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When did Dodge Hornet first come out?

The Dodge Hornet first appeared in 2022 as a concept, with a production version arriving for the 2023 model year and reaching U.S. showrooms in 2023.


Timeline of the Hornet's introduction


Below is a concise timeline of the Hornet’s rollout from concept to market availability.



  • 2022 — Dodge unveils the Hornet as a concept, signaling a return of the Hornet name and a new compact SUV for the brand.

  • 2023 — A production version is introduced, with U.S. sales beginning in 2023 as part of the 2023 model-year lineup.


These milestones mark the transition from a showpiece concept to a commercially available Dodge model.


What the Hornet is built on


The Hornet rides on a platform shared with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, reflecting Stellantis’ strategy of leveraging common underpinnings across brands to streamline development and production.


Platform and powertrain overview


Available configurations typically include gasoline-engine variants with all-wheel-drive capability, and a plug-in-hybrid option in certain markets and trims, depending on regional specifications.


Market presence and reception


Since its introduction, the Hornet has aimed to combine Dodge’s performance-oriented styling with the practicality of a compact SUV, targeting buyers seeking performance, agility, and everyday usability in a smaller footprint.


Summary


In brief, the Dodge Hornet first surfaced as a concept in 2022, with a production version introduced for the 2023 model year and U.S. sales starting in 2023. It reflects Dodge’s strategy to expand into the compact-SUV segment using shared Stellantis technology with the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

What year did Dodge come out with the Hornet?


Overview. The Hornet was released in August 2022. It is Dodge's first all-new model in over a decade, following the discontinuation of the mid-size Journey crossover. The vehicle's exterior design was led by Jeff Gale, the son of former Chrysler design executive Tom Gale.



What vehicle did the Dodge Hornet replace?


In 2023, Dodge started to phase out its Dodge Durango SUV and began to replace it with the all-new Dodge Hornet, America's first muscle SUV. It's got three trims, good gas mileage, and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) trim called the Dodge Hornet R/T.



Is a Dodge Hornet faster than a Hellcat?


So, Which One's Faster? It's no contest. The Hellcat dominates the Hornet in every performance metric: 0–60:Hellcat ~3.4 seconds | Hornet ~6.5 seconds.



What is special about the Dodge Hornet?


The 2025 Dodge Hornet is built to feel lively. The GT's 2.0-liter turbo delivers strong midrange torque and quick throttle response for everyday passing. The R/T PHEV uses electric torque to make launches feel immediate. One of the pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet is the estimated 0 to 60 time.


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Kevin Bennett

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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.