First Drive: 2023 Dodge Hornet Competes on Power and Image
But this buzzy latecomer trails leading small SUV competitors in many key areas
Update: Since this first drive was originally published in August, 2023, we finished testing the Dodge Hornet. Read the complete Dodge Hornet road test.
The Hornet is the first small hatchback from Dodge since the woeful, unimpressive Caliber retired in 2012, and it is the brand’s first all-new model in almost a decade. Given the wait and the number of strong small SUV competitors to benchmark, we hoped for better.
The Hornet shares most of its body, powertrain, and interior with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. These mechanical twins are built alongside one another at corporate parent Stellantis’ Giambattista Vico plant in Pomigliano d’Arco, Naples, Italy.
In This Article
CR’s Take • What We Like • What We Don’t Like • What We’ll Keep an Eye On • Safety and Driver Assistance
