2023 Dodge Hornet Coming Based on Alfa Romeo Tonale

The forthcoming 2023 Dodge Hornet is a completely new SUV that will hit the market later this year. If you don’t remember, Dodge, revealed its plans to build a new Hornet model in 2019. While the Dodge brand is currently marketed in North America as a high-performance “muscle car” brand, there are a few Dodge brand automobiles available outside of the United States and Canada. All of them are built on front-wheel-drive architectures.

The new Hornet SUV will be a two-row crossover based on the upcoming Alfa Romeo Tonale. The Tonale has received widespread recognition as an essential component of Alfa Romeo’s future global success. Reportedly, Dodge will build a new Hornet model in Italy and the sales will begin later in 2022.

The Hornet Concept

Because the original Hornet concept is very old, the new 2023 Dodge Hornet will share very little with its forefathers. In terms of aesthetics, the concept looks closer to the Mini Cooper model. The 2023 Hornet SUV will be a brand-new model, which is the only reasonable outcome. We can’t tell much about Hornet’s exterior design, nor the cabin. Hornet will arrive with a creative and trendy appearance, as the concept is now entirely out of date.

Based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, it will be a two-row crossover SUV. Back in the 70s, the Hornet was a compact sedan with two or four doors. Moreover, Hornet also offered station wagon, and hatchback coupe body forms as well.

Dodge Hornet Specs

Reportedly, the 2023 Dodge Hornet should introduce a new 1.5-liter turbo-four engine. The Alfa Romeo Tonale already offers this unit, and the same output can be found in Jeep Compass and Jeep Renegade models. Another possibility is a smaller 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, a 1.5-liter engine will produce over 200 horsepower. Of course, Stellantis has plans to sell Hornet SUV outside the United States as well.

Because of that, Hornet will get numerous powertrain options. Interestingly, Alfa Romeo Tonale will offer a mild-hybrid powertrain, and even the plug-in hybrid variant is a possibility. Allegedly, the mild-hybrid system is the famous eTorque setup, used by the legendary Ram 1500 pickup truck. The Hornet model will reportedly mix a 2.0-liter engine with an eTorque system, so it will provide even more power and improved fuel efficiency.

2023 Dodge Hornet Price and Release Date

From what we know, the new 2023 Dodge Hornet will offer four trim levels. The base SXT variant will start at around $30,000. Moreover, the GT version will cost $33,000 and R/T around $36,000. The range-topping Citadel model will offer more luxury and it will be available for $40,000. Still, we don’t have all of the information about this brand-new SUV.

A high-performance variant is also a possibility, although nothing is official yet. The sales should begin later in 2022 and Hornet will be manufactured in Naples, Italy, at the same plant that produces the Alfa Romeo Tonale model.