2024 Dodge Hornet – Power, Performance, and Precision

Dodge is making its return to the compact SUV segment with the all-new 2023 Hornet, the brand’s first SUV offering since discontinuing the Journey crossover in 2020.

Based on the architecture underpinning the sharp-suited Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet borrows the Italian automaker’s sublime handling dynamics and advances them with American muscle.

Power is distributed to the pavement via a standard front-wheel drive system, but enthusiasts can opt for an available all-wheel drive configuration with throttle-stomping traction.

Under the hood will be a choice of two potent powerplants: a feisty 180-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will be the base engine, but the range-topping option pumps out a brawny 256 horses from its turbocharged 2.0-liter mill.

With its higher torque output, the 256-hp engine promises to utterly annihilate anything in its path with brutish acceleration, gabbing unwary passengers by the neck with a forceful shove back into their seats.

Shifting duties are handled by a slick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission that comes standard on both engine variants, keeping the ponies primed for maximum performance.

Though fuel economy ratings from the EPA have yet to be finalized, Dodge is promising the svelte SUV will achieve impressive numbers without compromising its muscle car moxie.

Pricing is estimated to start just under $30,000 to position the Hornet competitively against subcompact rivals like the Hyundai Kona, though the Dodge no doubt will stand out from the crowd with a much fiercer attitude.

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With its low-slung roofline and rakish rear haunches, the Hornet draws obvious styling cues from Dodge’s legendary muscle machines like the iconic Charger.

Compared to the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Jeep Compass it’s based upon, the Hornet wears a lithe and svelte roof almost as if it dieted, helping it slice through the wind like a hot knife through butter with athleticism worthy of Dodge.

Inside, drivers and passengers will be treated to Dodge’s big rig Uconnect 5 infotainment system, including an enormous Standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display for controlling all the tech.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come bundled as standard, eliminating nagging cord clutter for seamless onboard tech integration.

A fully digital instrument cluster with crisp high-res graphics keeps critical driving data prominently displayed while evoking a high-tech edge befitting of a Dodge.

For those who can’t go a few hours without social media, a standard wireless phone charging pad in the console helps keep phones powered up and passengers plugged in.

Drive modes allow customizing the Hornet to suit any mood, with a Comfort setting for cruising the fam and Sport firmer tuning all suspense and steering for maximum handling grins.

All-wheel drive models gain the advantage of Snow mode for conquering winter weather with sure-footed traction control.

Safety tech includes standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert using radar sensors to help keep things moving smoothly.

Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking employs cameras and radar to help intercept collisions, living up to Dodge’s commitment to securing adrenaline-fueled fun.

Rear parking sensors make ease easy when backing up, while an available rearview camera pops up a live view of what’s behind for added visibility and confidence.

Flip open any of the Hornet’s five doors and you’ll find seating for five friends all wrapped snugly in ultra-comfortable upholstery.

Cargo capacity checks in at a spacious 24.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, offering plenty of versatility for hauling gear on weekend adventures.

For extra-long items like surfboards or skis, the rear bench seat comfortably folds nearly flat to over 78 inches in length.

Cloth upholstery comes standard but luxurious Nappa leather with contrast stitching can be added for a plush feel rivaling luxury SUVs.

For audiophiles, an available Harman Kardon premium sound system pumps out studio-quality sound for long highway cruises or tailgates.

On sunny days, an available power panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, instantly boosting everyone’s moods.

Five bold exterior colors like Pitch Black, Redline Red, and a new Gorge Green inspire owners to stand out from the sea of silver crossovers.

Standard 17-inch Slingshot aluminum alloy wheels cut an aggressive silhouette, but 18s or 19s can be added for an even more muscular stance.

Early adopters will want the ultra-exclusive Launch Edition model packing extra standard goodies and badging for the most desirably numbered Hornet.

Serious stops are facilitated by available Brembo brake calipers painted a spine-tingling red to match the outlandish performance bred into the Hornet.

Up front, the iconic Dodge crosshair grille and script badging leave no doubt as to what’s packed under the hood waiting to explode onto the scene.

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Dual rounded exhausts embedded in a rear diffuser complete the aggressive look out back and serenade the neighborhood with an unmistakable muscle car growl.

Blacked-out accents and available tow hooks in Dodge Red proudly flaunt the Hornet’s raw attitude perfected for rural escapades.

Drivers selecting all-weather floor mats will stay high and dry thanks to thoughtful Dodge engineering for inclement weather protection.

Complementing the thrills, Dodge backs the 2023 Hornet with strong 3-year basic and 5-year powertrain warranties for confidence and reliability.

Through diligent engineering efforts, Dodge aims to set a new industry standard for small SUV dependability to stand out from the crowd.

Production of the new Dodge Hornet kicks off in late 2022 at the historic Tychy, Poland assembly plant where Alfa Romeos are also born.

Dealers across the United States will start receiving their first shipments of the new 2023 Dodge Hornet in early 2023.

With this debut, Dodge decisively reenters the hotly contested small SUV turf mixing swagger and savvy in equal measure.

Stay locked to Dodge communications channels this fall for full 2023 Dodge Hornet pricing details and order books to open nationwide.

With its blend of style, technology, performance, and value – the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet is primed to shake up the subcompact crossover status quo.

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