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What car is the Hornet based on?

The Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover SUV that was recently introduced by the Stellantis automotive group. While the Hornet may bear the iconic Dodge name, it is actually based on the platform of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, a compact luxury crossover from Stellantis' Italian brand.

Shared Platform with the Alfa Romeo Tonale

The Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale share the same underlying architecture, known as the Small Wide 4x4 platform. This platform was developed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now part of Stellantis) and is used for a range of compact and midsize vehicles across the group's brands. The Tonale and Hornet are the first models to utilize this platform for a compact crossover SUV.

By leveraging the Tonale's platform, Dodge was able to quickly bring the Hornet to market as a more affordable alternative to the Alfa Romeo model. This allows Stellantis to expand its crossover SUV offerings and compete in the popular and growing compact crossover segment. web>

Design and Styling Differences

While the Hornet and Tonale share the same underlying platform, the two models feature distinct exterior and interior designs to align with their respective brand identities. The Hornet adopts Dodge's muscular and aggressive styling cues, including a more pronounced front grille, different headlight and taillight designs, and unique wheel options. web> Inside, the Hornet's cabin is also differentiated from the Tonale, with Dodge-specific materials, colors, and technology features.

Powertrain and Performance

The Dodge Hornet is expected to offer a range of powertrain options, including:

Turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology

Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine

Plug-in hybrid variant with a more powerful electric motor and larger battery pack

These powertrain options are likely to be shared with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, though Dodge may tune the engines and transmissions to deliver a more performance-oriented driving experience in line with the brand's heritage.

By leveraging Alfa Romeo's engineering expertise and platform, Dodge has been able to quickly develop the Hornet as a competitive entry in the compact crossover segment, offering a unique blend of performance, style, and value for Dodge customers.

What is Dodge Hornet based on?

Alfa Romeo Tonale
The Hornet is produced in Italy and is a platform-mate and rebadged variant of the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

What kind of car was a Hornet?

The Dodge Hornet is a compact SUV that blends muscle car styling with modern technology, available with either a gas-powered engine or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It is built on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale and offers performance-oriented features like standard all-wheel drive, a driver-focused cockpit, and available upgrades like Brembo brakes.

Engine options:
- GT: A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
- R/T: A plug-in hybrid that combines a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 288 horsepower. It features an e-all-wheel drive setup and can provide an all-electric range of about 32 miles.
Features:
- Interior: A driver-centric cabin with a dual-display digital interface and modern design elements.
- Exterior: A bold, aggressive design with a unique Dodge family look.
- Performance: Available with performance upgrades like an adaptive suspension, larger wheels, and Brembo brakes.
Classification:
- A compact SUV or CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle).
Competitors:
- It competes with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

What car is the Hudson Hornet in real life?

The Hudson Hornet is a real-life car from the Hudson Motor Car Company, produced from 1951 to 1957. It was known for its "step-down" design, which gave it a low center of gravity and good handling, and became a legendary NASCAR racer, with drivers like Herb Thomas achieving great success in them. The character "Doc Hudson" in the movie Cars is based on this specific car.

This video explains the history of the Hudson Hornet and its racing legacy: 54sThe Henry FordYouTube · Aug 25, 2023

Manufacturer: Hudson Motor Car Company
Production years: 1951–1957
Key feature: The "step-down" design, which placed the car's floor lower than the chassis for a lower center of gravity and better handling
NASCAR legacy: Became a dominant force in early NASCAR racing, with Herb Thomas winning multiple races and championships in a Hudson Hornet
Inspiration for Cars: The character "Doc Hudson" from the Pixar movie Cars is a 1951 Hudson Hornet named after the Fabulous Hudson Hornet race car

Is the Dodge Hornet an Alfa Romeo?

The Dodge Hornet is based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, sharing the same platform and underlying structure. Both are compact crossover SUVs produced in Italy, but they are differentiated by their styling, with the Hornet featuring a bolder, more aggressive front end compared to the Tonale's elegant design. The Hornet is positioned as a more performance-oriented option, while the Tonale is positioned as the more luxurious and refined choice.

You can watch this video to see a side-by-side comparison of the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale, focusing on the design elements: 1mNeutral Reviews YouTube · Dec 18, 2023
Key similarities

Platform: Both are built on the same platform from Stellantis.
Interior: The interior profiles, profiles, and glass are largely identical.
Powertrain: Both offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain, though the base Hornet is a gasoline model, and the Tonale is exclusively offered as a PHEV in North America.
Production: Both vehicles are produced in Italy.

This video provides a detailed comparison of the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale, highlighting their similarities and differences: 59sDoug DeMuroYouTube · Jan 9, 2024
Key differences

Exterior styling: The Hornet has a different grille and front-end design, while the Tonale has the traditional Alfa Romeo triangular grille.
Driving experience: The Hornet is tuned for a sportier, more aggressive feel, while the Tonale offers a sharper, more refined, and premium experience.
Price: The Hornet is priced significantly lower than the Tonale, even for comparable PHEV models.
Performance: The Hornet has a slight edge in power and torque in its R/T trim and has a quicker 0-60 mph time due to its tuning.

This video compares the Dodge Hornet to the Alfa Romeo Tonale from a performance and driving dynamics perspective: 1mRacerXYouTube · Oct 3, 2023

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.