The New 2023 Dodge Hornet adds some American muscle to the compact UV space

For years, the Dodge brand has been synonymous with high-performance American muscle cars. Now, it’s disrupting the compact utility vehicle segment with the new 2023 Dodge Hornet. Product specialists describe it as “the quickest, fastest and most powerful UV under $30K,” and it’s creating a lot of buzz already. KSL Cars got a preview of the Hornet (as well as the upcoming plug-in hybrid version) at the Denver Auto Show. If it’s as good as it sounds, you might want to get those orders in as soon as possible. 

Flexing muscle in a new space

In order to compete in one of the largest segments in the industry, Dodge knew its compact UV had to deliver on three key imperatives. It had to look like a Dodge, feel like a Dodge and, most importantly, drive like a Dodge. Enter the Dodge Hornet GT.

As you walk around the car, you’ll notice bold, aggressive graphics in the font, functional hood scoops, an illuminated rear tail light and other unique elements that signify it's part of the Dodge family. To set it apart from other compact UVs, Dodge included unique performance elements you won’t find anywhere else, such as Bembro brakes, frequency selective damping shocks, a limited slip differential and a torque vectoring system. 

Driver-centric interior

Hop inside and you’ll notice that everything is laid out for maximum driver convenience. The unique cockpit design wraps around the driver, with all controls and displays tilted so you can keep your focus on the road. As far as tech and user experience go, this comes fairly loaded out of the box. You get a fully digital, customizable 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch center screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims.

New Dodge Hornet R/T coming soon

In addition to the GT and GT Plus models, the new plug-in hybrid Dodge Hornet R/T will be hitting dealerships sometime in the early summer as a 2024 model. A smaller, turbocharged 1.3-liter engine in the front produces 175 horsepower and connects to a Belstar generator, which allows more power when needed. The rear axle is powered by a 121 horsepower electric motor, with no mechanical connection between the front and rear ends. That means you get maximum performance and efficiency with a total of 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T is snappy off the line and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. 

The plug-in hybrid will have five drive modes: electric (with a 30-mile range), e-save, hybrid, sport and PowerShot. In the aptly-named PowerShot mode, the driver pulls both paddle shifters simultaneously for a 30-horsepower bonus that lasts 15 seconds. You know, in case you need to make a quick and clean getaway. 

Dodge Hornet model lineup and pricing

When the new Dodge Hornet R/T becomes available, you’ll have your pick of four different Hornets to choose from. The base GT has a starting MSRP of $29,995 and the top R/T Plus plug-in hybrid will start around $45,000. The GTs both have a standard, turbocharged engine with four cylinders and all-wheel drive with 268 horsepower and 209 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid R/Ts have a smaller, 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the front and an electric motor in the back that combines for 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. 

Some of the major differences among trim levels are noted below:

• GT: $29,995 See listings

9-speed automatic transmission

17-inch aluminum wheels

Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Dual-zone automatic climate control

• GT Plus: $35,000 See listings

20-inch x 8.0-inch J Abyss aluminum wheels

Harman Kardon premium sound system

Full-leather seats (Alcantara seats available)

Power liftgate 

• R/T: $40,000 See listings

1.3-liter turbo-four plug-in hybrid

6-speed automatic transmission

18-inch alloy wheels

Brembo front brakes

• R/T Plus: $45,000 See listings

Sunroof

Power liftgate

Remote start

Wireless charging pad

To make the higher price of the plug-in hybrid easier to swallow, Dodge says customers can lease the car and apply for electric vehicle credit.

Available packages

If you want to soup things up further, Dodge offers several different packages to customize your Hornet.

Track pack

Dodge’s top-of-the-line performance package adds 20-inch wheels, Alcantara sport seats, aluminum interior accents and pedals, dual-stage valve suspension and red Brembo brake calipers.

Blacktop package

Give your Hornet a more aggressive look with blacked-out mirror caps, badges and other accents. 

Tech pack

The Tech pack boosts your confidence on the road with added safety features, such as active driving assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, drowsy driving detection, front park sensors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Cold weather package

This package is only available on the GT as the features come standard on other trims. This adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a remote start system. 

Conclusion 

With a generous list of standard equipment and features, as well as a price tag that starts just below $30,000, the Dodge Hornet appears to be a serious competitor in the compact UV segment. You can wait it out for the plug-in hybrid R/T model or find a 2023 Dodge Hornet GT on KSL Cars today. 

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.