How long does it take to build a Dodge Hornet?
In broad terms, the time it takes to build a Dodge Hornet depends on what you measure: the factory’s assembly time per vehicle versus the total lead time from order to door. On the line, the Hornet’s manufacturing time is typically around a day’s worth of active production per vehicle, while customer delivery can stretch across weeks to months depending on options, demand, and supply constraints.
The following report breaks down the two clocks: the manufacturing clock inside the plant and the customer lead times from order to delivery. It also explains what factors most influence each timeline and how buyers can gauge expected wait times in today’s market.
The manufacturing clock: how long to assemble a Hornet on the line
Automakers run highly optimized, high-volume assembly lines, and different trims or powertrains can influence line time. The Hornet, like other modern compact crossovers, is built in a series of parallel and sequential steps that together determine how long a single vehicle spends on the line.
- Active assembly time on the line: Modern high-volume plants typically allocate roughly 15 to 25 hours of active crew labor per vehicle, spread over multiple shifts. This figure represents the time from the body-in-white moving into final assembly to the completed vehicle ready for final checks.
- Paint shop and coatings: The vehicle’s body goes through priming, painting, and clear coatings, which add time due to curing and handling. In a well-optimized plant, paint and finishing steps are integrated with the line, but they can extend overall line time by several hours depending on color and finish.
- Quality checks and final inspection: After assembly and painting, vehicles undergo multiple inspections, software checks, and testing procedures to ensure safety and performance. This can add a few more hours to the timeline per unit.
- Logistics to the staging area: Once built, the Hornet is moved to staging for delivery, which includes data checks, inventory reconciliation, and preparation for transport. This adds additional non-assembly time before a vehicle leaves the plant site.
- Variability by trim and powertrain: Higher-end trims or plug-in hybrid variants may require extra components or calibration, potentially lengthening the on-line time slightly compared with base configurations.
In summary, the on-the-line build time for a Dodge Hornet is typically around one day’s worth of production activity per vehicle, though the entire process from start to finish on the plant floor can stretch over 24 to 48 hours in practice once all steps are accounted for. Real-world times vary with plant scheduling, shift patterns, and any bottlenecks in parts supply.
Customer lead time: from configuration to delivery
Beyond the factory, buyers face lead times that reflect inventory, options, regional demand, and supply-chain conditions. The number of weeks you wait depends on whether you’re grabbing an in-stock unit, ordering a standard build, or specifying a highly optioned model.
- In-stock or readily available inventory: If a Hornet is already on a dealer lot or available from nearby allocation, delivery can occur within days to a few weeks, depending on the dealer’s scheduling and transport.
- Built-to-order with standard options: For most buyers selecting common options and trims, lead times typically range from about 4 to 12 weeks from order to delivery, depending on regional demand and production cadence.
- Built-to-order with rare options or high demand: For configuration combinations that are less common or during supply constraints, wait times can extend beyond 12 weeks, sometimes reaching several months if specific packages, colors, or powertrain choices are scarce.
Lead times can be affected by several external factors, including chip supply, logistics bottlenecks, and seasonal demand. Buyers should check with the local dealer for the most current estimates tailored to their region and desired configuration.
United States
In the U.S., the Hornet’s lead time ranges from a few weeks for widely available configurations to several months for popular but constrained options, especially around new model introductions or refresh cycles. Dealers often publish a current-availability window and offer alternative configurations if a specific build is delayed.
- Typical wait for standard builds: 4–12 weeks
- Wait for rare combinations or high-demand trims: 12+ weeks, with occasional longer delays during supply constraints
The U.S. market often sees a mix of in-stock units, factory allocations, and build-to-order schedules, which means potential buyers should reserve with a dealer and confirm the latest timeline before finalizing a purchase.
Europe and other regions
European and other markets may experience similar dynamics—days to weeks for in-stock models and longer waits for built-to-order configurations, influenced by regional demand and distribution networks.
- Typical wait for standard models: 6–12 weeks
- Longer waits for specialized options or high-demand color/powertrain combos: 12–16 weeks or more
Regional logistics, dealer allocation, and import timelines can shift these estimates, so checking with local dealers provides the most reliable forecast.
Why these timelines matter for buyers
Understanding the difference between the manufacturing clock and the customer lead time helps buyers plan: even if a Hornet is being produced efficiently on the line, the time to own one depends on inventory, the chosen configuration, and the dealer’s supply chain status. Those shopping for the Hornet in today’s market should inquire about current stock, possible alternative configurations, and the latest delivery estimates to align expectations with reality.
Summary
The Dodge Hornet’s production time on the factory line is typically around a day’s worth of active assembly per vehicle, with total plant processing time often extending to 24–48 hours when all steps are counted. Customer delivery times vary widely: some buyers can take delivery within days for in-stock units, while others may face several weeks to months for built-to-order configurations, depending on region, options, and supply conditions. For the most accurate timeline, consult your local Dodge dealer, who can provide current stock levels and region-specific estimates.
Do Dodge Hornets hold their value?
A 2023 Dodge Hornet has depreciated $19,641 or 52% in the last 2 years and has a current resale value of $17,689 and trade-in value of $15,840. The 2023 Dodge Hornet is in the 75-100% percentile for depreciation among all 2023 SUVs.
How long does it take to build a vehicle on the assembly line?
In traditional production, only one car would be assembled at a time. If engine installation takes 20 minutes, hood installation takes five minutes, and wheels installation takes 10 minutes, then a car can be produced every 35 minutes.
How long does it take to build a Dodge?
Generally, orders fulfill in 4-12 weeks.
Where are Dodge Hornets assembled?
Italy
The Hornet, including the Hornet Hybrid, is built in Italy alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale and therefore hit with a 25 percent import tariff. Dodge wouldn't confirm whether any 2026 Hornets will be built or if the compact SUV will skip the 2026 model year.
