Is the Dodge Hornet the same as the Alfa Romeo?

The Dodge Hornet is not the Alfa Romeo Tonale, but it is a badge-engineered variant built on the Tonale’s platform for Dodge. In practice, the Hornet shares the Tonale’s underlying engineering while wearing Dodge styling, branding, and tuning aimed at the American market.

Shared platform and engineering

The Hornet and Tonale were developed within the same Stellantis family, using a common compact crossover architecture and similar powertrain concepts. Here are the core similarities buyers should know.

• Shared platform and major components, enabling comparable packaging, handling, and all-wheel-drive options.


• Turbocharged engine options and a mild-hybrid electrical system appear in various configurations for both models.


• Automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive are available across trims on both vehicles.


• Similar infotainment and driver-assistance features, though branded and tuned to each marque.

In short, they are closely related under the skin, with brand-specific tuning and presentation shaping the driving experience.

Branding, design, and feature differences

Beyond the mechanical DNA, the two models diverge in aesthetics, interior feel, and how features are marketed. The following sections outline exterior and interior cues, plus how the brands position the two crossovers.

Exterior design cues

The Hornet adheres to Dodge’s bold, muscular design language, while the Tonale reflects Alfa Romeo’s Italian styling heritage. These choices manifest in grille treatment, lighting signatures, and overall silhouette.

• Distinct grille shapes, headlight configurations, and brand-specific styling cues on the front fascia.


• Brand-specific badging, color palettes, and wheel options that reinforce each marque’s identity.


• Dodge-exclusive exterior accents and trim packages that emphasize sportiness; Alfa Romeo emphasizes refined, designer-led cues.

Exterior design is the most visible difference, signaling brand identity even as the underlying platform remains shared.

Interior design cues

Inside, the Tonale and Hornet present different cockpit philosophies, materials, and control layouts that align with each brand’s customer expectations.

• Different dashboards, instrument clusters, and infotainment interfaces tied to each brand’s software ecosystem.


• Brand-specific trim options, materials, and seating configurations that reflect Alfa Romeo or Dodge design language.


• Distinct branding on scuff plates, seat embossings, and console details that reinforce the ownership experience.

Interior specifics reinforce the separate brand experiences, even as many core components are shared.

Market positioning and availability

While the two models share engineering, they are positioned for different markets and shopping preferences. Here’s how that plays out for buyers and dealers.

• The Tonale is marketed and sold primarily in Europe and select markets, with its own pricing and option structure that emphasizes Alfa Romeo’s premium, driver-focused branding.


• The Hornet is Dodge’s U.S.-market interpretation of the Tonale formula, with branding, trim levels, and features tailored to American tastes and the Dodge dealer network.


• Both models leverage Stellantis’ cross-brand parts and service ecosystems, but ownership experiences—pricing, incentives, and aftersales—vary by brand.

For buyers, the decision often comes down to brand affinity, design preferences, and the specific equipment offered at the trim level, rather than a simple “same car” judgment.

Summary

The Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale are closely related siblings built on the same fundamental platform within the Stellantis family. They are not the same car: the Hornet is Dodge’s branded take on the Tonale, with distinct styling, interior feel, and market positioning tailored to the U.S. audience. For consumers, the choice hinges on brand experience and design preference, while the underlying engineering offers similar capabilities and shared technology.

What is the Dodge Hornet equivalent to?

The Dodge Hornet's main competitors are compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Hyundai Tucson. Other rivals include the Toyota RAV4, Kia Seltos, and Chevrolet Equinox. For buyers also considering performance-oriented or hybrid models, other competitors are the Alfa Romeo Tonale (also based on the Hornet's architecture) and the Kia Niro (for plug-in hybrid options).
 
This video compares the Dodge Hornet to the Mazda CX-5: 59sRaiti's RidesYouTube · Mar 14, 2023
Primary competitors

• Mazda CX-5: Often compared for its sporty driving dynamics. 
• Honda CR-V: A major competitor in the compact SUV market. 
• Nissan Rogue: Another key rival, especially in terms of fuel economy. 
• Hyundai Tucson: A strong competitor with a competitive starting price. 
• Toyota RAV4: Competes with the Hornet in both gasoline and plug-in hybrid versions. 
• Kia Seltos: A competitor that offers a similar size and price point. 

This video compares the Dodge Hornet R/T with the Kia Sportage PHEV: 1mRaiti's RidesYouTube · Apr 12, 2024
Other competitors to consider

• Chevrolet Equinox: A direct competitor with a lower starting price. 
• Ford Escape ST-Line: A competitor that starts at a lower price point. 
• Alfa Romeo Tonale: Shares its platform with the Hornet. 
• Kia Niro: Competes with the Hornet's plug-in hybrid option. 
• Jeep Compass: Shares the same architecture and engines as the Hornet GT but has a lower starting price. 

What is the Alfa Romeo version of the Dodge Hornet?

Alfa Romeo Tonale
If you didn't know, the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet share the same DNA, as they both feature the same powertrain, and body components.

Is Alfa Romeo the same as Dodge?

The vehicles are engineered separately and designed for different markets, after all. However, they do have similarities, as others have pointed out. As Cars.com notes, the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale “share a lot of the same equipment, components and body panels.”

Are Dodge and Alfa Romeo the same company?

No, Dodge does not own Alfa Romeo; both brands are owned by the same parent company, Stellantis, which was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group. Therefore, Dodge and Alfa Romeo are sister brands under the larger Stellantis umbrella. 

• Parent company: Stellantis owns both Dodge and Alfa Romeo. 
• History: Alfa Romeo was part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which also included brands like Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler. 
• Formation of Stellantis: In 2021, FCA merged with PSA Group to form Stellantis, which now oversees a combined portfolio of 14 brands, including both Dodge and Alfa Romeo.