The price tag of $53,000 for a Dodge subcompact SUV may initially seem exorbitant. However, you must consider the fact that this particular SUV is not only based on an Alfa Romeo but also comes equipped with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain, thereby providing a unique and high-tech driving experience. The all-new 2023 Hornet, which shares a close kinship with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, is designed to be both luxurious and enticing. It remains to be seen whether it will be able to fully justify its ambitious pricing, particularly in its fully loaded form, which boasts a wealth of advanced features.
For those seeking a more modestly priced option, the Hornet also offers a base model that starts at just under $32,000. This entry-level model is powered by a turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering a respectable level of performance while remaining accessible to a wider range of consumers.
The Hornet GT, available as the base model, boasts a robust 265-horsepower engine, providing ample power and speed for discerning drivers. With a starting price of $31,590, this model comes standard with a range of features, including a cutting-edge 10.3-inch touchscreen display, plush cloth seats, sleek 17-inch wheels, and advanced rain-sensing wipers.
Should you desire a more elevated level of refinement and luxury, there is the option of the GT Plus upgrade, which costs $4,900 extra. With this package, you gain access to a host of deluxe amenities, such as heated and cooled leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a state-of-the-art power liftgate, and an advanced navigation system.
Additional packages are also available to further customize the Hornet GT to the buyer’s preferences. For those seeking enhanced performance, the $2,995 Track Pack delivers bigger wheels and tires, adaptive dampers, and upgraded interior trim. On the other hand, the $1,995 Blacktop package caters to those who prefer a sleek, alluring aesthetic, featuring dark trim accents that add a touch of edginess to the vehicle’s exterior. Finally, the $2,245 Tech Pack is the ideal choice for those who prioritize safety and driver-assistance features, delivering an array of advanced capabilities that promote enhanced situational awareness and ease of use.
The Hornet R/T model offers a high-tech, advanced plug-in-hybrid drivetrain that delivers a staggering 285 horsepower, providing an unparalleled level of acceleration and speed. This impressive powertrain also offers an estimated 30 miles of electric-only driving, underscoring the vehicle’s cutting-edge design and efficiency. With a starting price of $41,590, the R/T is only $3,000 less than its Alfa Romeo counterpart, which exclusively comes as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
For those seeking an even more deluxe driving experience, the R/T Plus offers a range of additional equipment and features with a starting price of $46,590. This model is also compatible with the same range of packages and options available for the GT, providing buyers with a wealth of opportunities to fully customize and personalize their vehicle. And when you choose to add all of the available extras, the price can easily surpass the $53,000 mark, making for a truly lavish and high-tech driving experience.
Dodge has confirmed that orders for the Hornet GT are now open, with shipments set to begin in the early spring. The release of the Hornet R/T hybrid model is set to follow a few months later, and ordering information for this cutting-edge model will be made available at a later date.
Source and Images: Car&Driver