2023 Dodge Hornet

The 2023 Dodge Hornet will be a revival of an old nameplate and a new entry into the compact crossover segment from the Detroit-based brand. Built as one of the first models from Dodge available with a hybrid powertrain option, the Hornet will share underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Jeep Compass in the form of the FCA Small US Wide (SUSW) 4x4 platform. Expected only in hybrid form, the Hornet will enter a hotly-contested segment with rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and more as Dodge looks to expand its brand beyond merely large V6 and V8-powered muscle machines and enter a new era of electrified mobility.

Still firmly under wraps, the Hornet's development has likely been advanced by the reveal of the production-ready Tonale from Alfa Romeo. However, as test mules have not been seen in the wild, we likely still have some time to wait. It seems most likely that the release date of the Dodge Hornet will be in early 2023 following a late-2022 reveal, likely in the USA.

As the new Dodge Hornet crossover is yet to be revealed, lots of information is still unknown - including price. However, Dodge won't enter the compact crossover segment at an uncompetitive price point. Rival compact SUVs start at just over $25,000 which seems a fair estimate for the base model Hornet. However, as the Hornet is likely to have a hybrid option, we can expect a starting price for the 2023 Dodge Hornet of closer to $29,000 in this form, while upper specs will have an MSRP of around $40,000.

Without having being fully revealed, our knowledge of the Dodge Hornet's exterior design is severely limited. However, a few leaked images have given us some insight, not least of all into the fact that the Hornet will be a badge-engineered version of the Alfa Tonale with very similar proportions, lines, and design elements. We know that key elements will be bespoke to the Dodge, like a familiar front grille blending into narrow LED headlights, and a bold lower grille. We also know there will be hood vents, black cladding around the wheel arches, and relatively square proportions. The color palette of the Dodge Hornet remains a mystery, too, but leaked photos showcase a red model that will likely be joined by a broad array of vivid hues including blues, greens, grays, and possibly even purples and oranges.

Until such time as the Dodge Hornet has been fully revealed, its exact dimensions will remain another area of uncertainty. But slotting into the compact crossover segment and based on the Tonale, we do have a fair guess at approximate measurements. The wheelbase should measure in at around 104 inches, while the Dodge Hornet's length, width, and height should closely mimic the Tonale at 178.3, 72.4, and 63 inches, respectively. Curb weights are unknown, but non-hybrid models should come in at around 3,500 lbs due to standard AWD.

This is where the waters are murkiest. If the Dodge Hornet borrows engine options from the Tonale, we can expect all-wheel drive on all models. The greenest option will be a plug-in hybrid using a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with a 90-kW electric motor for a combined output of 272 horsepower. A six-speed automatic gearbox is likely. With slightly less power, the all-combustion option is expected to be a 2.0-liter turbo-four with a nine-speed automatic. Outputs of 256 hp and 295 lb-ft are likely. In both instances, 0-60 mph should take around six seconds.

The EPA does not have figures yet for the 2023 Hornet, and with new powertrains not used on other FCA/Stellantis products, these figures remain somewhat of a mystery. However, we can identify a few targets. For the non-hybrid version, the Mazda CX-5 sets a strong benchmark at 22/27/24 mpg city/highway/combined for a similarly-powered turbocharged engine with AWD. For the Hornet PHEV, the benchmark will be the RAV4 Prime, which manages 94 MPGe combined. With a 15.5-kWh battery pack, this model is expected to boast a 30-mile electric range. Charging will likely take a couple of hours on a Level 2 charger.

As a compact crossover, the Hornet will be available as only a two-row, five-seater model. From leaked images, we can see the inside almost entirely adopts the Tonale's interior details, at least on certain trims, with a digital instrument cluster, large infotainment screen - likely employing Uconnect 5 - and a fair number of hard buttons rather than a fully digital experience. Expect cloth upholstery on the seats of base Hornet derivatives and leatherette/full leather on top-spec variants.

Don't expect class-leading cargo space from the interior of the Dodge Hornet. The RAV4 and Honda CR-V have that on lock, but the Dodge can still challenge in the midfield with about 30 cubic feet of trunk space behind the rear seats.