The new electric Charger has not yet arrived and is not electrocuting anyone, so if you hear some buzzing around Dodge, it’s not because of that. Instead, the 2023 Hornet has finally arrived, and boy, does it sting. Okay, we just wanted to make a bug sting reference. Dodge has only provided pricing and availability details for the Hornet G and GT Plus gas-only models thus far, saving the details of the more potent plug-in hybrid R/T for a later time.
Dodge initially claimed that the Hornet would cost less than $30,000, and in reality, it does, but the additional destination fees of $1,595 push the starting price of the Hornet GT up to $31,590. Given the Hornet’s standard horsepower and sporty inclinations, that price is comparable to entry-level pricing for small SUVs like the Honda CR-V.
You must spend at least $36,590 to get the Hornet GT Plus, which is only marginally better equipped and has the same engine. The main distinctions between the GT and GT Plus are that the latter has a heated steering wheel, a heated and ventilated eight-way power driver’s seat, a heated and ventilated front passenger seat, remote start, and a power sunroof. By choosing the Cold Weather Group option, which adds $495 to the MSRP, you can option the GT with everything but the power sunroof. The other catch is that there are only two standard colors, Eight Ball black and Cue Ball white. You can upgrade to other exterior paint colors for $495 (Gray Cray, Blu Bayou blue, and Hot Tamale red) or $595 (Blue Steele, Acapulco Gold) if you’d like.
Both the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT and GT Plus come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged Hurricane 4 I-4 engine that produces 265 “plus” hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 948TE nine-speed transmission, made by ZF and introduced in the middle of 2013, is then coupled to that engine. The Jeep Cherokee KL also uses the identical transmission and, starting in 2019, will power the Cherokee with the Hurricane 4 engine. The 948TE has a transfer case that can deliver torque to a rear axle and is designed for front-wheel-drive applications. For better fuel efficiency, the transfer case can decouple the rear drive when not in use.
Adding Some Performance and Features
A set of 20×8-inch Abyss wheels and 235/50R20 all-season tires are included with the Track Pack, a $2,995 upgrade. That is, of course, if you’re creating a GT Plus. The total cost of the GT upgrade is actually $3,490 because you must also include the Cold Weather Group in your build in order to receive the Track Pack. One more option is available for the GT Plus’ Track Pack upgrade; for an additional $495, red full-leather seating can be added. Other than those two additions, the Track Pack is the same for both Hornets and includes red painted and “Dodge” logo calipers, bright finished pedals, dual mode suspension, a “sporty” leather steering wheel, and aluminum door sills.
The Tech Pack Plus is an optional $2,245 upgrade that is available for both the GT and GT Plus models. It comes with ADAS features, drowsy driver detection, intelligent speed assist, ParkSense front and rear, Rear Park-Assist with automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. Sadly, this package does not offer parallel or perpendicular park assist for the GT or GT Plus.
Where’s the R/T Pricing?
For now, Dodge is being cagey on the pricing of the Hornet R/T, despite what other outlets are reporting, with a spokesperson stating that “The Dodge Hornet R/T’s price hasn’t been formally disclosed.” The Hornet R/T will be an AWD PHEV model with a 1.3-liter turbocharged I-4 and a 121 hp electric motor powering the rear wheels, though the price hasn’t been announced yet. This along with the starter generator unit gives the R/T a combined 285 “plus” hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
2023 Dodge Hornet Pricing
| Trim level | MSRP |
| GT | $31,590 |
| GT Plus | $36,590 |
| R/T | TBD |
Source: https://www.motortrend.com/
