The new 2023 Dodge Hornet might be one of the most exciting new small crossover SUVs to hit the market. This new Dodge could be the right choice for your drive.
If we think logically, we would expect Dodge to simply rebadge the Jeep Compass to give us the new Hornet. Thankfully that’s not the case. Instead, the new Hornet shared a platform with the new Alfa Romeo Tonale. This gives us a Dodge SUV that should offer the fun and excitement we expect from this brand.
How Does this New SUV Make Things Exciting?
We don’t see many compact SUVs that reach the power levels we’ll see in the Hornet. This impressive subcompact SUV brings a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the market, which should deliver 265 horsepower. Instead of an underpowered base engine, this model will be the base offering. If you want an R/T model, you’ll find a PHEV that delivers 285 horsepower and 30 miles of electric driving range. That’s right; you can have your cake and eat it, too, with this new hybrid Dodge powertrain. Which version will you take out on the road?
This New SUV Marks a First for Dodge
You might not think there are many things we haven’t seen from Dodge except maybe an electric vehicle, but the new 2023 Dodge Hornet will be one of them. This new small SUV with its hybrid powertrain is a first for the brand, giving us a new SUV and tons of high-tech equipment. Because this SUV is a futuristic model, you should see a digital gauge display, a Uconnect 5 infotainment system, automatic emergency braking, and plenty of impressive safety gear. The Hornet is the first hybrid from Dodge, giving us an SUV that should spell excitement for a few years.
The Hornet is Necessary
Almost everything Dodge offers is aging, but that’s not truly the problem. With only three vehicles in the entire lineup, the Dodge brand needs to expand. At some point, and maybe we’re past it, the main four Stellantis brands need to be considered as one. Together, they make up one incredible lineup of vehicles, but separately, there isn’t much there, especially when you look at Chrysler. The new Hornet could be the perfect complement to the Durango, which continues to be one of the most interesting and powerful midsize SUVs in the market.
Will We See More Trims in the Future?
The base model of the new 2023 Dodge Hornet is the GT model, that should start around $30,000. The R/T PHEV model is the upgraded version of this SUV. If these two models catch on quickly, we should see more trims and features added in the future. The subcompact crossover market is littered with vehicles from nearly every brand, but we don’t have one from Dodge. With this new Hornet, we’ll finally have a small Dodge SUV to give us the power and performance worthy of the brand name.
Let’s Talk More About the Powertrains
We know the power output of each model of the Hornet, but there’s much more to what each of these powertrains brings to give you the drive you want. The base GT model, uses the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and it’s attached to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This version offers AWD as an option and brings you acceleration that can get the Hornet to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Move to the R/T model, and you’ll have a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine plus an electric motor. This model uses a six-speed automatic transmission and has standard AWD. The PHEV model has a power boost option called PowerShot to give you an additional 25 horsepower and rocket this SUV to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
Can Your Family Get Comfortable in the Hornet?
If you think the new 2023 Dodge Hornet will be an SUV version of the Charger, think again. The cabin area of the Hornet should be roomy enough for front passengers but might be a bit tight for those in the rear. The styling should be similar to the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which means this SUV will look great. Much is borrowed from the Italian luxury SUV to create this new and small Dodge model that could be great for you to drive.
A Great Infotainment Package for Your Drive
Stellantis offers one of the most impressive and effective infotainment systems in the auto market. The Uconnect 5 system is part of every Hornet and will give you a 10.3-inch infotainment screen. Next to that screen, you’ll see a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. Expect to connect via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in this small SUV. Amazon Alexa is also part of the tech package that you can enjoy out on the road. If you choose the higher trim of the Hornet, you’ll enjoy a 14-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system.
Can You Get the Safety You Want in this Dodge?
Most modern vehicles include a full package of advanced safety features to keep you safe and secure out on the road. The 2023 Dodge Hornet includes many of these. You’ll enjoy the benefits of automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. Add the Tech Package to the mix, and you’ll have adaptive cruise control with lane centering to give you a bit more of what you want.
Will You Take the Hornet Home from the Dodge Dealer?
The 2023 Dodge Hornet will arrive soon, and with it comes a new Dodge SUV that we haven’t seen in a while. The last time Dodge made a subcompact SUV, it was the Caliber, and that vehicle didn’t do too well. Thankfully, the Hornet brings qualities from the Alfa Romeo brand that might make it a much better choice for you to drive than other subcompact SUVs in the market. Could this new Dodge SUV become the small but mighty crossover you love to drive every day? Get yours ordered and get ready for a fun drive in a small package.
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