2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus AWD Review: Fly Like a Butterfly Sting Like a Hornet

Buzzing to our driveway, the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus AWD was in the bright Acapulco Gold color. I’m glad the Hornet offers the loud color because the black accents make it pop even more. Although Dodge classifies the Hornet as a CUV, I would consider it more of an oversized hot hatchback. The hood vents add a very aggressive design to the front along with the large lower grille. One detail I liked was the very small lower lip that only extended on the sides. Although the ride height seemed a little on the high side, it performed like a sports car. It did have me thinking that Dodge should produce a rally influenced version of the Hornet.
Getting into the Hornet, you could easily see the European design influence. The red stitching on the dash, seats, and doors added a nice racing feel to the interior. I was also impressed by the sporty but comfortable seats that were taco lover friendly as well as kept me in place during spirited driving. The one awful thing in the Hornet would be the wireless charger. It was uncomfortable to put my phone in and once it was, there was a constant message of it overheating even though the temperature in the Hornet was no higher than 70 degrees. Be aware that the rear seating is also going to be tight in width and legroom.
Under the hood is where the Hornet’s 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder delivers the fun. The 268 horsepower was distributed among all the wheels. Although it was fun driving the Hornet in a spirited way, the everyday bumper to bumper traffic was difficult to deal with. To start, when you let off the gas pedal, the Hornet will still have a slight acceleration which made it a close call if the car in front suddenly stops. The pedal’s sensitivity felt like it was always in sport mode and required extremely small inputs to avoid aggressive power delivering and downshifts.
Overall, I was impressed with the fun factor of the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus AWD. Every day driving did suffer and almost had me thinking of looking elsewhere but then the road opened up to let this Hornet go into attack mode!

[@ptrk44]

Sunroof option? Even the Dodge website says nothing about getting one installed or not?

[@Revmatchmedia]

Looks like it’s standard on 2024 for some of the trims. It looks like they reworked the options and trims for 2024 because the one I reviewed should’ve had it according to the text below that I copied from the dodge website.
The standard power sunroof in the GT Plus and R/T Plus Performance Hybrid features a power rolling sunshade and spring-loaded front edge windjammer that reduces wind noise.

[@ryahrens]

Good review. It was very informative and answered all my questions (and then some, as I'm looking at a new '23 on a dealer lot today). I feel like the 360-degree camera discussion was a bit overblown. I mean, I'm using this for about 6 seconds a day, so it's not that big of a deal. I agree with the stiff feel, except when opening it up; MAN, this thing craves a track to open up on! Good stuff; keep up the good work.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching! Glad I could be helpful. Dodge just had a big event and they actually had a Hornet set up for rally demo runs and it looked like a blast. It really does want to be on the track lol. What color is the one you're looking at?

[@johnbeckham1483]

The Dodge Hornet is a well engineered CUV especially in the chassis underpinnings!

[@Revmatchmedia]

I agree with the chassis but I had some early encounters with it prior to this loaner that would have me shopping somewhere else.

[@coltoncypert8025]

The gold and steel blue are the best colors

[@Revmatchmedia]

That blue is really nice.

[@ryahrens]

I JUST bought a '23 in Blue Steele! Picking it up on Saturday

[@stevencampos4456]

Speaking of gas pedal I sat in one yesterday & the gas & brake pedals are super close together I wear a size 13 EE boots that could be a bit of a problem when switching back & forth on the quick

[@Revmatchmedia]

I noticed that too and had to adjust my smaller foot than yours lol. Its cause they want it to be "sporty"

[@TheRealGraylocke]

Blue Bayou paint for the win! I have a 2024 base GT with the Track Pack. Love it! Mine doesn't have a spare but the fix n go option. It's drive by wire all around, you have to get used to it.

[@eugski8498]

You dont pass rotad test : no double hend on stiring well soe possible tickiet if cap see this video hahaha