2023 Dodge Hornet Review: Stinging Feeling

Design | Consolation | Tech | Efficiency | Security | Gas Economic system | Pricing | FAQs

– Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Dodge is transferring in a brand new route. Lengthy gone are the times of V8 muscle vehicles and monster SUVs, and shortly we’ll see a fleet of extra reasonably priced and environment friendly choices from the American automaker. That begins partially with the brand new Hornet SUV.

As Dodge’s first critical various to compacts just like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, the Hornet has a ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, engaging styling, and a fairly good cabin all issues thought of. However on the flip aspect, the Hornet falls flat in just a few key areas like cargo, consolation, and tools. These pitfalls preserve this SUV out of competition with among the prime canine. 

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• Exterior Colour: Sizzling Tamale
• Inside Colour: Black
• Wheel Measurement: 20 Inches

The Hornet seems good in an Italian kind of approach (cough, Tonale, cough). Slim headlights punctuate both aspect of an ultra-narrow higher grille, whereas a bigger grille on the base of the bumper provides the soft-edged SUV a meaner face. The good-looking Sizzling Tamale exterior paint is an additional $495 and choosing the Monitor Pack on this GT Plus mannequin ($2,995) tacks on 20-inch wheels, red-painted brake calipers, and exquisite new Alcantara seats inside. [Editor’s Note: Hornet R/T pictured.]  

These black-and-red Alcantara buckets are the spotlight of the inside, however there are many different high-quality bits elsewhere. The weighty steel trim on the steering wheel and the shifter feels glorious to the contact, whereas the leather-based that stretches throughout the sprint and onto the door panels is premium with good stitching. And the format as an entire may be very driver-focused, with most key options angled towards leftward with a strong partition between you and the passenger. 

• Seating Capability: 5
• Seating Configuration: 2 / 3
• Cargo Capability: 27.0 / 54.7 Cubic Ft

As soon as once more, the Alcantara seats are the spotlight. Not solely do these chairs look good, however they’re additionally extraordinarily comfortable. The butt and again help is great and there’s simply sufficient bolstering to maintain you contained, however not a lot that it feels overbearing. My solely grievance is that the seating place is just too tall.

Past that although, the Hornet has a harsh journey and an unsettled chassis; I’ve to consistently wrestle with the steering wheel simply to maintain the SUV centered within the lane. Freeway speeds betray apparent wind and tire noise, and even round city the engine is just too buzzy.

By way of roominess, the Hornet has a average quantity of headroom and first rate legroom in both row, however among the many worst cargo house of a aggressive set that features the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage. It’s worse even than some smaller SUVs just like the Ford Bronco Sport. 

• Middle Show: 10.3-Inch Touchscreen
• Instrument Cluster Show: 12.3 Inches
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay / Android Auto: Sure

One huge benefit the Hornet has is an abundance of normal expertise. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the ten.3-inch touchscreen are the 2 largest customary screens within the class. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system that manages each of them is simply okay; it’s a bit of laggy and cluttered.

However the listing of normal options contains satellite tv for pc radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to charging. Plus the Hornet has a wonderful customary sound system too, a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon setup. 

• Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-Liter I4
• Output: 268 Horsepower / 295 Pound-Ft
• Transmission: 9-Pace Automated

The Hornet’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder packs a wholesome 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. That powertrain is paired to a quick-shifting nine-speed computerized that may be a welcome reprieve from the all-too-common CVT, and customary all-wheel drive is an attractive factor to have – particularly for homeowners that usually take care of inclement climate. 

There’s a good quantity to be stated of the Hornet in corners, because it’s an above-average handler for the category. The steering has good weighting and strong suggestions, and it provides fast, direct inputs whenever you flick the Hornet exhausting right into a nook. The twin-mode suspension with the non-obligatory Monitor pack provides a pleasant transition between sporty and sportier, however there’s nonetheless a good quantity of physique roll, in comparison with the tighter, nimbler, and nonetheless higher to drive – in my view – Mazda CX-5. 

• Driver Help Degree: SAE Degree 2 (Arms-On)
• NHTSA Score: Not Rated
• IIHS Score: Not Rated  

The Hornet has a handful of normal security options like computerized emergency braking, lane-keep help, and blind spot monitoring. However in order for you degree 2 tools like lane-centering, adaptive cruise management, and visitors signal recognition, you’ll have to pay further for the Tech Pack Plus ($2,345). Doing so unlocks an admirable security suite that makes freeway cruising extra snug with computerized steering, acceleration, and braking inputs.

• Metropolis: 21 MPG
• Freeway: 29 MPG
• Mixed: 24 MPG 

• Base Worth: $30,735 + $1,595 Vacation spot
• Trim Base Worth: $37,330
• As-Examined Worth: $41,710

At $32,330 to start out with the $1,595 vacation spot price included, the Dodge Hornet is on the expensive aspect for the phase. Granted, it’s the solely SUV within the class with customary all-wheel drive, however for comparability, a base 2023 Ford Escape begins at $28,995 with vacation spot and even the Honda CR-V is $29,705, each with customary front-wheel drive. However the Escape, RAV4, and others crest $30,000 with all-wheel drive added. 

The GT Plus mannequin examined right here is a fair pricier proposition at $37,330, and with choices, this specific automotive prices $41,710. The $2,245 Tech Pack Plus is an add-on value each penny contemplating the quantity of energetic security tools it provides, and the $2,995 Monitor pack is an expensive proposition that is perhaps value it for the dual-mode suspension alone. However when you choose a extra relaxed drive, save the $2,995 and persist with the fastened setup.

Usually, the Hornet is an expensive proposition and lacks among the fundamentals you need of a small SUV. Cargo house is proscribed, adaptive cruise management is non-obligatory, and the journey feels unsettled. There are much better choices available on this phase.

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