What is the Alfa Romeo version of the Dodge Hornet?

The Alfa Romeo version of the Dodge Hornet is the Tonale. Both compact crossovers were developed within Stellantis as part of a cross-brand platform-sharing strategy.

In practice, the Tonale and Hornet share architecture, driving dynamics, and many powertrain options, but diverge in branding, styling, and market positioning to suit their respective brand identities in Europe and North America.

Background: What links the two models

These two models sit on the same engineering core within Stellantis, allowing the brands to spread development costs while offering complementary products. The Tonale launched in Europe in 2022 and rolled into other markets, while the Dodge Hornet arrived in North America with a similar footprint and aims to capture the compact SUV market from a Dodge perspective.

• Shared platform and engineering: Tonale and Hornet are built on the same foundational architecture, with many components carried over between models.


• Powertrain options: Both vehicles offer turbocharged four-cylinder engines and hybrid variants, reflecting Stellantis’ commitment to electrification across brands.


• Interior architecture and technology: A comparable cabin layout and multimedia system give customers a similar user experience across the two nameplates.


• Safety and driver-assistance features: Core safety tech and driver aids are aligned across Tonale and Hornet.

In short, these cross-brand siblings share core engineering and technology, making the Alfa Romeo Tonale the direct Alfa Romeo counterpart to the Dodge Hornet.

Brand differences and market positioning

Although mechanically related, the Tonale and Hornet are tuned and marketed to reflect their brands. Alfa Romeo emphasizes Italian design, driving dynamics, and a premium feel, while Dodge positions the Hornet as a more accessible, performance-oriented crossover for the U.S. market.

• Brand identity: Alfa Romeo branding highlights elegance and driving passion, whereas Dodge emphasizes bold styling and value-driven performance.


• Exterior and interior cues: Tonale features Alfa Romeo styling language and materials associated with the brand; Hornet uses Dodge-specific trim, badges, and option packages.


• Trim naming and packages: Tonale trims focus on Alfa lineage (e.g., Ti and Veloce variants in various markets), while Hornet trims align with Dodge Naming and package structure, including performance-focused options.


• Market availability: Tonale is broadly marketed in Europe and many global regions; Hornet is positioned primarily for the North American market.

Despite the branding differences, buyers who appreciate one model can expect the other to share many mechanical virtues, with the distinct personality of each brand carried through in design and options.

What this means for buyers

For shoppers, the relation between the Tonale and Hornet translates into familiar driving feel, technology, and efficiency across brands, with the choice primarily about style, badge, and market-specific feature sets. If you want Alfa Romeo’s design-driven approach, the Tonale is the go-to; if you prefer Dodge’s performance-oriented, value-focused packaging, the Hornet is the logical pick.

Summary

In essence, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is the Alfa counterpart to the Dodge Hornet. They share the same platform, powertrain philosophy, and technology, but are dressed in different brand personas to fit their respective markets. The Tonale represents Alfa Romeo’s entry into this compact SUV segment, while the Hornet adapts those foundations for Dodge customers.

Does Dodge make Alfa Romeo?

No, Alfa Romeo is not Dodge; they are separate brands under the same parent company, Stellantis. However, some of their vehicles, like the Alfa Romeo Tonale and the Dodge Hornet, share a platform and components because they are built on the same architecture, with the Hornet essentially being a rebadged version of the Tonale. 

• Shared parent company: Both Alfa Romeo and Dodge are owned by Stellantis, a multinational corporation that owns over a dozen automotive brands. 
• Platform sharing: The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and the Dodge Hornet share the same platform and many components. 
• Vehicle design: The Dodge Hornet is essentially a rebadged Alfa Romeo Tonale, with some design differences in the front and rear, as well as interior styling, to align with each brand's identity. The Hornet was created to give Dodge a compact SUV option in the North American market. 

How much is the Dodge Hornet vs Alfa Romeo Tonale?

Pricing and Value
Alfa Romeo Tonale comparison becomes more noticeable. The base 2023 Hornet starts at $32,330. Meanwhile, the 2024 Hornet R/T PHEV begins at $42,530. The Tonale, being a luxury vehicle, starts at $44,590 for the base trim.

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. 

Are Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo the same?

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. But that doesn't mean both vehicles are the same. In fact, both vehicles are geared towards two very different types of drivers.