NEW DODGE HORNET SUV INBOUND FOR 2023

After discontinuing the Grand Caravan and Journey models over the past few years, the Dodge lineup has become somewhat thin. While the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango all come in a variety of laugh-inducing trim levels, the automaker could certainly use another vehicle in their stable. Since late 2019, rumors have swirled that the brand plans to expand their offering list by way of a new crossover SUV, which will serve to directly replace the long-running Dodge Journey. Well thanks to the team over at Mopar Insiders, we now have some new information to share with you all about this upcoming vehicle. Known as the Dodge Hornet, this SUV will share its underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Here’s what you need to know about this future product from Stellantis.

Dodge Hornet: An Alfa Romeo In Disguise

Originally tied to the AMC brand, the Hornet nameplate was a staple of the American Malaise Era. Dodge last trademarked the Hornet name back in March 2020, but they’ve been mulling the name over for several models for a while. Back in 2006, the automaker even released a Dodge Hornet concept, which was also slated to share a platform utilized by Alfa Romeo. That said, the impact of the financial crisis shortly thereafter stopped the project in its tracks. Now though, it seems that Stellantis is ready for another crack at the small SUV. According to the report, the crossover will share the same front wheel drive platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale, and will be built alongside it at the Pomigliano D’Arco facility in Naples. All-wheel drive is expected to be available, so no worries there.

Dodge Hornet Powertrain Possibilities

It is also expected that the Dodge Hornet will be powered by the same 1.5L turbocharged engine as the Alfa. This engine shares its roots with the 1.3L motor we see in the Jeep Renegade and Compass models, which produces 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The added displacement should boost output a bit, but this may not be the sole powertrain on offer. Stellantis’ GME-T4 2.0L turbo four-cylinder is also a likely candidate, as that engine is seen throughout their American product line. MoparInsiders also noted that the engine will likely be paired with both a mild and a plug-in hybrid option, which falls in line with the automaker’s other upcoming models.

The report states that the new Dodge Hornet SUV will make its production debut sometime in mid-2022, before hitting dealerships in 2023. This means that we should likely start to see prototype vehicles hit the road before too much longer. While there is no way that this thing will be as raucous as the current Dodge vehicles, it could be interesting to see how much Alfa Romeo DNA finds its way into the Hornet. The Stelvio is regarded as a great driving SUV, so there is hope that the Hornet could be an enjoyable machine. Just don’t expect a Hellcat version of this one, however.