Dodge made a baby step and unveiled the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet Compact SUV just twenty-four hours before unveiling particular specifics about its electrified performance potential. The Plug-In Hybrid R/T variant is Dodge’s first electric performance car and is available in GT or R/T trim.
With either a 265-horsepower turbocharged pluggable four-cylinder or a 285-horsepower Plug-In Hybrid powertrain available out of the gate, the Hornet fills this void where previous attempts, such as the unpopular Caliber and the star-crossed Dart revival, faded before being given the chance to reach their full potential.
It is built on a modified version of the Jeep Compass’s small-wide 44 Stellantis platform.
Dodge Has Unveiled Hornet SUV Details
If that does not sound too enticing, we will mention the future and unfamiliar to Americans The platform is used by Alfa Romeo Tonale as well, although it makes use of different components and drivetrains to achieve a weight distribution that is very close to 50/50.
Dodge claims that the Hornet has a 52/48 weight distribution and is 178 inches long with a 103.8-inch wheelbase overall. Consider the Compass’s 173.4-inch length and telling 103.8-inch wheelbase for scale. Outside of the Stellantis family, the Audi Q3 is 176.6 inches long and has a 105.5-inch wheelbase, while the Mazda CX-30 is 173 inches long and has a 104.4-inch wheelbase.
The Hornet enters the market with immediate competition and promises greater excitement than more recent introductions like the 2023 Honda HR-V. As of now, we are aware of three versions. The Dodge Hornet GT variant, which is regarded as the entry-level model, is propelled by a 2.0-liter, direct-injected turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine known as the Hurricane4.
It has a robust 295 pound-feet of torque and 265 horsepower, and a 9-speed automatic transmission distributes power to all four wheels. When using the available twin-stage valve shocks, a Sport Mode provides a quicker throttle response, a better shift pattern, a harder steering feel, and firmer damper settings. Dodge claims to have a 6.5-second zero-to-60 time and an electronically regulated top speed of 140 mph.
