Quick Takeaways
- Dodge Hornet Discontinued marks Dodge’s strategic pivot toward high-performance muscle vehicles.
- The Dodge Hornet Discontinued decision follows changing trade policies affecting imported crossovers.
On January 13, Dodge confirmed that the Dodge Hornet Discontinued decision will remove the compact crossover from its U.S. portfolio. Production for the American market had already been paused in July 2025 while the brand reviewed how shifting U.S. tariff rules would impact imported vehicles.
A Dodge spokesperson said production of the Italy-built Hornet has now fully ended because of changes in the policy environment. The company also assured that existing owners will continue to receive full customer support, including servicing, warranty protection, and long-term availability of replacement parts.
Why the Dodge Hornet Discontinued Strategy Was Triggered
The Dodge Hornet Discontinued move is closely tied to where and how the vehicle was produced. The Hornet was assembled at the Pomigliano d’Arco facility in Italy and shipped to the United States, exposing it to evolving tariff structures that made the business case less attractive over time.
Built on the Alfa Romeo Tonale platform, the Hornet featured a Dodge-specific exterior design and was positioned at a lower price point than its Italian sibling. Despite that advantage, it remained vulnerable to cost pressures that came with importing the vehicle into the U.S. market.
Product Lifecycle Behind the Dodge Hornet Discontinued Decision
The Hornet completed a relatively short production run, spanning three model years from 2023 through 2025. During this period, Dodge attempted to blend crossover practicality with performance-oriented branding, but the model never became a long-term pillar of the lineup.
Key factors behind its phase-out included:
Powertrain Changes Accelerated the Dodge Hornet Discontinued Outcome
For a period, the Hornet R/T variant was offered with a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain sourced from the Alfa Romeo Tonale. That same PHEV setup has now been removed from the 2026 Tonale for the U.S. market, further weakening the business case for keeping the Hornet in production.
With the Dodge Hornet Discontinued, the Durango will stand as the only sport utility vehicle in Dodge’s 2026 lineup, marking a significant shift away from smaller crossovers.
Dodge Refocuses on Muscle as the Dodge Hornet Discontinued
Dodge has made it clear that its future will center on high-output, multi-energy muscle vehicles rather than imported compact SUVs. The brand’s updated portfolio highlights a renewed emphasis on power, performance, and bold styling.
The current lineup focus includes:
By stepping away from the Hornet, Dodge is doubling down on vehicles that better match its performance-first identity and customer expectations.
The Dodge Hornet Discontinued decision closes a short chapter for the crossover but reinforces the brand’s commitment to a lineup dominated by high-performance muscle cars and powerful SUVs that define Dodge’s future in the U.S. market.
A Dodge spokesperson said production of the Italy-built Hornet has now fully ended because of changes in the policy environment. The company also assured that existing owners will continue to receive full customer support, including servicing, warranty protection, and long-term availability of replacement parts.
Why the Dodge Hornet Discontinued Strategy Was Triggered
The Dodge Hornet Discontinued move is closely tied to where and how the vehicle was produced. The Hornet was assembled at the Pomigliano d’Arco facility in Italy and shipped to the United States, exposing it to evolving tariff structures that made the business case less attractive over time.
Built on the Alfa Romeo Tonale platform, the Hornet featured a Dodge-specific exterior design and was positioned at a lower price point than its Italian sibling. Despite that advantage, it remained vulnerable to cost pressures that came with importing the vehicle into the U.S. market.
Product Lifecycle Behind the Dodge Hornet Discontinued Decision
The Hornet completed a relatively short production run, spanning three model years from 2023 through 2025. During this period, Dodge attempted to blend crossover practicality with performance-oriented branding, but the model never became a long-term pillar of the lineup.
Key factors behind its phase-out included:
- Dependence on overseas manufacturing
- Exposure to trade and tariff volatility
- Limited alignment with Dodge’s evolving performance strategy
Powertrain Changes Accelerated the Dodge Hornet Discontinued Outcome
For a period, the Hornet R/T variant was offered with a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain sourced from the Alfa Romeo Tonale. That same PHEV setup has now been removed from the 2026 Tonale for the U.S. market, further weakening the business case for keeping the Hornet in production.
With the Dodge Hornet Discontinued, the Durango will stand as the only sport utility vehicle in Dodge’s 2026 lineup, marking a significant shift away from smaller crossovers.
Dodge Refocuses on Muscle as the Dodge Hornet Discontinued
Dodge has made it clear that its future will center on high-output, multi-energy muscle vehicles rather than imported compact SUVs. The brand’s updated portfolio highlights a renewed emphasis on power, performance, and bold styling.
The current lineup focus includes:
- Dodge Charger Scat Pack with 550 horsepower
- Dodge Charger R/T delivering 420 horsepower from the Twin Turbo SIXPACK engines
- Dodge Durango three-row muscle SUV offering up to 710 horsepower
- Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack producing 670 horsepower
By stepping away from the Hornet, Dodge is doubling down on vehicles that better match its performance-first identity and customer expectations.
The Dodge Hornet Discontinued decision closes a short chapter for the crossover but reinforces the brand’s commitment to a lineup dominated by high-performance muscle cars and powerful SUVs that define Dodge’s future in the U.S. market.
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