2023 Dodge Hornet Road Test and Review

2024 Dodge Hornet R/T ・ Photo by Dodge

The Dodge Hornet is an all-new compact crossover that adds a more versatile, family-friendly vehicle to the Dodge Lineup. It has sleek, sporty styling with a powerful turbocharged engine to provide the strong performance that’s a hallmark of the Dodge brand. 

There’s also a plug-in hybrid version of the Hornet that is the first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge. Though they have different powertrains, both versions of the Hornet deliver plenty of power to sate the appetites of performance enthusiasts who want the versatility of a crossover.

A Responsive Turbocharged Engine

The Dodge Hornet GT is the gas-powered version with power coming from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly even under hard acceleration. Though not boasting the performance figures of Dodge muscle cars, the Hornet still has plenty of power when you mash the gas.

It easily gets up to speed without complaint and has plenty of power leftover to pass slower vehicles at highway speeds. Steering is responsive with the winding country roads on our drive route proving fun to drive rather than stressful. The combination of a responsive engine and sharp handling make the Dodge Hornet a great option for the performance minded crossover shopper.

Photo by Dodge

An Efficient Plug-in Hybrid Engine

As the electrification movement permeates the automotive industry, even muscle car brands are getting in on the action. The Dodge Hornet R/T is the plug-in hybrid version of the Hornet, and it’s the brand’s first-ever electrified performance vehicle. Though this delivers improved fuel economy over the gas-powered Hornet GT, it doesn’t do so at the sacrifice of performance or engagement.

This powertrain delivers 288 net horsepower with 383 lb-ft of torque, making it the more powerful of the two Hornet options. That power comes from a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric motor at each axle for standard all-wheel drive. This is all paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The battery adds some weight, but the extra horsepower more than makes up for the difference with brisk acceleration and good handling on twisting roads.

Photo by Dodge

A Choice of Just Two Trims

Dodge makes it easy by offering just two trims for both the GT and R/T versions of the Hornet. There’s the base trim and then a Plus trim for each with additional features to provide a more premium experience. The base GT is priced at $29,995 with standard features including dual-zone automatic climate control, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, leatherette seating surfaces, 6-way manually adjustable front seats, and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The GT Plus at $35,490 adds a power liftgate, sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 8-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, perforated black leather seating surfaces with an embroidered Dodge logo, wireless charging, 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio, navigation, and a heated steering wheel. The R/T versions have comparable features with pricing of $39,995 and $44,995, respectively. Considering the features offered at each trim, this makes the Hornet a good value for performance drivers.

Photo by Dodge

Sporty and Comfortable Interior

There’s seating for five people in the Dodge Hornet with supportive and comfortable front seats. They have heavier bolstering than what’s typically found in a crossover, but it fits with the Hornet’s performance focus. The bolsters help keep you in place in the corners, but they’re not intrusive or too tight for those with a large frame. The standard cloth and leatherette seating surfaces are attractive, but the available Alcantara included with the Track Pack is a fantastic upgrade that looks and feels great.

The GT gets a 6-way manual driver’s seat with an available 8-way power seat that’s standard on the R/T trim. Either way, it’s easy to find a comfortable seating position that allows for a good view of the road. While there’s seating for three in back, this isn’t a huge crossover so it’s a snug fit. It’s more suited to two adults, unless the ride is a short one. Headroom and legroom are good for most people, but taller passengers should try to ride up front.

Photo by Dodge

A Trio of Options Packages

Available only on the R/T is a Blacktop Package that adds gloss black accents around the windows, dark badges, and gloss black mirror caps along with dark wheels. All trims offer both the Tech and Track Packs. The Tech pack adds driver assistance features including traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, parallel and perpendicular park assist, 360-degree surround view camera, drowsy driver detection, front and side parking sensors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

There’s also the Track Pack, which adds both functional and decorative sport elements to the Hornet. It includes dual stage valve suspension, Alcantara trimmed seats, bright pedals, red Brembo four-piston brake calipers, all-season performance tires, and 20-inch Abyss finish wheels. It takes what was already an attractive and sporty vehicle and significantly ups its curb appeal while adding a more striking interior.

Photo by Dodge

Room for Cargo

This is a compact crossover, so it has room for cargo, but not the kind of room found in full-size SUVs. Crossovers are the happy medium between those larger models and sedans, improving cargo capacity without getting so large as to become unwieldy when trying to navigate city streets. The Hornet offers good room for cargo, no matter which version you choose, but the hybrid battery does cut into cargo capacity.

Equipped with the gas engine, there’s 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 54.7 cubic feet with those seats folded. Go for the plug-in hybrid and cargo capacity drops to 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 50.5 cubic feet with those seats folded. That’s easily enough to manage what you need for a weekend getaway, supplies for your next home improvement project, or the bags from a day’s shopping excursions.

Photo by Brady Holt

No Such Thing as a Small Infotainment Screen

No matter which version of the Dodge Hornet you choose, the infotainment system features a 10.25-inch touchscreen. There’s no larger screen on the top trim, but that’s okay because the base screen is so big in the first place. The system includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, and SiriusXM with a trial subscription. There’s also dual phone connectivity and 6-speaker audio.

It’s easy to use with intuitive menus that are quick to navigate even when you’re new to the system. The graphics on the touchscreen are crisp and the screen is responsive so you won’t be jabbing it in frustration to make a selection. Step up to the Plus trim and there’s navigation along with a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Photo by Dodge

Good Standard Safety Features

The list of standard safety features on the Hornet is lengthy. There’s no need to step up a trim level or add on pricey packages to get key safety technologies. The full Hornet lineup includes automatic emergency braking , blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, brake assist, adaptive cruise control, full-speed forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. There’s also rear park assist with adaptive guidelines, ready alert braking, and hill start assist.

Optional on both trims is front, side, and rear park assist with adaptive guidelines and vehicle path detection, parallel and perpendicular park assist, traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed assist, a 360-degree surround view camera, and intelligent adaptive cruise control. Active driving assist that includes highway and main road lane centering and adaptive cruise control with stop and go are also available. It’s a comprehensive offering that helps set your mind at ease.

Photo by Dodge

Final Thoughts

The Dodge Hornet fills a gap in the Dodge lineup, but it has lots of competition. Crossovers are the “it” segment right now, and automakers are introducing them at an alarming rate. There’s everything from luxury models to base models with gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric options. Although this is new for Dodge, it’s not a new idea. Is the Hornet a good choice?

Well, that all depends on what you want out of your crossover. If you like the idea of Dodge and the whole Brotherhood of Muscle, then this fits the bill. It’s sporty, handles well, and has plenty of power whether you pick the gas or plug-in hybrid version. It also has a roomy and comfortable interior and good standard features from safety to infotainment. If you’re looking for a crossover that’s fun to drive and has the versatility for people or cargo, then the Dodge Hornet is a great pick.

Photo by Dodge