2023 Dodge Hornet: A New PHEV Crossover is Born
After pushing the Journey into retirement in 2020, a void was created in Dodge's catalogue with no compact SUV to take its place.
The automaker created a candidate to fill the position – a new arrival that was unveiled during Dodge Speed Week: the 2023 Hornet. The name rings a bell, doesn’t it? It was first used in the 1940s at Hudson, then in the 1970s at AMC. It is built on the same architecture as the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which will arrive early next year.
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Aesthetically, the Hornet bears Dodge's design language from every angle. It almost looks like a smaller Durango, depending on how you look at it. It will come with an electrified R/T version that boasts the most power in its segment.
This shows that even in a segment where versatility is key, Dodge tries to stand out with true performance. Under the hood of the R/T version, you will find a 1.3 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and assisted by a 90 kW electric motor and a 15 kWh battery. This technology offers up to 50 kilometres of all-electric driving, according to the automaker's estimates, with 285 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
Thanks to the electric system, the PowerShot function allows you to get a 25 horsepower boost on demand. It takes only 6.2 seconds to reach 97 km/h.
A More Affordable GT Version
Dodge will also offer an entry-level GT version. The base price for this one ranks in at under $40,000 for the Canadian market. It gets the Hurricane engine, which is a turbocharged 2.0 L four-cylinder unit with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft on premium gasoline (91 octane). It is hooked up to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GT version reaches 97 km/h in 6.5 seconds.
Both the GT and R/T versions of the new Hornet come standard with all-wheel drive, and both can tow up to 907 kilograms. On board, the Hornet sports a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel right in front of the driver's eyes. It also features the Uconnect 5 infotainment system displayed on a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
The Return of the GLH?
Dodge also unveiled a concept version of a Hornet GT GLH. This acronym, which stands for "Goes Like Hell", was the performance version of the Dodge Omni in the 1980s. No further technical details were given. However, the automaker suggested that the power-to-weight ratio was more interesting with the Hornet GT GLH.
Customized by Direct Connection, the concept features a lowered suspension, 20-inch wheels, a less restrictive exhaust system and decorative stripes. Dodge will begin production of the Hornet GT in the last quarter of 2022 and hopes to deliver the first units in December. We'll have to wait until the spring of 2023 to see the R/T version arrive. It will be assembled in Naples, Italy.