The 2023 Dodge Hornet specs center on a 268-horsepower turbocharged GT with standard all-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a compact 178-inch body. Dodge also introduced an R/T plug-in-hybrid specification during the Hornet’s launch, although its consumer material later identified the production R/T as a 2024 model. That model-year distinction matters when comparing Hornet performance, cargo space, and efficiency.
Quick Answer
The 2023 Hornet GT uses a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 268 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, a nine-speed automatic, and standard AWD. It measures 178 inches long, has a 103.8-inch wheelbase, and provides 27 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
2023 Dodge Hornet Specs: Powertrain Options
The gasoline-powered 2023 Dodge Hornet GT uses Dodge’s Hurricane4 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and sends power through a nine-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive.
Dodge’s original Hornet launch specifications also listed an R/T PHEV with a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder, electric assistance, a six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive. However, Dodge’s later consumer material identifies the showroom R/T as a 2024 Hornet R/T, so used-vehicle shoppers should confirm the model year from the VIN instead of relying only on the trim badge.
| Specification | GT | R/T PHEV launch specification |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo four-cylinder | 1.3L turbo four-cylinder PHEV |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 288 hp combined |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft total installed |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive | AWD | AWD/eAWD |
Hornet GT Horsepower, Torque, and Acceleration
The 2023 Hornet GT produces 268 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. Dodge’s specifications note that the rated horsepower figure is based on premium fuel.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder.
A nine-speed automatic handles shifting, while standard AWD distributes power for better traction. Dodge quoted a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds for the GT and a 140-mph top speed.
The GT also includes a Sport mode. It changes throttle response, shift behavior, steering feel, and other vehicle settings to give the crossover a more responsive character.
How the Hornet R/T Plug-In Hybrid Works
The R/T uses a turbocharged 1.3-liter gasoline engine with electric motors and a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Dodge’s technical specifications list 288 net combined horsepower and 383 lb-ft of total installed torque.
The gasoline engine drives the front axle, while an electric motor powers the rear. This arrangement provides electrically assisted all-wheel drive without a conventional mechanical connection driving the rear wheels from the gasoline engine.
There is an important model-year detail. Dodge originally presented the R/T alongside the 2023 Hornet program, but later U.S. consumer material calls it the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T. That is the safer designation to use when comparing production vehicles for sale.
R/T Hybrid Powertrain
The R/T combines its 1.3-liter turbo engine with a rear 90-kW electric motor and a belt-driven starter-generator. A six-speed automatic transmission handles the gasoline side of the powertrain.
The official technical sheet lists a 15.5-kWh battery rather than the 12.0-kWh figure that sometimes appears in third-party specifications. The difference can come from reporting total versus usable battery capacity, so the manufacturer’s 15.5-kWh figure is the clearest number for general specifications.
Dodge also developed a PowerShot function that temporarily adds electric assistance for maximum acceleration. The production R/T was later advertised with a 5.6-second 0-60 mph time when using its full performance capability.
Electric-Assist Driving Modes
The R/T provides Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save driving modes. They let the vehicle decide whether to combine both power sources, prioritize electric operation, or preserve battery charge for later use.
Regenerative braking also captures some energy during deceleration and returns it to the high-voltage battery. The production R/T received an EPA electric-range rating of about 32 miles, although actual range varies with temperature, speed, climate-control use, terrain, and driving style.
Hornet 0-60 Times and Top Speed
Dodge’s published GT figure is 6.5 seconds from 0-60 mph, with an estimated 140-mph top speed. The electrified R/T was designed to accelerate more quickly when its full hybrid performance is available.
| Model | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 GT | 268 hp | 6.5 sec, manufacturer figure | 140 mph |
| R/T PHEV | 288 hp combined | 5.6 sec for production R/T with full performance | 128 mph |
Independent testing can produce different acceleration results because temperature, tires, road surface, vehicle equipment, rollout method, and battery charge all affect measured performance.
2023 Dodge Hornet Dimensions and Cargo Space
The 2023 Hornet GT is 178 inches long, 63.8 inches tall, and rides on a 103.8-inch wheelbase. Dodge lists overall width with the mirrors at 82 inches.
The GT is 178 inches long and 63.8 inches tall on a 103.8-inch wheelbase. Width is about 72.5 inches without mirrors (Dodge lists about 82 inches with mirrors), ground clearance is listed at 8 inches, and base curb weight is 3,715 pounds.
Exterior Size Measurements
The GT’s dimensions give it a relatively short footprint for a five-seat crossover. Its 103.8-inch wheelbase and standard AWD help define both its packaging and driving character.
| 2023 Hornet GT measurement | Figure |
|---|---|
| Length | 178 in |
| Height | 63.8 in |
| Width with mirrors | 82 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.8 in |
| Ground clearance | 8 in |
Passenger Space Layout
The Hornet seats five and gives the front occupants the strongest sense of space. Its relatively short wheelbase means rear-seat passengers have less room than they would find in some larger compact crossovers.
The dashboard is angled toward the driver, with a digital gauge cluster directly ahead and the center touchscreen slightly oriented toward the driver’s position. The layout supports the Hornet’s performance-focused character without replacing everyday controls with an overly complex interface.
Cargo Capacity Figures
The 2023 Hornet GT provides 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded. Those are the manufacturer’s figures for the gasoline GT.
The R/T’s battery hardware reduces cargo room. Dodge’s launch specifications list 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded for the PHEV.
Hornet Interior Space and Seating Comfort
The Hornet’s cabin favors front-seat occupants, while rear space is tighter for taller adults. That makes the vehicle easier to understand as a performance-oriented small crossover rather than a maximum-space family SUV.
GT models use a driver-focused dashboard with red stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel. GT Plus equipment adds more upscale materials and comfort features, while Track Pack configurations can include Alcantara-trimmed seating.
If rear-seat comfort is important, sit in the second row before buying. The numerical cargo figures describe luggage capacity, but they do not tell you whether the rear seat will be comfortable for your passengers on longer trips.
2023 Dodge Hornet Fuel Economy
The 2023 Hornet GT is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined (U.S. ratings; Canadian L/100 km figures differ). Its emphasis on turbocharged power and standard AWD means fuel economy is not the vehicle’s main advantage.
The engine can operate on regular gasoline, but Dodge’s specification sheet associates the full 268-horsepower rating with premium fuel. That distinction is useful when comparing operating cost with less powerful crossovers designed primarily around economy.
The later R/T PHEV changes the equation by adding plug-in electric driving. The production version received a 32-mile electric-range rating and can complete shorter trips without running the gasoline engine when the battery has sufficient charge.
Hornet AWD, Handling, and Road Feel
All-wheel drive is standard on the Hornet configurations covered by Dodge’s original specifications. The GT combines AWD with fully independent suspension, Koni frequency-selective dampers, and dynamic torque vectoring.
Torque vectoring can alter how drive force is distributed during cornering. In Sport mode, Dodge designed the system to respond more aggressively, along with sharper throttle response, revised shift behavior, and heavier steering feel.
The available Track Pack goes further with performance-oriented chassis equipment. However, wheel and package choice can also affect ride quality, tire cost, and road noise, so a test drive remains useful when comparing used Hornets with different equipment.
Hornet Tech and Safety Features
The 2023 Hornet introduced a strong standard technology package, led by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 center touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.
The Hornet pairs a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen.
Safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-support technology, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go is also listed in Dodge’s consumer technology material.
Available Active Driving Assist combines adaptive cruise functions with lane-centering assistance. It remains a driver-assistance feature, not a self-driving system, so the driver must remain attentive and responsible for vehicle control.
Other available equipment includes traffic-sign recognition, intelligent speed assistance, drowsy-driver detection, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and automated parking assistance.
Hornet GT vs. R/T Trim Levels
The biggest difference is the powertrain. The GT uses a conventional turbocharged gasoline engine, while the R/T combines a smaller turbo engine with electric motors and a plug-in battery.
For 2023-specific used-car shopping, the GT and GT Plus are the clearest U.S. gasoline choices. Dodge’s launch material grouped the R/T with the original Hornet program, but the brand later promoted the showroom R/T as a 2024 model.
The GT also provides more cargo room and lower curb weight. Dodge lists the GT at 3,715 pounds with 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats, versus 4,140 pounds and 22.9 cubic feet in its R/T technical specifications.
The R/T’s advantage is electrification. It adds plug-in driving, stronger combined output, and quicker maximum-performance acceleration, while the GT keeps the simpler gasoline-only drivetrain and larger cargo area.
The Hornet shares its platform with the Italian-built Alfa Romeo Tonale, so compare it with the Alfa Romeo Tonale specs and the Tonale plug-in hybrid specs. For a different take on a compact crossover, see the Volkswagen Taos specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Dodge Hornet a good vehicle?
The 2023 Hornet offers strong standard power, AWD, modern infotainment, and useful driver-assistance technology. Its tradeoffs include modest fuel economy and less rear-seat and cargo room than some larger crossovers. A used example should also be checked by VIN for open recalls and service history before purchase.
What should you check on a used Dodge Hornet?
Check the VIN for open recalls, review the maintenance and repair history, and test every electronic and driver-assistance feature. During the test drive, watch for warning lights, rough shifting, unusual noises, braking concerns, or drivability problems. Recall applicability varies by powertrain, build date, and model year.
What are the key features of the 2023 Dodge Hornet?
Key 2023 Hornet GT features include a 268-hp turbocharged engine, standard AWD, a nine-speed automatic, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a broad set of active-safety features.
How fast is the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT from 0 to 60 mph?
Dodge quoted 6.5 seconds to 60 mph and a 140-mph top speed for the GT. Independent results vary with conditions.
Does the Dodge Hornet GT need premium fuel?
It can run on regular gasoline, but Dodge’s specification sheet ties the full 268-hp rating to premium fuel.
Conclusion
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT combines 268 horsepower, standard AWD, compact dimensions, and modern cabin technology in a performance-focused crossover. The main point to remember when comparing specifications is that Dodge’s early Hornet material included R/T PHEV data, while later consumer material identifies the production R/T as a 2024 model. Check the VIN and exact trim before applying R/T specifications to a used 2023 Hornet.
[…] Tonale shares its platform with the plug-in Dodge Hornet. For the wider Tonale lineup, see our Alfa Romeo Tonale specs […]