Not a Regular Worker Bee: This is a 2023 Dodge Hornet
Photo Source: Dodge
Dodge has finally brought the intensity with the 2023 Dodge Hornet. The Hornet is not the muscle ride it is promoted as, but it is an excellent entry in a very tight segment. The small Hornet is a grand opportunity for Dodge. The Detroit automaker has not had a new vehicle in over a decade. As a matter of fact, it has not had anything at all in the compact crossover segment since 2011.
Since the compact crossover segment is almost a third of the total new vehicle market in the United States, that leaves a gaping hole in the company’s lineup. With no vehicle recognition and a highly competitive segment, Dodge had to do something more than just make its presence known. It had to innovate.
Dodge has attempted to make that innovation an extension of its larger automobiles. The automaker is pitching this as its introductory-level muscle car – a gateway to the Charger and Durango. However, the 2023 Hornet is not simply a muscle car. It is something much more refined and much more enjoyable. Indeed, a compact crossover for drivers, the Dodge Hornet makes no pretense of being a rugged off-roader. The crossover is better for it, providing the segment with a very different option than has existed before.
Classic Design
Looking at the front fascia of the Hornet, there is no questioning its lineage. With its headlight treatment and mail slot opening, the grille resembles its Charger sibling. Interestingly, the 2023 Dodge Hornet did not learn its lessons from stablemate Jeep. Instead, Dodge leaned on its Italian corporate siblings at Alfa Romeo. This Dodge went to an Italian engineer and tailor. The hood also has a power bulge sculpted into it, and there are even heat extractor vents.
The profile is clean and not particularly aggressive, save the stylized hornet badge on the fender. In addition, the full-width tail light strip is meant to recall the larger Durango. Still, in typical Dodge fashion, the color palette is more unique than the conventional hues provided by its rivals. Of course, black, white, and gray are available, but there are also vivid selections like Acapulco Gold, Blue Steel, and Hot Tamale. The base trim comes equipped with 17-inch wheels, even though buyers can opt for an upper trim with dark-painted 18- or 20-inch wheels.
Performance Powertrain
Courtesy of its Alfa Romeo roots, the entry point to the Hornet lineup is the GT trim that is outfitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine dubbed Hurricane. With 268 ponies and 295 pound-feet of torque, it provides fierce acceleration for the class. It makes more power than any compact SUV at just over $30,000 MSRP (Plus destination fee) and has more potency than luxury crossovers.
The GT trim’s engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission while getting all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Moreover, the Dodge Hornet GT offers a refreshingly quick ride. After all, this is a segment where 200 horsepower is a rarity; adding nearly 70 horsepower makes it the popular one in the group. In other words, the engine pulls hard all the way to redline. According to editors at MotorTrend, “The deep, aggressive exhaust note is sure to grab your attention.”
As readers might have surmised, the 2023 Dodge Hornet does not encourage normal driving. If you are searching for a crossover that knows how to hustle, this is the one for you. Are you in need of a refresh on your vehicle to bring back its robust capability? At Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, our amazing service team can handle that with ease by scheduling an online service appointment with our service center. Sit back and relax as our team of professional technicians take care of your automobile.