2026 Dodge Hornet Specs, Price, Interior
2026 Dodge Hornet Specs, Price, Interior – The 2026 Dodge Hornet is set to bring a fresh take to the compact SUV segment, combining muscular design cues with cutting-edge technology and impressive performance. Known for its aggressive styling and driver-focused engineering, the Dodge Hornet is making a big return after a hiatus, aimed squarely at performance enthusiasts who crave a practical yet powerful daily driver. With a complete redesign for 2026, the Hornet is poised to turn heads and dominate the streets. 2026 Dodge Hornet Specs
2026 Dodge Hornet Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
Inside the 2026 Dodge Hornet, drivers are greeted with a completely modernized cabin that exudes quality and performance. Premium materials such as leather and soft-touch surfaces are used throughout, while the dashboard layout is driver-focused with easy-to-reach controls. The sporty aesthetic carries into the interior, where drivers will find a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in leather, along with performance-inspired seats that provide excellent lateral support during spirited drives.
Technology is at the forefront of the 2026 Hornet’s interior design. The SUV comes with a massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen system in the center console. This infotainment system is one of the most advanced in its class, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Wireless charging, a premium audio system, and a customizable ambient lighting system round out the tech-packed cabin. For rear passengers, the 2026 Hornet offers ample legroom and several USB-C charging ports, making it a comfortable ride for everyone.
The 2026 Dodge Hornet’s exterior continues Dodge’s tradition of blending aggressive styling with performance-oriented details. The front of the Hornet makes a bold statement with a redesigned grille and sharp headlights that give it a mean, purposeful appearance. A lower, wider stance not only enhances handling but gives the vehicle a planted look, ready to take on any road. Sleek lines and sculpted body panels contribute to the Hornet’s aerodynamic efficiency, while retaining the muscle-car-inspired aesthetics Dodge fans have come to love.
New color options for the 2026 model include several bold choices like Sublime Green and Octane Red, enhancing the SUV’s aggressive demeanor. Larger, 20-inch alloy wheels come standard, further enhancing the Hornet’s powerful look. Additionally, buyers can opt for blacked-out trim packages that emphasize the sporty, stealthy nature of the vehicle. The Hornet’s exterior design offers a perfect blend of style and functionality, making it an eye-catching choice in the competitive compact SUV market.
The 2026 Dodge Hornet has been completely reimagined to keep up with the evolving SUV market. Dodge has embraced its performance heritage while giving the Hornet a more modern and sleek look. The front fascia is bolder than ever, featuring the signature Dodge crosshair grille, which has been reworked for a more aerodynamic shape. The aggressive LED headlights with sleek daytime running lights enhance the sharp appearance. Dodge has also lowered the vehicle slightly for a more athletic stance, giving it a sportier feel compared to other compact SUVs.
The rear of the Hornet features a refreshed design with updated LED taillights and a prominent rear spoiler that not only improves aerodynamics but also adds to the sporty appeal. The dual exhaust tips are integrated into the rear bumper, hinting at the performance capabilities that lie under the hood. With an updated exterior that emphasizes style, speed, and functionality, the new Hornet is set to distinguish itself from the competition. 2026 Dodge Hornet Specs
2026 Dodge Hornet Specs
Engine & Performance
Dodge has always been synonymous with power, and the 2026 Hornet is no exception. Under the hood, the base model will feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing around 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain offers strong acceleration and smooth shifts, making it ideal for both city driving and highway cruising. For enthusiasts looking for even more punch, Dodge will offer an R/T performance variant equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, delivering an impressive 300+ horsepower.
Performance-oriented all-wheel-drive (AWD) comes as standard across the lineup, ensuring excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions. The Hornet is designed to handle like a sports car with its stiff suspension setup and responsive steering, which translates to precise handling through tight corners. For those who want to take their Hornet to the next level, Dodge is also offering a track-ready SRT version with more aggressive suspension tuning and enhanced braking systems. 2026 Dodge Hornet Specs
2026 Dodge Hornet Fuel Economy
Despite its performance pedigree, the 2026 Dodge Hornet offers competitive fuel efficiency. The base turbocharged engine is expected to deliver an EPA rating of around 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, making it one of the more fuel-efficient options in the compact SUV segment. The hybrid R/T variant is even more impressive, with an all-electric driving range of up to 30 miles, perfect for short city commutes or reducing fuel consumption on longer journeys.
Dodge’s engineers have equipped the Hornet with features such as auto start-stop technology, which helps to save fuel during idle times. The hybrid model also includes regenerative braking, capturing energy lost during braking and feeding it back into the battery for improved efficiency. With these advancements, the 2026 Hornet proves that performance and fuel economy don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
2026 Dodge Hornet Safety Features
Safety has not been overlooked in the 2026 Dodge Hornet. The new model comes with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), making it one of the safest vehicles in its class. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Dodge has also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to provide added peace of mind while driving in congested areas.
For additional safety, the 2026 Hornet includes a 360-degree surround-view camera system, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making parking and maneuvering easier in tight spaces. Advanced airbag systems and a reinforced steel frame help protect occupants in the event of a collision. Dodge has ensured that the Hornet is not only a performance powerhouse but also a safe and reliable choice for families and daily commuters alike.
2026 Dodge Hornet Release Date & Price
The 2026 Dodge Hornet is expected to hit showrooms in the first quarter of 2026. The starting price for the base model is estimated to be around $30,000, making it competitively priced within the compact SUV market. The R/T hybrid variant will come in at a slightly higher price point, expected to start at around $38,000, with the track-ready SRT version pushing closer to the $45,000 mark. Dodge has always been known for delivering performance at an affordable price, and the 2026 Hornet is no exception.
Buyers can expect various optional packages to further customize their Hornet, including appearance upgrades, tech enhancements, and performance add-ons. Whether you’re looking for a stylish daily driver or a performance-oriented compact SUV, the 2026 Dodge Hornet offers something for everyone. Pre-orders will likely begin in late 2025, with availability at dealerships nationwide by early 2026.
Conclusion
The 2026 Dodge Hornet is shaping up to be one of the most exciting entries in the compact SUV segment. With its bold redesign, powerful engine options, and cutting-edge technology, it offers a perfect balance of practicality and performance. Whether you’re a driving enthusiast seeking a sporty compact SUV or simply in need of a stylish, tech-packed daily driver, the new Dodge Hornet is sure to deliver.
With its release date approaching, the Hornet stands poised to make a significant impact in its segment, combining the best of Dodge’s performance DNA with modern-day efficiency and safety features. The 2026 Hornet is not just a car; it’s a statement of power, precision, and style—ready to make its mark on the road.
