All-new to the American market for the 2023 model year, the Dodge Hornet is an Italian-built, rebadged Alfa Romeo small SUV. A welcome departure from lukewarm leftovers like the Dodge Journey, this powerful SUV can do 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds. Right now, Dodge is pushing some incentives to move models of the Hornet amidst a Stellantis sales slump. You just might be able to get an amazing price on this brand new compact SUV.
The Hornet is a product of global collaboration. It shares its platform with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, revealing its European roots. It’s assembled in Naples, Italy, bringing together Italian craftsmanship and American muscle. The Tonale starts at $43,845 msrp, making the Hornet a killer deal at more than ten grand less.
The Hornet comes in three trims: the GT, the GT Plus, and the racy R/T. The GT trim, msrp $31,400, comes loaded with modern technology and safety features. A 10.3 inch touch screen is standard, as well as 17 inch wheels, all power options, and dual zone auto climate control. Red-stitched interiors are also the norm, and all wheel drive is standard. The Hornet GT is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 268 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, with a top speed that can reach up to 128 mph. Handling dynamics would not be out of place on the autostrada (the Italian highway), though it has been adapted to handle the comfort requirements of American consumers and freeways.
One step up is the GT Plus, $36,195 msrp, adding a bunch of luxurious options minus the more powerful engine. Dodge’s own website, which has numerous inconsistencies between its product pages so do not quote us, says it adds heated and ventilated 12 way power leather seats, a power sunroof, a Harman Kardon 14 speaker audio system, hands free liftgate, and integrated turn by turn navigation; be sure to check with dealers for actual options.
The plug-in hybrid R/T is decidedly more money, starting at $41,400 msrp, but could save you considerable amounts of money on gas. It has 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque with a six speed automatic transmission. It can also undertake 30 miles of electric range without gas. It’s 0-60 time is 5.5 seconds and turns out the quarter mile in almost 14 seconds flat, giving it a speedy edge to its eco-friendly nature. It has standard 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, eight way power seat adjustment, dual zone auto climate control, and 12.3 inch gauge cluster, amongst other niceties.
The Hornet remains an affordable option in the compact SUV segment, handily undercutting competitors from Japan and Europe with lots of options and standard equipment. Right now Dodge has handsome Cash Allowance on Hornet GT Plus and Hornet GT, sometimes with no initial monthly payments. There is also a low mileage lease deal. Stellantis (owner of Dodge) sales have been slumping, with a large decline in revenue reported in quarter one of 2024; you may find dealers more willing to budge than usual on MOPAR vehicles. The Hornet is also the second slowest selling car on the market in the U.S., painting the opportunity for great savings.
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