When did the new Dodge Hornet come out?
The new Dodge Hornet arrived as a 2023 model year vehicle, with its first public reveal in 2022 and U.S. deliveries beginning in early 2023. In short, the Hornet officially hit showrooms in 2023 after Dodge unveiled it the previous year.
This article provides a concise timeline of when the Hornet was introduced, when it went on sale, and how the initial lineup was structured for buyers in North America.
Launch timeline
Key milestones in the Hornet's rollout include its public reveal as part of Dodge's 2023 strategy, followed by formal on-sale timing for customers in the United States and Canada.
- 2022: Public reveal of the Dodge Hornet as a new compact crossover, positioned for the 2023 model year.
- Early 2023: Arrived in U.S. Dodge dealerships; first 2023 Hornets delivered to customers in spring 2023.
The timeline highlights when the vehicle moved from concept and announcement to real-world availability for buyers.
What you could buy and where
At launch, Dodge offered a handful of trim levels and options for the Hornet, marketed primarily in North America. Availability varied by market and production status, but the initial lineup was designed to balance performance with daily practicality.
- SXT: Entry-level trim with the Hornet’s core powertrain package.
- GT: Mid-range trim with upgraded styling cues and equipment.
- R/T: Higher-performance variant delivering more power and features for enthusiasts.
Dealers and Dodge’s official communications noted that trims and features could vary by region and model year, with updates rolling in as production continued.
Notes on technical details
For readers seeking specifics like horsepower, drivetrain layout, and available engines, Dodge's official materials for the Hornet emphasize that the model line uses a turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive configurations in most markets, with options evolving over subsequent model years.
Context and significance
The Hornet represents a strategic move for Dodge to expand into the compact crossover segment while signaling the brand's performance-oriented identity in a broader market. Its arrival followed broader FCA platform-sharing with Alfa Romeo Tonale, illustrating how Dodge leverages existing architecture to bring a Halo-style utility vehicle to North America.
Summary
To answer the question directly: the Dodge Hornet was introduced for the 2023 model year, with its public reveal in 2022 and deliveries starting in early 2023. Since its launch, Dodge has continued to refine the lineup and rollout across markets, with ongoing updates into subsequent model years.
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.
Is Dodge making a 2025 Hornet?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet stands out by blending muscle-car power with SUV functionality making it a top contender for anyone searching best small SUV with AWD or compact hybrid SUV with performance features.
When did they start making the new Dodge Hornet?
| Dodge Hornet | |
|---|---|
| Production | August 2022 – present (production has been indefinitely suspended) |
| Model years | 2023–present |
| Assembly | Italy: Pomigliano d'Arco (Alfa Romeo) |
| Designer | Jeff Gale |
Which is better, a Dodge Hornet RT or GT?
While both models offer excellent power, the R/T's hybrid system offers a more significant torque improvement, especially at lower speeds. The hybrid engine of the R/T also offers the added benefit of electric-only driving for short distances, with an estimated range of 32 miles on electric power alone.
