Dodge Hornet

The Dodge Hornet model name is a legacy trademark which originated with the Hudson Hornet (1951–1957), a full-size car that gained fame due to its dominance in NASCAR stock car racing in the early 1950s, earning a legendary status that was later popularized in the film Cars. Dodge chose the historic name as a nod to its long-running family lineage for the compact crossover SUV. ==Overview==

The Hornet was revealed in August 2022 as a 2023 model year vehicle. It was Dodge's first all-new model in over a decade, following the discontinuation of the mid-size Journey crossover, and its compact SUV since the discontinuation of the Jeep Liberty-based Dodge Nitro in 2011. The Dodge Hornet was available in four trim levels: GT (entry-level), GT Plus (entry-level with luxury trim), R/T (plug-in hybrid), and R/T Plus (plug-in hybrid with luxury trim). The GT trims were available with the 2.0 L I4 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission producing , while the R/T trim was the first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) marketed by Dodge and featured dual electric motors mated to a 1.3 L I4 and a six-speed automatic for a total of . The Hornet also had different specifications, pricing, and features compared to the Tonale. According to Dodge, the Hornet R/T has a range of over . Equipped with the 2.0 L turbocharged engine in the GT trim, the Hornet can go from 0 to in 6.1 seconds, while the R/T trim with a 1.3 L I4 also features a "PowerShot" mode, which delivers a temporary boost of , to achieve a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 5.6 seconds. File:2023 Dodge Hornet GT in Blu Bayou, Rear Left, 05-17-2023.jpg|Rear view File:2024 Dodge Hornet interior.jpg|Interior ==Equipment==

The base GT includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control. All models feature the Stellantis Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. Included are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features, as well as Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus adds a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and in-dash navigation. Standard driver-assistance features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. The optional Tech package adds adaptive cruise control with lane centering. The Cold Weather Group package combines heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start. Black cloth and synthetic leather upholstery with red stitching is standard on the GT, while the GT Plus trim comes with leather. The optional Track package includes imitation suede or a red leather interior. ==2025 models==

Minor changes for 2025 included redesigned LED headlights and two new exterior color options. The available Track package for 2025 includes steering-wheel shift paddles. This helps position the Hornet as a car for driving enthusiasts and buyers are provided with a one-day course at Dodge's official driving school. A Car and Driver road test of a GT Plus resulted in 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which was 0.2 seconds slower than achieved in a test of the more powerful and more expensive Hornet R/T Plus. The 2025 R/T trim received an extended electric range. A new 11.5-inch infotainment touchscreen debuted on the Plus trims, featuring improved graphics and faster touch response times. ==Effect of tariffs==

Despite its American badging, the Hornet was produced in Italy along with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Motor Trend magazine noted that to keep prices low, Dodge reduced content in some areas. However, the imposition of U.S. President Trump's tariffs resulted in the suspension of Hornet production in August 2025. At that time, the future of the vehicle was uncertain, with the possibility of it skipping the 2026 model year. In September 2025, the head of Dodge, Matt McAlear, noted he would "like to see the compact SUV return to the U.S. someday as the tariff landscape evolves". Nevertheless, after production was stopped in 2025 "amid all the tumultuous tariff policies," Dodge announced in January 2026 that it would end production of the Hornet. == Powertrain ==

The launch of the production Hornet line in August 2022 also included two concept cars labeled GLH based on the base GT and hybrid R/T trims. In late 2022, Dodge CEO Timothy Kuniskis announced plans for the more powerful model. The Hornet R/T GLH was unveiled on March 22, 2023, featuring visual upgrades, such as lowered springs, 20-inch wheels, unique graphics, and a louder exhaust. Plans were to offer the various tuner parts through Dodge's Direct Connection aftermarket parts department. == Motorsports ==

The Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X is a rally race car that only shares the headlights and grille with the production version of the Hornet crossover. The chassis is the FC1-X, common across all the teams in the classification. Dodge developed four Hornet R/T FC1-X cars to campaign in the 2024-2025 season of Nitrocross ten-race tour. It is in partnership with the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team. The specially-prepared cars are in Group E, the highest class, featuring an all-wheel-drive with four axial flux electric motors producing . == Sales ==

The majority of Hornet sales have been the plug-in hybrid (R/T) variety. ==References==