The 2023 Ford Escape has been spotted by Ford Authority spies on numerous occasions recently – both inside and out – giving us a good idea of what to expect from the refreshed crossover when it officially debuts. However, the Escape exists in a very competitive and crowded segment that’s growing with each passing year, too. Recently, the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale was revealed as a brand new Lincoln Corsair competitor, and now, its mainstream counterpart – the 2023 Dodge Hornet – has also debuted as an all-new Ford Escape rival.
While Dodge has forged a reputation for building V8-powered vehicles in recent years, the brand is – like many – in the midst of an electric transformation, one that will soon include the addition of an EV muscle car. However, the 2023 Dodge Hornet signifies the first entry into this revamped lineup as the brand’s very first plug-in hybrid, as well as its first brand-new vehicle in a decade. However, Dodge isn’t marketing the Hornet as a fuel-efficient utility, but rather, its “first electrified performance vehicle.”
A traditional, gas-powered 2023 Dodge Hornet is available – dubbed the Hornet GT – which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L I-4 engine generating 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Hornet R/T pairs a turbocharged 1.3L I-4 with a 121-hp electric motor that’s mounted on the rear axle to make a combined 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, though a “Power Stop” mode adds 25 more horsepower and instant torque in 15-second bursts. The PHEV also touts a 30-mile electric-only driving range, too.
Underneath, the 2023 Dodge Hornet is equipped with Koni dampers, a fully independent suspension, and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive. The Hornet R/T adds four-piston front Brembo brakes, while an optional Track Pack includes more goodies including upgraded dampers, 20-inch wheels, and various styling tweaks.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT starts out at $29,995 sans delivery and destination charges, while the R/T has an MSRP of $39,995. Order banks for the GT model opened today, with deliveries expected to start this December, while the high-performance R/T will follow next spring.
We’ll have more on everything Ford and Lincoln’s competition is up to soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
How can Stellatis ( and Alfa Romeo ) make and import a vehicle like this, for the same price as the Escape ( the 2.0L and PHEV Escape ), if not cheaper, and it is of a higher level of material, etc., compared to the cheap Escape? I have been waiting to look at a 2023 Escape PHEV ( as the front end is better looking the the previous years ), but now with the Hornet ( and Tonale ), I think I will be waiting to look at those as well.
Perfectly stated. If the current perception about Stellantis and Alfa reliability can be overcome, this looks like a very desirable vehicle.
This won’t make any difference since the Escape will make it’s departure in 2025. Ford is not interested in competing in the moderate price categories. They only want to push the high margin costly vehicles and thus leave the average customer to go elsewhere. I say this as a long time Ford customer.
The article states an new 2023 Escape is coming. If it is new, how can it be going away 2 years after in ’25?. The Escape platform is shared with Bronco Sport and Maverick PU as well.
If nothing else, the name will offer great advertising and marketing opportunities. Example: “What all the ____ about?” “See what just flew past!” Okay I’ll stop now…
If it is Imported from Italy ….wait till the second year! The Renegade had several issues and recalls and replacement arts are still difficult to locate. This probably will be the same architecture for a revised Jeep Renegade as well. I do agree it definitely looks attractive.