The Hornet is Dodge’s smallest car in fairly a while, however it’s the identical measurement as its company cousin, the Alfa Romeo Tonale — a car that’s surprisingly roomy given its small footprint. At a latest Tonale preview, we discovered that Alfa’s most compact car has sufficient room to suit 6-footers within the entrance and rear. There’s even a reasonably sizable cargo space within the again. We anticipate the identical from the Hornet, which measures 27 cubic ft for the GT and 22.9 cubes for the R/T. For reference, the Honda HR-V has one of many largest cargo areas within the class, and it splits the distinction between the Hornet trims at 24.4 cubic ft.
Whereas the Hornet is pricey for a subcompact SUV, you get a extra highly effective engine and extra spacious lodging in comparison with rivals. There’s additionally a sporty inside that appears extra distinctive than the cabins of different budget-priced crossovers. Major controls are oriented towards the driving force, giving a centered, racy feeling to the Hornet’s cabin. Pink stitching accents the black inside, and each full leather-based and full, grippy faux-suede upholstery can be found.
How’s the Hornet’s tech?
The Hornet comes customary with a dual-screen cockpit, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in entrance of the driving force and a ten.25-inch touchscreen within the heart. The latter is loaded with the Uconnect5 person interface, which we have appreciated in different Stellantis merchandise, just like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer. The system additionally helps wi-fi smartphone connectivity by way of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, robotically giving the Hornet a leg up in opposition to the HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross. GT Plus and R/T Plus fashions even add some further oomph from the audio system within the type of a 14-speaker Harman Kardon unit. Additionally on the choices checklist are heated seats and an influence tailgate, although keyless entry and automated wipers are included as customary.
Each Hornet additionally comes with a collection of security methods, together with ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The Tech bundle additional provides adaptive cruise management, lane centering help, a driver consideration monitor and visitors signal recognition.
Edmunds says
The 2023 Dodge Hornet is the primary new Dodge in over a decade. Although we do not know if the wait was price it, the Hornet has the {hardware} to be a severe contender within the small SUV class.
