2023 Dodge Hornet GT Review Video | Is this Compact Performance SUV Any Fun?

Dodge is a name synonymous with muscle cars, legendary muscle machines like the Challenger and Charger. But now, the American brand is venturing into new territory with a compact SUV—the Dodge Hornet GT. This new addition to the SUV segment is designed to appeal to buyers looking for a sporty, performance-oriented ride while still providing the practicality and versatility of an SUV. For car enthusiasts, the Hornet GT’s performance specs, somewhat aggressive styling, and tech-packed interior may make it an intriguing option to consider.

Engine and Performance

• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
• Horsepower: 265 hp
• Torque: 295 lb-ft
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.7 seconds
• Top Speed: 130 mph
• Fuel Economy:
  • City: 22 mpg
  • Highway: 29 mpg
  • Combined: 25 mpg

With 265 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, the Hornet GT offers decent power for its size. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine provides a healthy dose of acceleration, and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smooth, seamless shifts. The AWD system ensures traction and stability, which is especially useful during harsh weather conditions.

The Hornet GT is relatively quick for its class, with a 0-60 mph time of about 5.7 seconds. This puts it in line with many other performance-oriented compact SUVs and offers more than enough grunt for a fun driving experience. Despite its muscle-car roots, the Hornet GT doesn’t lose sight of fuel efficiency, returning a respectable 25 mpg combined.

Dimensions and Cargo Space

The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT strikes a good balance between agility and interior space. It’s small enough to be nimble but big enough to offer practical benefits for daily use.

• Length: 178.3 inches (4,529 mm)
• Width: 74.4 inches (1,887 mm)
• Height: 63.1 inches (1,603 mm)
• Wheelbase: 103.6 inches (2,632 mm)
• Curb Weight: 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
• Cargo Space: 22.4 cubic feet (with rear seats up)
• Towing Capacity: 3,000 lbs

At 178.3 inches long, the Hornet GT is compact enough for easy maneuverability in urban environments while still providing enough space for passengers and their gear. With 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space (with the rear seats up), it offers a respectable amount of storage capacity for a compact SUV. Throw down the rear seats, and the cargo space grows significantly, allowing the Hornet GT to handle larger loads when necessary. Its 3,000-pound towing capacity means you can pull small trailers or other recreational gear for your weekend adventures.

Interior & Tech

Inside, the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT offers a comfortable cabin designed with a driver-focused layout. It’s clear that Dodge has taken steps to blend the performance-oriented spirit of the brand with the practicality of an SUV, delivering an intuitive tech interface while keeping the driving experience at the forefront.

Interior Features

• Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
• Infotainment: 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen
• Audio: 6-speaker audio system (optional 14-speaker Harman Kardon system)
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation
• Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Interior Materials: Premium cloth or available leather upholstery
• Storage: Generous cup holders, center console, and storage pockets

The centerpiece of the Hornet GT’s interior is the 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen that serves as the hub for all your infotainment needs. It’s intuitive to use and comes with all the modern connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Whether you’re streaming music or getting directions, the touchscreen works seamlessly. For audiophiles, the optional 14-speaker Harman Kardon system provides an elevated listening experience.

The cabin can comfortably seat five passengers, and there’s enough space in both the front and rear seats for adults. The materials used inside are premium-ish (or at least for the segment), and the dual-zone automatic climate control ensures everyone stays comfortable, no matter the weather outside.

Safety Features

The Hornet GT comes with a number of standard driver-assistance features. These systems are designed to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Standard Safety Features:

• Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Rearview Camera
• Parking Sensors

Driving Experience

The Dodge Hornet GT is no Hellcat Charger, but it’s fairly fun to drive for what it is.  It offers a dynamic and engaging experience that is somewhat rare in compact crossovers. Its turbocharged engine offers more than enough power for merging onto highways or overtaking slow pokes. The 9-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth shifts, and the all-wheel-drive system provides strong traction in different road conditions, from dry pavement to wet or icy roads.

Despite being an SUV, the Hornet GT feels pretty agile out on the road. Its handling is sharp, and its steering provides good (not great) feedback, making it feel more like a sport sedan than an SUV. The sport-tuned suspension ensures that it stays planted through corners, offering a fun and stable driving experience. However, for those looking for the ultimate in performance, a true sports car might still provide a sharper edge.

A few Dodge  Hornet GT Competitors…

The compact SUV segment is a highly competitive one, and the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT is not the only player in this space. Let’s take a quick look at a few competitors and how they stack up in terms of performance and features:

1. Jeep Compass Trailhawk

• Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 177 hp
• Torque: 172 lb-ft
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
• Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is one of the more rugged competitors, with off-road capabilities that the Hornet GT doesn’t offer. However, it sacrifices some of the Hornet GT’s performance for better off-road capability and a lower starting price.

2. Hyundai Kona N

• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 276 hp
• Torque: 289 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
• Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs

The Hyundai Kona N offers a lot more of a punchy performance-oriented experience, with more horsepower than the Hornet GT. However, it sacrifices some interior space and practicality in favor of sportier driving dynamics. The Kona N is more of a hot hatch crossover, while the Hornet GT offers more versatility.

3. Ford Escape ST-Line

• Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 250 hp
• Torque: 280 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

The Ford Escape ST-Line offers strong performance and a similar towing capacity to the Hornet GT. However, it’s more focused on comfort and fuel efficiency than outright performance.

Would You Choose the Dodge Hornet GT?

So, after looking at some of its competitors, would you choose the Hornet GT over its rivals?

The Dodge Hornet GT offers a balance of performance, tech, and practicality that stands out in its segment. While its competitors may offer more horsepower, off-road capability, or better fuel efficiency, the Hornet GT delivers a compelling combination of sporty driving dynamics, a tech-packed interior, and a distinctive Dodge design.

For those looking for a compact SUV with a bit of muscle, the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT is definitely worth considering. Would you take the Hornet GT, or do you prefer the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, Hyundai Kona N, or Ford Escape ST-Line?

Go ahead and let us know in the comments below!