2023 Dodge Hornet Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$30,735 to $44,995

Original MSRP

7.8
of 10

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(5 reviews)

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Small standard wheels

  • Slow pickup at higher speeds

7.8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
7/10
Photo by Natalie Harrington. 2023 Dodge Hornet, front-quarter view.

The Dodge Hornet is Big News. For one thing, it’s Dodge’s first all-new model in over a decade.

The Hornet is introduced as a compact utility vehicle, or CUV. This would seem to suggest that “compact” and “sport” are mutually exclusive (no shade on Dodge; they didn’t coin the term). But the Hornet defies that with its emphasis on power, attitude, and in-crowd fun.

Yes, the Hornet is also notable in that the 2024-model-year hybrid R/T is Dodge’s first electrified performance vehicle. But every automaker has—or will soon have to have—its own first electrified model. That in itself is these days remarkable only internally. However, we would argue that the Hornet represents a gateway with influence far outside the company as well: It creates a previously nonexistent pathway for the type of consumers the Dodge brand targets, who will now be able to take the step toward electrification without sacrificing their street cred.

8/10

The new Hornet’s front end absolutely displays the Dodge DNA. It’s got all the muscle-car styling cues: the wide, mean “raccoon mask” face, the bulging hood, the dual extractors, and the now-classic Dodge “mail slot” just beneath the Dodge Rhombi. Likewise, no one sitting behind the Hornet in traffic (or eating its dust) will mistake it for anything but itself. The standard illuminated Rhombi logo, a Dodge first, punctuates taillights that span the vehicle’s width.

From the side and particularly from the rear quarter, however, the back half of the Hornet CUV looks a lot like a Porsche Macan or Cayenne, except that its windows point upward, cat-eye-fashion. It’s not bad; it just doesn’t feel especially Dodge. If anything, this choice feels more premium in the shared language of 2020s automotive design, and that’s because the Hornet is based on the Tonale from Stellantis sibling Alfa Romeo (it’s built in Italy, too). It will be interesting to see whether Dodge brand loyalists are ready to move in that direction. For our part, we think that what would certainly be out of place on a Challenger is right at home here, appropriately mitigating the bolder muscle-car strokes for the family vehicle milieu.

Perhaps more divisive than the aspirational rear end is the choice of standard silver 17-inch wheels. The color and smaller size make them look cheap from afar, though the design itself has its merits and, as you approach the vehicle, you do notice the machined surface. Car buyers who march to the beat of their own drum—and those who prioritize gas mileage—will be happy with these. Everyone else will likely want to upgrade. The available Blacktop package swaps the silver dishes for 18-inch black (“Abyss”) alloy wheels and also gets you Gloss Black badging, mirror caps, and moldings. If you’d prefer 20-inch wheels, go for the Track Pack package. That will also add red Brembo brake calipers (and the accompanying brakes, plus other actual performance enhancements).

Dodge continues the “High Impact Paint” tradition with seven fun exterior color options for the Hornet: Acapulco Gold, Blu Bayou, Blue Steele, Gray Cray, Hot Tamale (pictured), Q Ball, and 8 Ball.

Inside, standard red stitching accents and flat-bottomed steering wheel emphasize the Hornet’s performance-inspired roots. The sunroof is not available on the base trim, but it does come with GT Plus. Black cloth seats are standard on the GT trim; these are six-way manual-adjust, while GT Plus gets eight-way power-adjustable black or red perforated leather seats. We liked the red seats best out of all the options we experienced, though the effect of the red accent color peeking through the perforated black of the Track Pack’s Alcantara seats was certainly the raciest option.

Natalie Harrington
Published Mar 22, 2023 by Natalie Harrington
Natalie is a Boston-based writer and automotive enthusiast whose bylines have appeared in multiple outlets, including GM-Trucks.com and UpShift. She now works full-time as Lead Staff Writer at CarGurus. Natalie loves car shows, museums, and culture, and she is particularly interested in the unique roles cars play in their owners' lives. As a Trustee of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, she works to support and advance New England car culture.

User reviews for 2023 Dodge Hornet

Write a review
User rating:
by Adam C
Apr 30, 2024
Bought it almost a year ago. Its a fun little suv to zip around town in. Looks great people love itApr 30, 2024
by Anonymous
Sep 05, 2023
As much as I spent on this vehicle you would think it would come with a spare tire but no. No owners manual either ( online only). Back middle seat headrest is fixed. Would be nice if it was removable so you have better vision out back window when not in use. Not much leg room.Sep 05, 2023
by Diane E
Jun 18, 2023
I test drove the Hornet for my first time and its comfortable, has lots of power, race car feeling inside. Its a nice size suv like the jeep compass. It looks sharp. But for $700/ mo I passed . No deal or incentives since its new. Jun 18, 2023

2023 Dodge Hornet Pricing

Original MSRP
$30,735 to $44,995
Price range
$23,437 to $25,389
Average price on CG
$23,439
YoY price change
$25,389 to $23,439

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette · Upholstery accents: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27

Suspension

Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Dodge Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 465 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27

Suspension

Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Dodge Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.5 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

EV battery capacity: 15.5 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 121 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 90 · Electric Motor Torque: 184 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 199

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette · Upholstery accents: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5

Suspension

Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Dodge Connect · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 465 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.5 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

EV battery capacity: 15.5 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 121 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 90 · Electric Motor Torque: 184 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 199

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5

Suspension

Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Dodge Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (4)