The 2023 Hornet is the first all-new vehicle from Dodge in about 10 years — remember the Dart? Yeah, that’s the last one. Other than that, Dodge had poured its soul into Hemifying the Durango, Charger and Challenger – all of which have an imminent end day in their current iterations.
My point: The 2023 Hornet is a big deal.
In addition to being new, it is a bridge vehicle as Dodge begins to transition into electrification.
The Dodgeness of the 2023 Hornet
Let’s get this elephant out of the way: Yes, the 2023 Dodge Hornet is built on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Yes, it is also built in Italy. And, yes, there are definitely some design similarities – inside and out.
But. Dodge has worked hard to give it a unique flair. From the red stitching on the dash and door panels to the logoed rear light bar, the Hornet has Dodge looks. Plus, this compact SUV has some nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics as well as a standard Koni suspension that give it a Dodge feel.
Where the dominoes fall, however, is in the rumbly sound that comes with being a Dodge. While there isn’t a Hemi here – nope you’ve got some turbo 4s – it just seems like Dodge could have done something here with engine tuning or (heck) piped-in sound.
I know that’s blasphemy in the enthusiast world, but the lack of a rumble is noticeable – and missed.
And while the death of the Hemi is sad, it is what it is. If the all-electric Banshee concept can get a rumbly “exhaust” note, why can’t the Hornet?
Gas vs PHEV
One of the primary differences between the Tonale and the Hornet will be the fact that the Dodge product gets a gas-only version. The Alfa does not. It’s also worth noting the gas-only GT model is a 2023 model and will be available within the next couple weeks, and the plug-in hybrid R/T is a 2024 model and will be available by summer.
The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo is surprisingly well powered. With 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the GT model feels fairly zippy under aggressive accelerations.
The R/T is equipped with a 1.3-liter turbo mated to the PHEV powertrain. Horsepower only increases by 20 in this model, but torque jumps up to 383 pound-feet. Plus, you get 30 miles of all-electric range.
The R/T certainly has a little more pep than the GT – especially when you are in electric only mode, but I’ll be honest, I kinda liked the GT model’s power equation better. The advantage of the R/T, however, is going to be that all-electric range – which is huge for people in an urban environment and a short commute. But, is that worth a $10k premium?
Pricing
Speaking of pricing, the GT model is well priced at a base level starting at $31,590, including destination. The up-level GT Plus starts at $36,590. The R/T adds exactly $10k on top of those prices.
But here’s the thing, with the new Inflation Reduction Act, the R/T model should qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, which makes it a much more attractive proposition.
On top of the base pricing, there are four packages you can add to both the GT and R/T models:
- Plus ($5,000): Adds leather, navigation, wireless charging, premium audio.
- Blacktop ($1,995 GT, $1,595 R/T): Adds 18-inch wheels, sinister black “murder hornet” look with black accents.
- Track pack ($2,995 GT, $2,595 R/T): Adds 20-inch wheels, performance seats, Brembo brakes, signature red Dodge calipers
- Tech pack ($2,245): Adds things like level-2 (hands-on) autonomous driving mode, active driving assist, park assist and 360-camera as well as forward and side sensors.
2023 Hornet standard tech
While there are packages available, the great thing about the 2023 Hornet is the standard stuff you get at the base price. This includes the 12.3-inch digital driver cluster and 10.25-inch highly-configurable infotainment screen. Though navigation is an option, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The marriage-saving dual-zone climate control is also standard.
Plus, when you look at safety tech, Dodge has done something interesting: It has included things that are normally options on non-luxury vehicles. The two big standard features you don’t pay extra for: blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
A few thumbs-down things
While there is a lot to like on the 2023 Hornet – including wireless CarPlay/Auto and a PHEV option – there are still a few things Dodge needs to work on.
I’ll start with the wireless charger. This is an option, and it’s not worth a single dollar you pay for it. In fact, Dodge should pay you money to add it. My phone overheated after about a half hour, and the charging turned on and off as my phone moved around on the pad. If automakers can’t do this right, they shouldn’t do it at all.
Another optional feature I felt very “ish” about was the steer-assist function. This is a hands-on system, and it’s a little aggressive. I found that I had to fight against the steering wheel a few times, and I didn’t like that.
Finally, and this is a relatively small thing, I didn’t like the position of the audio volume controls. Instead of having it on the center stack next to the screen, it’s on the console area to the left of the gear shift, which means my front passenger has better access to it than I do. While I do have redundant steering wheel controls, it bothers me that my front passenger (aka my husband) could easily mess with my music – especially with the swipeable large infotainment display within arm’s reach.
The bottom line
The 2023 Dodge Hornet is a good vehicle. And once you get over the fact it doesn’t have a Hemi – and no new Dodge vehicle ever will again – it’s a good fresh start for the Dodge brand. I like the PHEV option. I like the gas powertrain. I like the included tech. And, overall, I like the price tag.
So, the question is, will the Dodge faithful like it, or is a completely new buyer about to swarm the brand?
Editor’s note: Driving impressions in this “First Drive” review are from an invitation-only automaker launch event that allowed special access to the vehicle and executives. Dodge covered our accommodations, meals and transportation costs.
