Dodge introduced the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet, delivering the quickest, fastest, most powerful compact utility vehicle (CUV) under $30,000. The 2023 Dodge Hornet disrupts the fast-growing CUV segment, building buzz with a distinctive Dodge combination of muscular styling wrapped around best-in-class standard performance from a multi-energy powertrain roster and a swarm of class-exclusive performance features. The all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet was revealed at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, with three vehicles showcasing the Dodge brand’s new entry in the CUV segment: the “Head of the Hive” 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 Hornet earns its spot in the brand’s vehicle lineup with distinctive Dodge DNA, including hood and front fascia design elements that bring to life the Dodge attitude. 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. The “mail slot” also reinforces the horizontal brow of the upper grille and lamp graphics – creating a serious, all-business demeanor. Flanked by two smaller inserts, these design elements telegraph a mission of performance and functionality while also delivering a muscular front-end appearance that follows the look of the Dodge vehicle lineup.
Inside, the performance interior follows the driver-focused design that is a calling card of the Dodge brand vehicle lineup. Center stack controls, display screens and more are subtly “tipped” toward the driver, putting the individual in the cockpit at the center of the action. The instrument panel utilizes a wrapped and stitched mid-bolster that extends through the instrument 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. Accents on the vents and center switches provide a slim, technical detail that enhances the performance appearance of the interior. Premium interior touches include class-exclusive Alcantara seats, with an embroidered Dodge Rhombi logo, included on the Track Pack option. The racing-oriented Alcantara seats feature unique “red crust” accents that visually burst out and gradually fade, highlighting the unique Alcantara seat perforation. Leather seating is standard for the GT Plus and R/T Plus, and Dodge made certain to offer optional red leather seats for those seeking more Dodge attitude on the inside. Ignition control is positioned prominently on the accent painted finish console. Additional performance controls are placed at the fingertips with a button on the performance-oriented flat-bottom steering wheel that enables drivers to choose between Sport and Standard drive modes for the GT and hybrid driving modes for the R/T, keeping the driver connected to the car.
Integrating into the muscular lines of the bodyside are the matte black molded-in color lower cladding and valances. The Hornet R/T receives unique new Abyss painted lower cladding and rear valance with integrated dual exhaust ports. Headlamp signature lighting offers an unmistakable, focused down-the-road read for Hornet, with LED reflectors and an illuminated daytime running light (DRL) signature. At the rear, the Hornet’s Dodge identity shines through. 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. The illuminated taillamp and Rhombi logo, while standard on the Hornet, also serves as a subtle nod to the electrified performance of the Hornet R/T PHEV model. 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. The rear R/T badge features a unique easter egg in relief that teases the model’s electrified nature. An additional exterior feature is an available external panel sunroof that gives the Hornet a fun, open-air feel.
The Dodge brand is holding nothing back as it enters the CUV segment: the all-new 2023 Dodge 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 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. Power is further optimized by a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, fitted with a refrigerant gas cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature. A starter generator delivers torque to the engine belt, aiding in dynamic response and recharging of the battery. A high-power inverter and 7.4-kW charging module allow for a full battery charge to be reached in approximately 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger. The R/T PHEV system is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV achieves a segment-leading 285-plus horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. 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. 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 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 Hornet GT also features a Sport Mode, easily reachable by a dedicated button on the steering wheel, that unlocks a sharper throttle, optimized shift schedule, access to full power and torque and a tighter steering wheel feel, and a stiffer suspension setting if equipped with Dual Stage Valve shocks, helping the GT move from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The entry-level Dodge Hornet GT model is the industry’s quickest, most powerful utility vehicle under $30,000. The GT is powered by the Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with direct fuel injection and engine stop-start technology, providing iconic dynamic performance to the tune of 265-plus horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, combined with low emissions. The engine is mated to a fully electronic nine-speed transmission. Both powertrains feature standard all-wheel drive. The Hornet R/T PHEV all-wheel drive system adjusts power automatically between the 1.3-liter engine that powers the front axle and the electric motor that drives the rear wheels, providing optimal traction and control to all four wheels.
