Dodge hasn’t brought out an all-new vehicle in many years, but reports are showing that the Hornet is making a 2023 model year comeback in the form of a crossover SUV. New test prototypes have been spied earlier this week with less camouflage, which prompted a new set of renderings.
The website Kolesa just published these two unofficial rendering images of the 2023 Dodge Hornet. We think they’re the best ones out there and provide a detailed glimpse of the SUV before its debut.
This is a handsome-looking little vehicle from both the front and back. The familiar Dodge face has evolved into something which can compete with the Mazdas, Hondas, and Kias in terms of rugged character. And at the back, a wrap-around taillight unit makes this more upmarket.
Of course, the dirty little secret of the 2023 Dodge Hornet is that it’s actually an Alfa Romeo Tonale in disguise. The Tonale was shown as a concept in 2019 and is getting ready to go on sale. It’s based on the FCA Small Wide platform, like a Jeep Compass. However, the Hornet doesn’t just use the platform; it basically borrows everything.
What’s under the Hornet’s hood?
A photo leak from the plant dating a few months back showed the Hornet was even equipped with the Tonale’s 20-inch telephone dial wheels and red Brembo brakes, though these features might obviously change for production. The Dodge mini-SUV did, however, equip itself with an SRT-like vented hood. Sadly, you’re not going to find a V8 under there… or even a V6.
It’s believed that the Hornet should follow the Tonale’s engine lineup in the United States. This means there’s going to be a 1.3-liter turbo four-cylinder version. It sounds bad for a Dodge, but through the help of an electric motor powering the rear axle, this still achieves 272 horsepower and an EV range of 30 miles.
The other option is perhaps more attractive to Dodge fans. It’s a 2.0-liter turbo four-banger making 256 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (400 Newton-meters) of torque. This runs through a nine-speed automatic to an all-wheel-drive system.
Of course, it’s possible that there’s a cheaper engine that we just haven’t heard about yet. This segment seems to love the 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated setup. As a reminder, this is not a tiny SUV. From bumper to bumper, it should measure about 178 inches or roughly 4.5 meters.
The Hornet’s debut has been confirmed for 2022 by Dodge boss Tim Kuniskis. However, we believe it’s going to reach the market early next year. Both it and the Tonale will be assembled at the same factory, the Pomigliano d’Arco Assembly Plant in Italy.
