This story contains independent illustrations made by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes based on 2023 Hornet testers caught by our spy photographers as well as a leaked video of a prototype model that recently circulated online. The renders are neither related to nor endorsed by Dodge.
We’ve seen the leaks and the spy shots and keep coming to the same conclusion: the 2023 Dodge Hornet compact crossover is an Alfa Romeo Tonale in drag. It’s a risky move for Stellantis as Alfa Romeo is considered a luxury player in the US going up against the likes of BMW and Audi, so why dilute this in pursuit of a badge-engineered Dodge?
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The answers are a little murky; perhaps Stellantis is rationing ICE platform development to save on costs and invest more heavily in battery-electric mobility, or trying to reduce their overall MPG count? No doubt we’ll find out in due course. However, until then, let’s illustratively explore the differences between the Dodge and its Italian stablemate.
A double Take
Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops
No surprises for guessing the design story is essentially an Alfa Romeo one. Dodge has differentiated the Hornet by giving it a new front fascia reminiscent of the Charger SRT sedan and Durango SUV. While the Alfa gets three hawk-eye LED DRL segments in each headlamp, the Detroit version sports a horizontal lighting signature to help emphasize width.
The hood has been restyled with twin faux vents to signify lineage with Dodge’s muscle car lineup. Elsewhere, the Dodge is pure Tonale, right down to the minor details. Spy shots indicate the two SUVs share identical rear ends, although the Hornet will feature different taillight lenses.
Italian Interior
Beyond the badges and trimmings, there are no meaningful differences between the prototype 2023 Dodge Hornet’s interior below and the Alfa Romeo Tonale above
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Clone and repeat? Yup, it is evident within the cabin too – at least according to a leaked video of a prototype Hornet that caught everyone by surprise. Inside, everything is carried over from the Tonale, with the main differences coming down to cheaper materials, different trims, and Dodge-specific branding.
Cabin goodies will include a configurable 12.5-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. Wireless phone mirroring and charging are available, as are Level 2 semi-autonomous driver aids such as lane-centering and traffic jam assist.
Under The Skin
Intriguingly, the Hornet sits on a highly re-worked platform that underpins other Stellantis Group products, such as Jeep’s Compass. No prizes for guessing key dimensions will mirror that of the Tonale. Length is 178.4 in. (4,530 mm), 63.0 in, and it’s 72.4 in. (1,840 mm) wide with a wheelbase of 103.8 in. (2,636 mm).
The Alfa lineage will provide European-levels of handling, with a quick 13.6:1 steering ratio, Brembo brakes, torque vectoring and optional adaptive dampers on high-series variants.
An Electrified Standpoint
The 2023 Dodge Hornet will share its powertrain lineup with the new Alfa Romeo Tonale below. Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops
Headlining the powertrain story will be a turbocharged, 1.3-litre petrol mated to an electric motor on the rear axle. The electric driving range from the 15.5 kWh battery is 37 miles (60 km). In the Tonale, this PHEV setup generates a total system output of 272 hp (201 kW). The same PHEV setup is also available in the Jeep Compass 4xe, albeit with slightly less power and battery capacity, which will likely be the case with the Hornet to justify the Tonale’s higher price tag.
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Other engines will likely include a regular 1.5-litre four-pot engine tied to a 48-volt 15 kW electric motor and a 256 hp, 2.0-litre turbocharged four feeding power to the pavement via a nine-speed auto and all-wheel-drive.
Rivals, Pricing & Reveal
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Depending on the market, key rivals for the Hornet will include Jeep’s Compass, Honda’s CR-V, Ford Bronco Sport, Escape/Kuga, Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Nissan Rogue.
While pricing is yet to be announced, expect the Hornet to land below its Alfa sibling in the $25,000 – $30,000 range. Dodge CEO, Tim Kuniskis, recently confirmed that the new Hornet will be revealed in August, with sales likely to kick off in the first quarter of 2023.
Is the Dodge Hornet one badge-engineering exercise gone too far? We’d love to hear your views in the comments below.
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