Dodge has introduced the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet compact utility vehicle (CUV), which will offer the brand’s first electrified powertrain, the automaker announced.
The all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet was revealed at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, with three vehicles showcasing the Dodge brand’s new entry in the CUV segment: the “Head of the Hive” Dodge Hornet R/T, the Dodge Hornet GT, and the Dodge Hornet GT GLH Concept, which showcases available Direct Connection performance parts upgrades for the newest entry in the four-car Dodge vehicle lineup.
“The Dodge brand’s electrified transformation has left the starting line, with the all-new Dodge Hornet R/T representing the first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. “The Dodge Hornet is poised to jolt the mainstream compact utility vehicle segment with looks, feel and performance that are unmistakably Dodge. Hornet shakes up the status quo with aggressive Dodge styling, the most power in the segment from our multi-energy lineup, the best driving dynamics, a full lineup of segment-exclusive performance features, the best standard technology, as well available Direct Connection factory-backed performance upgrades. And this is just the start of the Dodge brand’s electrification journey.”
The Dodge Hornet’s hood features integrated heat extractors for a performance-focused appearance while the front also incorporates a “mail slot”-style grille opening sculpted into the fascia. Integrating into the lines of the bodyside are the matte black molded-in color lower cladding and valances. The Hornet R/T receives unique new Abyss painted lower cladding and rear valance with integrated dual exhaust ports.
At the rear, the taillamp extends the width of the vehicle and features a lighted red signature, as well as an illuminated Dodge Rhombi logo in the center — featured for the first time on a Dodge vehicle.
The Hornet R/T rolls on standard 18-inch Graphite Grey alloy wheels (the GT features standard 17-inch Silver alloy wheels). A “Blacktop” black-out package is available for both R/T and GT offering:
- 18-inch Abyss alloy wheels
- Gloss Black badging and mirror caps
- Gloss Black painted day light opening (DLO) molding
A Track Pack package, offering the most performance-oriented configuration, is available for both R/T and GT and upgrades to 20-inch Abyss wheels, with additional performance and interior features. The Hornet also features seven exterior hues that mirror the Hornet’s personality, featuring fun and unique color names including: Acapulco Gold, Blu Bayou, Blue Steele, Gray Cray, Hot Tamale, Q Ball, 8 Ball
Inside, the center stack controls, display screens and more are subtly “tipped” toward the driver. The instrument panel utilizes a wrapped and stitched mid-bolster that extends through the instrument panel. Red stitching accents, standard on Hornet, are consistent throughout the black interior, including on the mid-bolster, seats and armrest in addition to accents on the vents and center switches.
Ignition control is positioned on the accent painted finish console while additional performance controls are placed a on the flat-bottom steering wheel.
Premium interior touches include Alcantara seats with an embroidered Dodge Rhombi logo included on the Track Pack option. The Alcantara seats feature unique “red crust” accents. Leather seating is standard for the GT Plus and R/T Plus with red leather seats as optional.
The Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV offers 285-plus horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque delivered from a 1.3-liter turbocharged all-aluminum engine.
The Hornet R/T offers more than 30 miles of all-electric range. An electric induction motor powers the rear axle; the 90-kW electric motor can deliver 1,844 lb.-ft. (2,500 Nm) of torque from 0 rpm. Power is further optimized by a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, fitted with a refrigerant gas cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature. A starter generator delivers torque to the engine belt, aiding in dynamic response and recharging of the battery. A high-power inverter and 7.4-kW charging module allow for a full battery charge to be reached in approximately 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger. The R/T PHEV system is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
A Sport Mode for the Hornet R/T PHEV is performance focused and accessible by a dedicated button on the center console, unlocking a sharper throttle, optimized shift schedule, access to the hybrid system’s optimized power and torque, and a tighter steering wheel feel.
The Hornet R/T PHEV also offers its “PowerShot” feature that provides a boost of 25 horsepower and delivers instant torque. Available only for the R/T, the PowerShot feature:
- Shaves one second off normal 0 to 60 mph times by boosting horsepower and acceleration using bursts of extra power deployed by the battery and electric motor
- Provides 15 seconds of extra horsepower, and can be repeated after a 15-second cool down period
- Activates by pulling both steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and performing a pedal kickdown
- System checks battery charge and temperature levels before performing PowerShot function
- When activated, a PowerShot symbol in the instrument cluster provides real-time feedback to the driver
Drivers also have the ability to select from among three hybrid driving modes. The Hornet R/T PHEV also works to replenish battery power with a regenerative braking feature, as well as an e-Coasting function, activated during throttle release.
The entry-level Dodge Hornet GT model is powered by the Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with direct fuel injection and engine stop-start technology, providing 265-plus horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, combined with low emissions. The engine is mated to a fully electronic nine-speed transmission.
The Hornet GT also features a Sport Mode, activated a dedicated button on the steering wheel, that unlocks a sharper throttle, optimized shift schedule, access to full power and torque and a tighter steering wheel feel, and a stiffer suspension setting if equipped with Dual Stage Valve shocks, helping the GT move from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Both powertrains feature standard all-wheel drive. The Hornet R/T PHEV all-wheel drive system adjusts power automatically between the 1.3-liter engine that powers the front axle and the electric motor that drives the rear wheels.
Other Dodge Hornet performance features:
- Koni frequency selective damping shocks — standard on the R/T and GT models
- Brembo four-piston front fixed calipers — standard on the R/T and available on GT
- Brake-by-wire Intelligent Braking System technology — standard on R/T
- Dual-stage-valve suspension with the Track Pack option for R/T and GT
- Front and rear fully independent suspension, standard on the Hornet R/T and Hornet GT, features a front MacPherson geometry and rear 3-link Chapman suspension
- Dynamic torque vectoring — standard on R/T and GT
The Dodge Hornet offers a standard 12.3-inch digital cockpit cluster screen and standard 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system central display. Wireless Android and Apple CarPlay allow for cord-free connectivity, and can be combined with Amazon Alexa in-vehicle interaction.
Additional comfort, safety and technology features include a Harman-Kardon premium sound system, standard on the GT Plus and R/T Plus, equipped with 14 speakers powered by 465 watts of total system output. Wireless charging is also standard on the GT and R/T plus. Standard comfort and convenience features across all Hornet models include passive entry via the vehicle key fob, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear seat reminder system that registers rear entry/exit with each key cycle and uses a chime and message display to remind the driver to check rear seat. Optional comfort features for Hornet include a heated steering wheel, heated seats, handsfree power liftgate and many more.
