What platform is the Dodge Hornet on?
The Dodge Hornet, a compact crossover introduced by Dodge, shares its foundational engineering with the Alfa Romeo Tonale—the Stellantis Small Wide 4x4 platform that underpins several of the group’s small SUVs.
In practical terms, this means the Hornet uses the same chassis family as the Tonale, with a design that accommodates multiple powertrains and drive configurations. The shared platform underpins similar handling characteristics, assembly methods, and packaging across the two vehicles and other Stellantis models that ride on the same architecture.
Platform sharing explained
Understanding how the Hornet sits on the Tonale platform helps explain why Dodge and Alfa Romeo can offer similar features while differentiating styling and tuning. The shared foundation is designed to support various powertrains and drive layouts, aligning the two vehicles in critical engineering areas.
Key elements of the shared platform
Before examining specifics, note these core aspects of the Tonale/Hornet platform shared across Stellantis’ small SUVs:
- Common chassis architecture for compact crossovers
- Support for turbo petrol engines, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids
- Front-wheel drive as standard with optional all-wheel drive
- Similar suspension geometry and overall driving dynamics
- Cross-brand parts and manufacturing efficiencies
These shared characteristics enable Dodge and Alfa Romeo to offer related driving experiences while tailoring each model’s styling, features, and performance emphasis to its brand identity.
Broader Stellantis platform family
Other vehicles that ride on the same Small Wide 4x4 platform include several of Stellantis’ compact crossovers, highlighting the brand-group strategy of platform sharing across model lines.
- Alfa Romeo Tonale
- Jeep Compass
- Jeep Renegade
- Fiat 500X
By leveraging this shared platform, Stellantis aims to streamline development, reduce costs, and bring a mix of powertrain options to market across multiple brands with consistent packaging and capability.
What this means for buyers
For consumers, the Hornet’s platform relationship with the Tonale translates to similar interior space, comparable packaging of powertrains, and the possibility of shared maintenance and parts availability across dealers that service Stellantis brands. It also signals a continued emphasis on flexible propulsion options within a common chassis, aligning with the group’s broader electrification strategy while preserving brand-specific appeal.
Summary
The Dodge Hornet sits on the same foundational platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale—the Stellantis Small Wide 4x4 architecture. This shared engineering backbone enables multiple powertrain choices, potential all-wheel-drive configurations, and efficiencies across a family of compact crossovers, while allowing Dodge and Alfa Romeo to differentiate through tuning, styling, and feature sets.
