This week I am looking at a very interesting compact performance SUV, the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus. This is a growing segment and it appears to be trying to compete with the Hyundai Kona N.
Exterior
My tester is a looker with LED lights in the front and rear, a very aggressive front end, a vented hood, 20” wheels, Brembo brakes, a rear spoiler, and I love how the rear fenders have a slight flare to them. I am disappointed there is not dual exhaust to give it a little rumble.
Powertrain
Under that vented hood lies a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine putting out 268-horses and 295 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission and the GT comes only in all-wheel drive. I will admit I was a little shocked at the lack of paddle shifters on the steering wheel, but you can shift it manually from the console gear shifter.
Interior
Moving to the inside, you are greeted by bolstered Alcantara heated, but not cooled, power seats. They are comfortable, primarily black but with red accents.
Hit the start button and a configurable 12.3” gauge cluster comes to life. It is colorful and easy to read. Red stitching runs across the dash and into the soft-touch door panels.
Mid-dash is a 10.25” infotainment screen that handles the sound system, navigation, Bluetooth, the vehicle settings, the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and houses the backup camera. There are also performance pages there.
On the center stack is the start button, the button to turn off start/stop, a cell phone charger, USB and USB-C ports, volume control for the stereo, and the electronic emergency brake switch.
Back seat head and leg room was surprisingly good, rear occupants get A/C vents, USB and USB-C ports, and a fold down armrest with cupholders.
Cargo room is spacious, and the tailgate is power. Without putting the second-row seats down, you have 27-cubic feet of cargo, and additional room under that.
Standard Equipment
This SUV comes well equipped with remote start, memory seats, all power, and automatic climate-controlled air conditioning. Options include the Tech package, which gives you parking assist, and the self-driving system for $2,200. It also has the $2,995 Track pack which gets you the Alcantara seats, red brake calipers, dual mode suspension and beautiful 20” wheels.
Safety
On the safety side, you get active driving assist, adaptive cruise control, surround view camera, drowsy driver detection, and front and rear parking sensors. A power sunroof comes standard with this package but my prototype model did not so there is a $600 credit to this unit.
What You'll Pay
MSRP is $41,810 as you see it, and fuel economy is rated at 21 city, 29 highway, and 25 overall.
Ride and Drive
This Hornet is impressive for the money and acceleration is great, steering feedback is fantastic, and handling with all-wheel drive feels great. I love the Sport mode button on the steering wheel but be warned, that gives it a very harsh ride.
Verdict
If you want a quick, sharp-looking compact SUV that will turn heads, this may well be one to consider. Just an FYI, the Hornet will be coming out soon with a plug-in hybrid variation.
- What I liked most: The handling and acceleration.
- What I would change: This SUV needs shift paddles, and dual exhaust would be a nice touch.
- MSRP: Base Price $34,995; Total MSRP $41,810 with transportation.
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Fuel Economy: 21 city/29 highway/25 overall.
- Odometer reading when tested: 7,800 miles.
- Weight: 3,715 pounds/GVWR 4,960 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Repair and inflator kit.
- Length-Width-Height:178” long/82” wide/63.8” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.5 gallons with the filler on the passenger side.
- Official Color: Acapulco Gold.
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds.
- 2023 Hornet in a few words: A fun to drive small performance SUV with exceptional handling, and terrific acceleration.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Naples, Italty.
- Manufacturer's website: Dodge.
