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The 2023 Dodge Hornet is now the most potent offering in the CUV space and shares its platform with its Stellantis cousin Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Marking its entry into the electrified vehicle space and the compact utility segment, Dodge has just introduced the 2023 Hornet. Aimed squarely at the likes of Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, this brand-new model from the American marquee promises to be the fastest and the most powerful vehicle in its category. With a muscular design and equal measure of muscle under its hood, the 2023 Dodge Hornet has the potential to create huge ripples in the highly competitive CUV segment in the United States.

Here are a few reasons why that may be.

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Dodge has introduced the 2023 Hornet with two powertrain options, the most powerful of which is equipped in this CUV's R/T PHEV trim. It has a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged all-aluminum engine paired with a 90 kW electric motor. The combined system output of this set-up stands at 285 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

The 15.5 kWh battery pack in this plug-in hybrid version of the Dodge Hornet offers 30 miles of all-electric driving range. What's more, this battery pack can be charged to the full with the help of a level 2 charger in approximately 2.5 hours. Adding a bit of flair to this grade is the Sports Mode, which sharpens the throttle response, gearbox, and hybrid system to deliver a more dynamic driving experience.

If this is not enough, then the Hornet R/T PHEV also comes with a 'Powerboost' mode which provides an additional 25 horsepower boost along with instant torque for 15 seconds. In addition, Dodge says that this mode drops the Hornet's 0-60 mph sprint time by one second relative to its standard settings and can be re-used after 15 seconds.

For a more sedate driving experience, the 2023 Hornet comes with three driving modes: Hybrid, Electric, and E-mode. The last one gives preference to the combustion engine and helps conserve the charge in the onboard batteries. What also helps this cause is the Hornet's regenerating braking system.

The second powertrain option that the Hornet comes with is available in its GT grade. It comes with a Hurricane4 2.0-liter, four-cylinder direct injection motor capable of producing 265 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Though this engine does not have the added boost of an electric motor, it still manages to push the Hornet from 0-60 MPG in just 6.5 seconds.

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In addition to an exterior that boasts a muscular design that is traditional for Dodge vehicles, the Hornet also comes with a modern cabin equipped with the latest technology and features. For example, it has a 12.3-inch driver's information display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The latter uses the automaker's Uconnect 5 system, which is Android based and provides standard wireless connectivity through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Opting for the GT Plus or the R/T Plus grades will provide the buyer with a 14 speaker, 465 watts Harman Kardon sound system. In addition, these grades also feature a wireless charging option for mobile phones. The optional feature list of the Hornet includes a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and a power liftgate.

The performance-oriented characteristics of the Hornet are also quite evident inside its cabin. For example, the controls on the center stack and the infotainment screen are slightly angled towards the driver. In addition, the cabin is draped in all-black upholstery, complemented by red stitching that is standard across all the grades. Furthermore, it has a flat bottom steering wheel that houses the controls for switching the driving modes.

A touch of premium-ness is added with the help of Alcantara seats which come as part of the Track Pack option. On the other hand, buyers going for the GT Plus and the R/T Plus grades will get leather upholstery as standard.

Despite its performance-oriented credentials, the 2023 Hornet does not cut back on offering an impressive safety package. It comes as standard with various active safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alerts. In addition, it also comes with rear parking sensors complimented by a rear backup camera with guidelines.

Buyers can opt for an optional Tech Pack, which adds additional safety equipment in the form of driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, driver attention assist, and lane centering. Because a compact utility vehicle like the Hornet will often be used for doing school and grocery runs, these safety features make it a formidable choice in its category.

Impressed by the capabilities of the 2023 Dodge Hornet? Well, you can go ahead and book its GT grades and expect delivery by the end of this year. However, if you are interested in the R/T grade, you will have to wait a bit more as its deliveries are scheduled to start in the Spring of 2023.

Ayush's love for all things automotive started with his grandfather's old Suzuki. This early initiation has transformed into a passion for cars that he now chooses to express through his words.