Dodge is finally stepping into the compact crossover segment that it has been conspicuously absent from for some time. The American automaker is hoping the 2023 Hornet, a Stellantis cousin to the Alfa Romeo Tonale, will sting the competition right in the sales figures and not cause any swelling.
But that’s really up to the buyers. Will they accept Dodge’s take on the small SUV and spend there instead of on something like a Honda CR-V or Canada’s most popular vehicle in the segment, the Toyota RAV4?
2023 Dodge Hornet GT Photo by Dodge
The Hornet buzzed onto the scene yesterday and kicked up a whole bunch of strong opinions. Its simple SUV-ness caused some willing early adopters to whip out their wallets, while its shared platform with the Tonale sent others into anaphylactic shock.
Here’s what the Internet has to say about the just-debuted 2023 Dodge Hornet.
Let’s start off with the ‘yea-sayers,’ because you know that Twitter will have plenty of hurtful things said about Dodge’s latest effort. For those loyal to the Dodge marque and looking to get into a new crossover — of which there are plenty — this is likely just the ticket. It’s AWD as standard, comes with a PHEV powertrain option, and though Dodge hasn’t released pricing for the Hornet, it has said the GT will be priced “under $40,000.” Oh, did we mention it’s a crossover?
Sooooooo I think I may have finally found a car that will make me swap Jasper(2010 Caliber), n let the kids use it…. The new “Caliber” 😂 the 2023 @Dodge Hornet. I need the AWD RT. Would love to get a confirmed list of options & colors to “build it” & have it sent to Whitten 😘 pic.twitter.com/MqrXP3cskP
— Linda Koenig (@ARTicWolf33c) August 17, 2022
The dodge hornet not that bad looking
— LongLiveKsammy (@Mikesey21) August 17, 2022
#Speedweek Day 2. I really like the @Dodge #Hornet. I would buy this vehicle. #Iwork4Stellantis https://t.co/AV58syxC8V
— KathyatChrysler (@KathyatChrysler) August 16, 2022
New #DodgeHornet power, content, and price makes me wonder where #Stellantis is taking Dodge. Also makes me want a Hornet.
— DOHC_16v (@DOHC_16v) August 17, 2022
Drilling down on the details, one of the Hornet’s most appealing features seems to be the PowerShot button in the R/T that prompts the battery to push around 25-horsepower worth of power for a 15-second duration, allowing for quicker acceleration. More go-fast at the push of a button is clearly something Dodge lovers can get behind.
It’s no #Hellcat, but the @Dodge Hornet looks like it’s going to be an interesting (and quick) little SUV. Um …. PowerShot? Yes, please! #SUVTalk #DodgeHornet https://t.co/Sdf08bM4bW
— Pickup Truck +SUV Talk (@PickupTruckTalk) August 16, 2022
People were also drooling over the GLH (Goes Like Hell) model that sits at the top trim level with lowered suspension, black chrome exhaust, 20-inch Direct Connection wheels, and a power-to-weight ratio that bests the old ’80’s Omni’s.
The new Dodge Hornet GT GLH Concept 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/hwsgb0mNZg
— 𝑶𝒕𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑲 (@OtsileJK) August 17, 2022
I’ll never buy a Dodge, but gun to my head scenario and I could see myself in a Hornet GLH. pic.twitter.com/RSHZDSmZF7
— Dak – Average Toyota Soarer Enjoyer (@DaftRyosuke) August 17, 2022
The Hornet’s exterior style is in line with Dodge other SUV offerings, with narrow headlights and a small red logo set into the thin upper grille. This is either a good thing, a bad thing, or just a thing, depending on who you ask.
Props to @Dodge and the new #DodgeHornet. Here is the new crossover and the original Hornet and Concept from the past. pic.twitter.com/AClUKHx2pl
— Glenn Stevens (@glennrstevens) August 17, 2022
the front end of the new dodge hornet, especially the grill and the stripes logo— it all sucks
😕— max (@2Fast2Finkel) August 17, 2022
from what ive seen of the dodge hornet, it just looks like a slopier durango
— bark cat 🦐 (@fuzzposting) February 18, 2022
Over the years, Dodge has all but cemented its reputation as a maker of big trucks and badass muscle cars. As such, some of its fans can’t seem to get on board with a small, electrified compact.
The dodge hornet will be forgotten in 2 years max
— Not Rob (@highlighterss__) August 17, 2022
OK? Dodge Hornet, well umm. Only thing can think it’s cute sorta kinda. Have a good evening. pic.twitter.com/gKpHUXKC6r
— ShatteredSingedWings (@EmeraldStar20) August 16, 2022
this dodge hornet stuff is cool and all but some of this stuff lame and looks like mom cars. hellcats being replaced isnt what makes me mad its just that the replacements are lame.
— duke (@Die4Duke) August 16, 2022
There was even a bit of ‘height shaming’ and some bullseye references to a retired Dodge sedan nameplate.
Remember the Dart? We’re trying to forget! But what if it was tall?
— kevin mccauley (@kmccauley) August 17, 2022
Tall Dart: Mall Cop
— Andrew Krok, regrettably (@andrewkrok) August 17, 2022
Will be interesting to see how the plug-in hybrid buy rates compare with the cheaper gas-only version.
Not sure what’s up with the wheel gap. Looks like it’s on stilts.https://t.co/ihrW57lvb3— Domenick (@Domenick_Y) August 17, 2022
But as Dodge’s first all-new product in 10 years and the evolution of a nameplate that has been passed from brand to brand to brand since the 1940s, the Hornet is not meant to stand as a stylistic beacon for the automaker’s future. It’s meant to sell.
I’ve slept on it, and here’s my thoughts on the 2023 Dodge Hornet:
Despite the “ugly” nose and the obvious rebadge of the Alfa Tonale, this is a product that Dodge has desperately needed for over a decade now. It’ll surely sell lime hotcakes, which is exactly what they need. https://t.co/s6wHhbeiCR— the racing wookie, now at a race track near you (@WookieAutomoTV) August 17, 2022
#Speedweek Day 2. I really like the @Dodge #Hornet. I would buy this vehicle. #Iwork4Stellantis https://t.co/AV58syxC8V
— KathyatChrysler (@KathyatChrysler) August 16, 2022
It’s a crossover, after all. That also means it’s not designed to shred rubber and tempt noise complaints like the brand’s red-eyed muscle cars.
Just saw a dude saying why don’t the offer the new dodge hornet in a hellcat trim LIKE BRO ITS A COMPACT SUV
— Spicimo (@spicimoYT) August 17, 2022
But will Dodge Hornet owners keep their splitter guards on?
— Robby DeGraff (@Robby_DeGraffAP) August 17, 2022
Dodge’s pioneering compact will be built in Italy at Stellantis’ Giambattista Vico plant in Pomigliano d’Arco, Naples, Italy, which is also where the Alfa Romeo Tonale is made. The two crossovers share a bunch of running gear and the same basic silhouette. Surely nobody will notice the similarities, right?
Well, there go Alfa Romeo’s hopes of expanding the brand’s appeal in North America with the Tonale. Even though it’s the original, Americans will just see the Tonale as an overpriced Dodge Hornet. #stopbadgeengineering pic.twitter.com/7focQIwKcF
— Ed Kim (@ekimap) August 17, 2022
Alfa Tonale vs. Dodge Hornet if anyone was wondering. pic.twitter.com/rJLX1wII0V
— Andy Lilienthal (@crankshaftcult) August 16, 2022
the new Dodge Hornetjust a Tonale with marginally different styling
it’s fine I guess pic.twitter.com/2aBbS9DYUw— ceo of mg rover* (@real_korr) August 17, 2022
#DodgeHornet a rebadged Tonale debuts in GT and R/T trims offers 30 miles pure electric range pic.twitter.com/HcRZBbCisS
— 24wheel_news (@24wheel_news) August 17, 2022
I have a feeling that new Dodge Hornet is really going to hurt Alfa Romeo sales. It’s so obvious just from looking that the Hornet and the Tonale are the same car, except the Hornet will almost certainly be much cheaper.
— Rory Cahill 🇺🇦 (@MotorRevRory) August 17, 2022
Saying one crossover looks like another crossover in today’s automotive landscape is a bit rich, though, as you can draw comparisons between virtually any two models.
That Dodge Hornet is what I imagine an AMC Gremlin would look like today.
— Chris, a writer who talks about this n’ that… (@CJWritesNThangs) September 4, 2015
Honda HR-V and Dodge Hornet pic.twitter.com/YClrRSRwQz
— Varun Chakravarthy (@VaROOOOOOOM) August 17, 2022
What do you make of Dodge’s foray into the multiverse of small crossovers? Did it plate-up the dish North American drivers are hungry for, or is it simply overcooking an Alfa Romeo Tonale and sending it west in a Dodge-branded to-go container?
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Trim is available for order now and should arrive at dealers later this year, followed by the electrified R/T model in spring 2023.
FABULOUS pic.twitter.com/BDJqpHLJOQ
— boring.cars (@boring_cars) August 17, 2022
Keyword: Tones of Tonale: The Internet reacts to the new 2023 Dodge Hornet