Here’s Why the 2023 Dodge Hornet Has Gearheads Abuzz
Dodge makes lean, mean muscle machines. Even its SUV models pack a punch. The Durango is a legendary midsize SUV nameplate. The American automaker recently introduced a new SUV nameplate that is getting plenty of attention. Here’s why the Hornet has the industry abuzz.
Dodge’s new SUV is one Hornet people are excited about
Hornets are known for their aggression and stingers. The Dodge Hornet is an SUV with the aggressive styling and performance specs of a muscle car. The Dodge brand owes much of its popularity to muscle car nameplates like the Charger and Challenger. The Hornet combines the exciting driving dynamics of a muscle car with the practicality of a small family SUV. It’s ideal for drivers with families that still enjoy a vehicle with driving verve.
SUVs are currently the most popular vehicles in America, thanks to models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. So, it makes sense that Stellantis brand Dodge is getting into the small SUV game. It makes even more sense that the automaker is offering electrified options for consumers.
American muscle is hardly synonymous with electrification, but automakers are proving that vehicles with hybrid and electric powertrain systems can be just as powerful, if not more powerful, than internal combustion engine vehicles.
Dodge’s small SUV is offered in two configurations with standard hybrid powertrains. These configurations offer more horsepower and torque thanks to an electric motor.
Is the Dodge Hornet a hybrid?
The 2023 Dodge Hornet uses a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.
The GT base model and GT Plus configurations both come standard with internal combustion engine powertrains. The R/T and R/T Plus configurations come standard with plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The R/T uses a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric motor to make 288 horsepower and a whopping 383 lb-ft of torque. That’s a power boost of 20 horses and 88 lb-ft of torque. Dodge’s small SUV is a standard ICE vehicle with two plug-in hybrid powertrain options, making it incredibly unique.
What’s so great about the Dodge Hornet?
Dodge SUVs are rare, so the Hornet is a welcome addition to the brand’s portfolio of vehicles. It’s getting plenty of attention due to its novelty as a Dodge SUV and because of its electrified powertrain option.
The Hornet hints at the direction the American automaker is heading toward in the future. The company will make use of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV technology to create exciting new nameplates that are fierce and powerful like their ICE predecessors.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet starts at $29,995. It has the potential to compete against some of the most popular models in its segment. Car and Driver praises its peppy standard powertrain and great standard equipment. Will the Hornet become serious competition for more established rivals in the small SUV space?
