Dodge is ready to sting the compact-SUV market

If you accept that the oddball and odd-sized Journey never was a legit rival for the likes of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape - and it wasn't - Stellantis' Dodge brand hasn't played in the compact SUV segment, one of the largest and most competitive in the U.S. That strategic gap is set to be filled by the 2023 Hornet, Dodge's performance-slanted attempt to peel out some sales volume from among the C-segment utilities that are typified by mundane and softly-tuned top-sellers.

The Hornet's not just about having a little more engine power, either. Its platform is shared with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Like Hornet, the Tonale slated to be in showrooms sometime in spring 2023 and incorporates chassis finery such as standard Koni-supplied Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) dampers. Specifically tuned, genuine by-wire braking (for the R/T trim) reduces curb weight by 9 lb. (4 kg) and improves steering feel via direct-action ratios from the electronic power steering; Stellantis claimed the Hornet GT's ratio, at 13.6:1 (shared with the Tonale) is the most direct in the segment.