2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus Review: A Spirited SUV with Performance DNA
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus brings a fresh breath of energy to the SUV segment. As Dodge’s first electrified SUV, the Hornet blends performance heritage with modern-day practicality. While SUVs have often been labeled as family haulers or utility machines, Dodge is attempting to redefine this segment with the Hornet GT Plus by injecting it with a dose of muscle car DNA.
Overview: The Basics
The Hornet GT Plus is built on a compact SUV platform, designed to offer drivers a little bit of everything. Whether you’re looking for a practical everyday vehicle with some zip, or you’re a muscle car fan who needs more space but refuses to give up on performance, the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus seems to aim for the sweet spot.
- Base Price: Starts around $32,000
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-four
- Horsepower: 268 hp
- Torque: 295 lb-ft
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission
- 0-60 mph: About 6.1 seconds
Design: Where Performance Meets Practicality
The exterior design of the 2023 Hornet GT Plus leans heavily on its Dodge heritage. While the body frame is built as a compact SUV, Dodge designers have cleverly integrated design cues from the Charger and Challenger, giving the Hornet a distinctive muscle-car-influenced look. The aggressive front fascia, sculpted hood, and sharp lines are unmistakable, making the Hornet stand out in a sea of bland SUVs.
Exterior Features
- LED headlights with a distinctive Dodge signature
- Black grille with the iconic Dodge crosshair design
- Sporty, wide stance with flared wheel arches
- 18-inch aluminum wheels (with optional 20-inch wheels for extra flair)
- Available dual exhaust
One notable feature is the Track Pack, which brings a sportier suspension setup, Brembo brakes, and those aggressive 20-inch wheels. This adds an extra layer of visual and performance enhancements that car enthusiasts will surely appreciate.
Potential Drawbacks
While the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus looks sharp, there are some downsides worth considering. First, its rear visibility is somewhat compromised due to the sloping roofline and thick rear pillars. Some drivers may find backing up a bit tricky, though the backup camera does help. Second, the exterior finish options are fairly limited when compared to competitors that offer a wider variety of paint choices.
Interior: Tech-Savvy with Muscle Car Flair
The interior of the Hornet GT Plus is where Dodge's dual personality shines. It has all the modern tech and comfort you'd expect in a 2023 SUV, while still retaining a hint of muscle car spirit through design elements like the flat-bottomed steering wheel and sport-inspired seating.
Key Interior Highlights
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (fully customizable)
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 (featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Premium Alcantara/leather-trimmed seats
- Power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats with heating/ventilation
- Dual-zone climate control
Dodge didn’t skimp on tech in the GT Plus trim. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive. The Uconnect 5 system has been praised for its simplicity and lightning-fast navigation. Additionally, the premium sound system powered by Harman Kardon ensures crisp, clear audio, whether you're listening to music or taking a call on the go.
Potential Drawbacks
That being said, there are some drawbacks here as well. The rear seating area, while comfortable, can feel cramped for taller passengers. This is a typical issue with compact SUVs, but it’s something to consider if you’re planning on frequently ferrying around adults in the back. Storage space is also slightly below average for its class, with a cargo capacity of around 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats. So if you’re looking for a true family SUV, the Hornet might not be the best option in terms of overall space.
Performance: A Punchy Drive
Dodge is well known for its performance, and the Hornet GT Plus doesn’t disappoint. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine churns out an impressive 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, enough to push this SUV from 0-60 mph in just over 6 seconds. This is quicker than many of its competitors, including the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V.
Performance Highlights
- Sport Mode: Dialing up the throttle response and tweaking the suspension for a more aggressive driving feel.
- All-Wheel Drive: Standard, providing better traction and control, especially in rough conditions.
- Suspension: The Koni shocks and the optional sport-tuned suspension found in the Track Pack give the Hornet exceptional handling for an SUV.
Alex Collantes, a Dodge enthusiast and long-time performance vehicle owner, remarked: “The Hornet GT Plus feels more like a hot hatch than a family SUV. It’s responsive, nimble, and incredibly fun to drive. Dodge did a great job bringing a muscle car spirit into the SUV segment.”
Potential Drawbacks
On the downside, the Hornet's ride can feel a bit stiff, especially when equipped with the sportier Track Pack suspension. If you’re used to a cushy SUV ride, the sport-tuned handling might feel a bit harsh, especially over rougher roads. Additionally, while the 9-speed automatic transmission is mostly smooth, there are occasional moments where it seems hesitant to shift, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.
Safety: Well-Equipped, But Room for Improvement
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus comes with a host of standard and available safety features, which help it keep pace with modern SUV competitors. Standard safety technologies include:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross-traffic alert
For drivers who want even more, there’s an optional Tech Package that adds a surround-view camera, enhanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, and a driver drowsiness detection system.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Hornet GT Plus offers a decent array of standard safety features, it falls a little short in advanced driver-assistance technologies (ADAS) compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V. The lack of a fully autonomous driving mode, even as an option, might be a dealbreaker for those looking for a more future-forward SUV.
Fuel Efficiency: Competitive, But Not Class-Leading
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus manages to deliver respectable fuel efficiency given its performance-oriented nature. According to EPA estimates, the Hornet achieves:
- City: 21 MPG
- Highway: 29 MPG
- Combined: 24 MPG
These figures put it on par with competitors like the Mazda CX-5 but fall slightly behind others like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which offers over 40 MPG combined.
Potential Drawbacks
Though the Dodge Hornet GT Plus offers decent fuel economy for a performance-based SUV, the lack of a hybrid option might turn off eco-conscious buyers. Dodge could have taken a bigger leap by offering an electrified powertrain, which would have given it an edge over other compact SUVs in the fuel economy department.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus starts around $32,000, making it competitively priced for a performance-focused SUV. However, with options like the Track Pack, Tech Package, and premium audio system, the price can quickly climb into the mid-$40,000 range.
Available Trim Levels
- Hornet GT: The base model equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, AWD, and essential tech features.
- Hornet GT Plus: Adds premium features like leather upholstery, heated/ventilated seats, and the upgraded sound system.
- Hornet R/T (coming soon): Expected to bring a hybrid powertrain for even better performance and efficiency.
Potential Drawbacks
While the base model GT offers solid value, once you start adding packages to the GT Plus trim, the price starts creeping dangerously close to the luxury SUV territory. For some buyers, it might be worth considering whether the extra cost is justified compared to better-equipped mainstream or luxury SUVs in the same price range.
Conclusion: The Hornet Buzzes with Potential
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus is undoubtedly an exciting addition to the compact SUV market. With its aggressive styling, performance-oriented engine, and muscle car attitude, it will appeal to a very specific type of driver. If you're someone who values performance, technology, and style in equal measure, the Hornet GT Plus deserves a place on your shortlist.
However, if you’re looking for maximum interior space, the most advanced driver-assistance technologies, or class-leading fuel economy, there are better options in the segment. But, for drivers who crave a compact SUV with a pulse-quickening driving experience, the Hornet GT Plus delivers in spades.
As Alex Collantes perfectly sums it up: “If you want something that stands out in a sea of look-alike SUVs and still packs a performance punch, the Dodge Hornet GT Plus is one to consider. It's not perfect but it’s one of the most fun compact SUVs you can drive today.”