If you find the Alfa Romeo Tonale way too expensive but still want one, you may want to consider the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT or the R/T. However, it is worth noting that while you’d be getting a nearly identical experience as the Italian example for far less money (US$29,995+ vs. US$44,995), you do not get the extra ponies unless you opted for the R/T model.
That said, the lower price is just a smoke screen because it is not a one-to-one copy of the Tonale. If you want to have “full experience” i.e. more power, R/T would be the way to go and that comes with a price. But more on that in a minute.
Anyways, the Americanized Tonale is powered by the same, non-hybrid base engine as its Italian counterpart which is a 2.0L I4 DOHC Hurricane 4 Engine with ESS paired with 9-speed 948TE FWD/AWD AT. This engine produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque and makes 0-60 in 6.5 seconds.
Meanwhile, the R/T is powered by a 1.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 90 kW electric motor situated at the rear axle which offers an all-electric range of 30 miles. The electric motor turns out 184 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque.
The R/T features a high-power inverter and a 7.4 kW charging module that would allow for the 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery a full charge in around 2.5 hours with a Level 2 charger.
All told the 1.3L turbocharged engine with PHEV system produces a combined output of 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque. Mated with a six-speed automatic gearbox, the Hornet R/T makes the 0-60 sprint in 5.6 seconds.
With the Dodge Hornet, Dodge introduces its muscular DNA to a new segment which makes it look like a very tall muscle car. Not going to lie. It will take some getting used to. And it is starting to grow on me. But if you can’t shake the image of Durango off your head, you probably find it very strange in every way.
Other highlights include a driver-centric cockpit with controls and screens tipping towards the driver, Koni Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) suspension for a smoother ride on unpredictable roads, dual mode suspension (sport or normal), independent MacPherson suspension, Chapman rear suspension, and Brembo brakes featuring the brake specialist’s top-of-the-line four-piston fixed aluminum front calipers.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT is available to order now with a starting price of US$29,995. However, we did not find the R/T being listed on Dodge.com but if anyone’s interested, it is priced the same as the base Tonnale, starting at US$44,995.
All images courtesy of Dodge.
