Dodge Hornet is Back With Electrified R/T and New PowerShot Feature

Compact Utility Vehicles (CUVs) are a big and growing business. And according to Dodge Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, the segment is showing explosive growth.

“It’s a million-unit segment that’ll grow 50 percent in 5 years” he says. “So, we thought it was the perfect segment to disrupt”. Kuniskis is talking about the Dodge Hornet– a new CUV designed to stand out in the segment with its performance, looks, power, and brand image.

According to Kuniskis, most shoppers considering a CUV shop primarily for price, value, and fuel economy. “But what’s not on the list of reasons to buy one is power, acceleration, and fun factor” he says.

About 40 percent of Dodge shoppers fall into a demographic known internally as ‘All In & Active’. This demographic loves their cars, and how their cars make them feel. They make up 4 in 10 Dodge shoppers, double the rate in the CUV segment in general. The takeaway? Dodge products attract enthusiast drivers at a much higher-than-ambient rate. Dodge shoppers tend to buy for power, looks and fun, where the average CUV shopper doesn’t.

Amongst Dodge shoppers, ‘overall power and acceleration’ clocks in as the third most important reason for purchase. Amongst the CUV market overall? That same factor clocks in at 38th place. Point is, the Hornet will help Dodge make a splash in a new segment. By the way, the same enthusiast drivers who tend to lean towards the Dodge brand also tend to be very interested in electrified and plug-in vehicles.

Connecting the two? The Hornet’s high-performing R/T model, which runs a new electrified powertrain with the lineup’s highest output level.

Up front, it’s a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder enhanced with a belt-driven motor-generator unit, itself good for 44 horsepower. In back, an electric rear axle houses an additional 121-horsepower motor that cranks the rear wheels. Drivers get at least 285 horsepower (final figures are TBD), as well as 383 lb.-ft of torque. That’s not a typo. A six-speed transmission is supplied by Aisin.

Beginning with the new Hornet, all electrified Dodge models will ship standard with PowerShot. It’s a giggle of a feature which enables an on-demand 25-horsepower boost whenever drivers engage the system by pulling both steering-wheel mounted paddles. The electric boost lasts for up to 15 seconds at full throttle, and can shave a full second from the Hornet R/T’s 0-60 time. Other than a roughly 15-second cooldown after each use, the system can be used as frequently as the driver likes.

The Hornet will also bring the famed GLH badge back to Dodge showrooms. This time, with a ‘Goes Like Hell’ version of the compact crossover that forms a direct connection with Dodge’s fans. The GLH runs the Hornet’s non-electrified engine, a 2-litre four-cylinder turbo from the new Hurricane engine family. In standard Hornet models, this engine will develop at least 265 horsepower, though GLH add-ons will increase performance and output with a cat-back exhaust and lowering kit.

Final figures are pending, though Kuniskis says that Hornet GLH shoppers can expect double the torque of the original GLH Shelby, which puts the figure at no less than 350 lb.-ft– an increase of about 55 over the standard engine’s 295 lb.-ft. Remember, these figures are yet to be finalised and may be increased.

All models are Italian built and based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, a CUV which Kuniskis says already looked and handled beautifully, and has been fully injected with Dodge DNA for Hornet duty.

Expect US pricing in the upper half of the segment, with standard equipment including All Wheel Drive (AWD) with torque vectoring, and a Koni suspension. Optional are goodies like two-stage dampers, and a track pack which fits those dampers alongside alcantara-accented seats and a Brembo braking system upgrade that includes a nearly 2-inch rotor up-size. The Hornet’s engineering team says it targets best-in-segment power output and handling– the latter thanks in no small part to a 52/48 front / rear weight balance.

The design team worked to style the Hornet to resemble a compact muscle SUV– a baby brother to the popular Durango. On board, slim vents, familiar line-work and bezels, and a strong horizontal element to the dashboard design call other recent Dodge models to mind. The Hornet also boasts a fresh new infotainment and display system. It’s an all-digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touch-screen interface, both highly customizable with switchable widgets and display zones. For cord-free operation, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless, and wireless charging is on board. A prominent ‘Engine Start’ button on the centre console and ‘Drive Mode’ button on the steering wheel are meant to engage drivers as they get seated.

Look for the first Hornets to arrive in early 2023.