired by the 1980s Omni GLH, which stands for "Goes Like Hell," and finished it in black with a variety of striking red highlights.
The GT sports smaller 17-inch Silver alloy wheels whereas the Hornet R/T rides on larger 18-inch Graphite Grey alloys as standard. Both variations can be ordered with the Blacktop option, which includes gloss black painted day light opening moldings, 18-inch Abyss alloy wheels, and gloss black badging and mirror covers. Additionally, a track package with 20-inch wheels and several performance enhancements, such as dual-stage valve suspension with adjustable damping, has been introduced.
Both R/T and GT models include a number of significant features as standard equipment or as options. These include brake-by-wire intelligent braking system for the R/T model, Brembo four-piston front brake calipers that are standard on the R/T and available on the GT, and Koni frequency selectable damping shocks.
Additionally, both versions include fully independent front and rear suspension as well as dynamic torque vectoring.
The Hornet GT GLH Concept stands out thanks to a number of unique features as well. These include Direct Connection GLH 20-inch painted and machine-faced wheels, Direct Connection GLH graphics with stripes and logos, and black-painted lower trim with a distinctive rear fascia. The suspension lowering package lowers the ride by more than an inch.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet's cockpit houses a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Other notable features include the fact that the Uconnect system is Android-based and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For the GT Plus and R/T Plus variants, a Harman-Kardon premium audio system with 14 speakers and 465 watts of power is also an option, and wireless charging is included as well.
Several security features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane Support System, and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Path, are included as standard. Along with Intelligent Speed Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Assist, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lateral Control/Lane Support with Lane Control, and Traffic Jam Assist, the optional Tech Pack enhances Level 2 autonomous driving.
According to Dodge, the Hornet GT will be available for $29,995 before destination, while the R/T will start at $39,995 before destination. The prices for the offered choices and package options have not yet been disclosed.