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2023 Dodge Hornet review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Dodge Hornet highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Peppy turbocharged engine
  • Sporty exterior design
  • All-wheel drive is standard

Cons

  • Limited rear legroom
  • Modest cargo space
  • Stiffer ride with 20-inch wheels

Battery range (EPA estimate)

30 miles

Pricing for current inventory

From $24,998*

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Price
Year

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The Dodge Hornet is a small SUV with a big personality

The 2023 Dodge Hornet burst onto the scene with a punchy turbocharged engine under its pert hood, standard all-wheel drive, and an impressive roster of standard features. Based on the same platform used in the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the all-new Hornet opts for maximum driving thrills in a vehicle segment where cupholder count and touchscreen size often dominate the conversation.

The Hornet’s 268-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder scoots it down the road swiftly. It also zips around corners with energy, though optional 20-inch alloys can make the ride jittery over rough surfaces. Inside the driver is greeted by an attractive dashboard with a user-friendly infotainment system. The front seats are nicely supportive and visibility is good. Unfortunately, space in the second row could be an issue for taller adults perched back there. Rivals to the Hornet include the Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Ford Bronco Sport.

All Dodge Hornet years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Dodge Hornet generation from 2023 to 2025

Dodge Hornet photos

What We Like  

  • Driving personality: Thanks to its 268-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, the Hornet has far more ponies to play with than many rival small SUVs. Acceleration is strong and there’s plenty of passing power at highway speeds.  

  • Uconnect® infotainment system: A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel give the Hornet’s cabin a high-tech look and feel to it. Clear graphics and simple menus mark Uconnect 5 as simply a great interface with clear menus and crisp graphics.  

  • Lots of standard features: It’s true the Hornet’s base price is notably higher than a number of competing SUVs. To its credit the Hornet comes with many tech and driver-assist features as standard. The entry-level model is equipped with dual-zone climate control, cloth and faux leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control as standard equipment.  

What Needs Improvement   

  • Cozy second row: If you frequently travel with tall adults, you might want to make sure they’ll comfortably fit in the Hornet’s second row. The amount of headroom and rear legroom in this little Dodge SUV is less than what you’ll find in many competing models.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Dodge Hornet features and specs

R/T 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Automated Parking
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

1.3L

Horsepower

288

Torque (ft-lbs)

383

Engine type

Plug-in Hybrid

Fuel capacity

11.2

Wheelbase

103.8"

Overall length

178"

Width

82"

Height

63"

Front tires

P225/55HR18

Rear tires

P225/55HR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Dodge Hornet FAQ


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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