Dodge Hornet
Compact SUV · 2023–2025. 20,559 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
Stellantis’ Dodge brand, under CEO Tim Kuniskis, who took part in the presentation. It was developed alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale: they share a platform and components, but Dodge gave it its own styling and tuning. The reviewed releases do not identify its designer or chief engineer.
It was built at Stellantis' Giambattista Vico plant in Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples, Italy, the same plant that builds the Alfa Romeo Tonale. That plant has run since 1972 and has produced more than 5 million cars. Every Hornet sold in the U.S. was imported from Italy; it was never assembled in the U.S.
Dodge revealed it on August 16, 2022 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. Its release described the MY 2023 GT as open for orders and announced dealer arrivals during 2023; the R/T plug-in hybrid was a 2024 model. Production ended with MY 2025, and Stellantis confirmed it in January 2026.
Hornet is the English word for a large wasp. Dodge linked the name to the Hudson Hornet of the 1950s and its own 2006 concept. Hudson launched the Hornet in 1951 and won 27 of 34 NASCAR races in 1952. Other cars had used the name earlier: the British Motor Museum documents the 1930 Wolseley Hornet. Dodge played with the insect in its “Welcome to the Hornet’s Nest” campaign.
When Dodge retired the Dart sedan in 2016 and the Journey in 2020, it was left without an affordable entry vehicle. The compact SUV is one of the biggest segments in the market, and Kuniskis said the potential was huge. Dodge called it the gateway to Dodge muscle: a compact SUV under $30,000 with the attitude of a performance car. Dodge presented the R/T as its first electrified performance vehicle; it had already built the Durango hybrid in 2008 for MY 2009.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 12023–2025
The compact SUV with PowerShot boost
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. There was no previous generation: this was the first production Dodge Hornet. It came in two versions, both with standard all-wheel drive: the GT with a 268 hp, 295 lb-ft turbo 2.0 Hurricane4 engine and a nine-speed automatic, and the R/T plug-in hybrid with a turbo 1.3 plus a rear electric motor, 288 hp, 383 lb-ft, a 15.5 kWh battery and more than 30 miles of all-electric range. Koni frequency-selective dampers were standard on both. Brembo four-piston front brakes were standard on the R/T and available with Track Pack on the GT.
The innovation. PowerShot on the R/T adds 30 hp for 15 seconds and, according to Dodge, cuts 0–60 mph by 1.5 seconds to 5.6 seconds. It activates through both steering-wheel paddles and pedal kickdown, subject to battery charge and temperature. Dodge presented it as its first electrified performance vehicle. It also debuted the first Dodge taillamp with an illuminated Rhombi logo in the center.
If you buy one usedFor affected Hornet PHEVs in 23V623, park outside away from buildings, structures and other vehicles until the final cable-connection repair is completed. The original report labels its cohort 2023–2024; confirm the actual VIN and equipment. Check 23V696 reversing pedestrian sirens, 24V752 brake-pedal reinforcement on specified 2024–2025 vehicles, 25V246 display software/hardware on 2023–2025, and 26V510 rear belt retractors/trim on 2023–2025. The last was reported August 6, 2026 and its published text describes September interim letters and a later remedy notice; verify current availability. Campaigns 24V175 and 24V209 correct capacity or missing tire/rim label information. Carscoops reported Stellantis confirming ended production and continued support/service/warranty/parts commitments on January 13, 2026. Verify actual repair records and applicable coverage with Dodge.
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