This new Dodge Hornet SUV is a pleasant surprise.
FRONT VIEW
Recently, Alfa Romeo introduced a new compact SUV called the Tonale. Like most Italian vehicles, it's sharp-looking with great performance. It's also expensive, with a price spread of $43K-$48K. This brings us to the Dodge Hornet GT. It has different bodywork, but under that cladding a copy of the Tonale is hiding, and at a lower price.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
PRICE
The hornet starts at about $31K. An upgraded GT+ jumps to $34,995. Options are pricey, with the TRACK PACK costing more but offering more. The BLACKTOP package, TECH PACK, and fancy paint we can do without, but bring the tab on this example to a tidy $43,310. Even with all these goodies, the overall tab is less than a base Tonale.
EMBLEM #1
After scanning the outside styling, it was observed there are no Dodge emblems anywhere on the vehicle, nor on the inside either. The only word is "HORNET" stamped on the rear lid.
EMBLEM #2
There is also a Hornet emblem on the side body, so we won’t mistake this for an Alfa.
TIRE
For the price involved, we would expect a spare tire, but not to be seen, just a tire repair kit.
ENGINE
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbo four, rated at 268 horsepower, and 295 lbs./ft. of torque. Fuel economy is claimed to be 21/29 mpg. On paper, these numbers might not impress, but in person, this is a fantastic motor. It loves to spin at high rpm and makes sounds only an Italian car can. This is a far better experience when compared to other brands that pipe in fake noise through stereo speakers or have open baffles in exhaust systems.
TRANSMISSION
The gearbox is a common Chrysler 9-speed, but has been re-programmed for excellent performance. The shifter is a traditional stick that can pick gears manually. Sadly, there are no paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE
Hornets are all-wheel drive for better traction. The Brembo brakes are strong, and never fade in brisk driving.
TIRES & WHEELS
The base Hornet comes with 17-inch wheels, with 18-inch optional. This vehicle has the Track Pack with 20-inch wheels, 235/40R20 tires, and dual-mode suspension.
This combination provides excellent handling. Unfortunately, it creates a stiff uncomfortable ride. Blame the factory tire pressures that demand a rather high 42 pounds of air in each tire. That is a cold reading that can rise up to 48 pounds in hot weather. We found that lowering that number to 37/38 pounds gives a smoother ride, at no observed loss in performance. Your choice.
SPORT MODE
A SPORT button on the steering wheel can boost performance at the cost of fuel economy.
ECONOMY
Our trip computer showed an average of 21.4 mpg in over 1,000 miles of commuting. During our heavy street driving, this dropped to a low 16.5 mpg, but on highway trips cruising at 75 mph, we observed 28/33. Premium gas is not required.
POV
This SUV makes driving fun. The snarl of that Italian engine, sharp steering, brisk cornering, and strong brakes cannot be found in any other compact SUV sold.
REAR VIEW
The Hornet is two vehicles in one. On the practical side, it makes a nice commuter to haul people and gear. On the other it acts like a European sport sedan with all the performance expected and does so with a very low profile. It will be interesting to see how this sells.
