Stellantis (the owners of Ram, Jeep, Chrysler, and several other automotive makes) has experimented with many plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on its way to pure electrification. One of the most interesting ones is the Alfa Romeo Tonale, a midsize luxury SUV with attractive styling inside and out. On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Dodge Hornet SUV.

As you can expect from this brand, the Hornet focuses primarily on power and performance. Between these two highly-anticipated PHEVs, which one offers the best experience overall? Let’s compare both of them in a few crucial areas.

Exterior differences between the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023 Dodge Hornet

The Alfa Romeo Tonale sets itself apart from its rivals with razor-sharp LED headlights, the automaker’s iconic triangular grille design, and distinctly curvy body lines. We can also appreciate the Tonale’s unique wheel design.

The Dodge Hornet actually looks quite similar to the Tonale, albeit with a different grille design. It’s very possible that Dodge might offer the Hornet with cosmetic racing stripes, as seen in its promotional photos on Stellantis.

Powertrain specs and gas mileage

According to Stellantis, the Alfa Romeo Tonale comes standard with a turbocharged inline-four engine with a singular electric motor capable of 272 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This combo comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It promises to provide 30 miles of electric range before switching to gas-only power. It also comes with standard AWD and an independent suspension system.

Meanwhile, the Dodge Hornet generates 285 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. This PHEV also features a nine-speed automatic transmission, more than 30 miles of range, and the PowerShot feature. That lets the Hornet accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds thanks to a short-term horsepower boost.

Comparing interiors and convenience features

Looking at snapshots on the Alfa Romeo website, the Tonale’s interior has a red-black color scheme and standard heated seats. The automaker offers seats with Alcantara upholstery and ventilated front seats. The center stack showcases a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless smartphone integration is included.

The Dodge Hornet’s cabin has the same layout as the Alfa Romeo Tonale’s, as well as identical standard infotainment features. It also comes standard with an upscale Harmon Kardon stereo system. However, heated seats and leather upholstery cost extra.

Which PHEV has the most safety features?

J.D. Power shows us the full range of the Alfa Romeo’s safety features. Forward-collision warning, speed assist, a few lane-keeping functions, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign detection, and blind-spot monitors are all included. It also has adaptive cruise control and an optional autonomous driving function.

Stellantis says that the Dodge Hornet comes with lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot detection, rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Tech Pack gives the Hornet automated parking and most of the safety features that come standard on the Tonale. 

Estimated prices for the Hornet and Tonale

You can find the Alfa Romeo Tonale at a dealership near you starting in early 2023. While pricing has yet to be revealed, Motor1 found a source that quoted a starting price close to $40,000. The same source indicated that the upper trims will cost around $50,000.

According to TopElectricSUV, the Dodge Hornet with the PHEV powertrain (the R/T model) starts at $39,995. The R/T Plus trim costs $5,000 extra. We should see the Dodge Hornet R/T at dealerships next spring.

Disregarding minor differences between features and power, the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale show tons of potential. We’re excited to see a real-world driving comparison once both vehicles are released.