Today I review the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Blacktop. With only the Charger and Challenger muscle cars and the Durango SUV, each of which is powerful in its own right, the Dodge portfolio is limited but distinctive. However, the trend is moving in favour of more compact, electric cars, and Dodge is falling behind. The brand-new 2023 Hornet, a compact SUV that will be available with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, is Dodge’s first modest step in that direction.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale, a distant cousin of the Hornet under the Stellantis parent company, shares the majority of the Hornet’s structural components. It will also be constructed there. Two major trim levels of the Hornet will be available: GT and GT Plus; the R/T will follow later.
Safety
Frontal collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a back-seat reminder system are all included as standard safety equipment. A surround-view camera system, a driver attention monitor, automated speed adjustment, and a traffic sign reader are all included in the optional Tech Pack.
One of the sportiest small SUVs without a luxury tag is the Hornet. A strong competitor, the Hyundai Kona N offers lower pricing, better acceleration, and more adept handling. Its odd style, though, continues to divide opinion. Although it isn’t as dynamic as the Hornet or Kona, the Mazda CX-30 Turbo is more enjoyable than a normal Honda or VW.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The newest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which is based on Android and is equipped in the Hornet, has garnered accolades for its user-friendly interface and cutting-edge capabilities. The default display is a horizontal 10.25-inch touchscreen that can connect to two phones at once and is customizable. The Plus grades come with a wireless charging pad, and wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard.
Engine and Performance
A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque powers the base Hornet GT. It comes with an automated nine-speed transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.
The plug-in hybrid engine of the Hornet R/T is a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that has been upgraded with an electric starter/generator. While an electric motor propels the back wheels, the front wheels receive power from a six-speed transmission. A 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery with 12.0 kWh of usable capacity powers the electric motor. 285 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque are produced collectively.
Trims and Pricing
The Dodge Hornet comes in 2 trims. This will be the GT and GT Plus trims.
GT Trim
The GT trim starts from about $40,700 CDN. Along with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Koni dampers, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth, and imitation leather upholstery, a digital instrument panel, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, Dodge Connect remote control and monitoring, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa integration as Standard Features, this trim also includes 17-inch alloy wheels.
GT Plus Trim
The GT trim starts from about $46,700 CDN. A power liftgate, sunroof, remote ignition, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation system, wireless charging pad, and a top-of-the-line 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are added with this model.
What do you think of the Dodge Hornet GT Blacktop?
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