After years without a new model in its lineup, Dodge has released a lineup of new vehicles. It was first announced in the summer of 2022 when Dodge officially released a statement that they were going to be discontinuing their incredibly popular Challenger and Charger vehicles to make way for what they believe is the next generation of American muscle cars—electric and hybrid muscle cars. Alongside this press release was an announcement of a brand new Dodge SUV: the 2023 Dodge Hornet.

Dodge’s first new vehicle in 10 years

While other automotive brands introduce new vehicles every couple of years, it has been a shocking 10 years without a new Dodge vehicle. The Dodge Dart was the latest new release, having a short run from 2013 to 2016.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet will be a refreshing entry in Dodge’s lineup. It was release in the fourth quarter in Decemeber 2022. With Edmunds reporting that the first Dodge Hornets are officially on their way to their dealerships, here is everything we know so far about the 2023 Dodge Hornet.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet’s price, specs, and features

The 2023 Dodge Hornet is available in two trim levels, the GT and the GT Plus. Both trims feature the same engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The Hornet will come equipped with all-wheel drive and a wide range of standard features on the base GT model, including, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and start, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, 10.25-inch center touchscreen, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, 4G LTE hotspot, automatic windshield wipers, and smartphone integration.

The Hornet GT Plus model will come equipped with everything the base model offersa, while also including a power liftgate, ventilated power front seats, leather interior upholstery, a navigation system, and a wireless charging pad. The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT carries an MSRP of $31,590, and the GT Plus model carries an MSRP of $36,590, making this vehicle a steal compared to the vehicle it shares a platform with.

A hybrid electric model of the Hornet is expected to be unveiled in the Spring of 2023 to carry the famous Dodge RT name and extend the Hornet’s offerings.

The Dodge Hornet is a rebadged Alfa Romeo

When the Dodge Hornet was announced, it was quite obvious that this vehicle was not a ground-up Dodge product. Dodge and Alfa Romeo share Stellantis as a parent company. With this shared ownership, manufacturers can share assets easily.

While the Hornet will be a welcome vehicle in the Dodge lineup, the same can’t be said about the Alfa Romeo version, the Tonale, which was heralded in the past as a “uniquely Alfa” vehicle. The Dodge Hornet will essentially be an Alfa Romeo Tonale with a nearly $10,000 price cut.

The Hornet will bring young buyers back to Dodge

For years now, the Dodge brand has had the same aging consumer base that finds its limited inventory of V6 and V8-powered muscle cars appealing, but the Hornet hopes to bring the youth back to the Dodge brand.

This wasn’t the first instance of a youth-centric move by this company. In the 1990s, the Dodge Neon with its small engines and swooping youthful body design was a hit for younger drivers. Will the small and hybrid-engined Dodge Hornet bring the younger drivers back to Dodge? Only time will tell.