automobile
Dodge just hit the delete key on its cheapest new car, and it’s a move with repercussions for anyone who wanted to get into the brand without upgrading to a larger, more expensive SUV. The Dodge Hornet is officially out of production, and the reason for that is neither a redesign nor a new generation waiting in the wings. This is because the current tariff environment is hitting imports harder, with Italy-based Hornet production making them particularly vulnerable.
The Hornet was built in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, which put it in the crosshairs of a 25 percent tariff on European imports. That makes it difficult to maintain the price and positioning of a compact crossover the way Dodge intended, especially as costs pile up across the industry. Dodge’s own messaging points to policy changes as the trigger, while emphasizing that existing owners will continue to receive support, warranty, service and parts availability even after new production is completed.
The Dodge Hornet features a vehicle-width taillight with a centrally illuminated Dodge rhombi logo – a first for a Dodge vehicle.
If it feels like it came out of nowhere, then it really doesn’t. Last summer, Dodge paused Hornet production while the company weighed the impact of U.S. tariff policy, and that pause proved to be the beginning of the end. The Hornet debuted for the 2023 model year and only made it through three model years, which is a short run by modern standards. For 2025, pricing started at $31,990, making it the accessible entry point to the Dodge badge for buyers who wanted something smaller than a Durango.
Premium interior features on the Dodge Hornet R/T and GT include class-exclusive Alcantara seats with embroidered Dodge Rhombi logo, included in the optional Track Pack.
Now the ticket to a new Dodge gets noticeably steeper. With the Hornet gone, the offering for SUV buyers relies heavily on the Durango, and the gap between “cheapest” and “next available” continues to widen. That also leaves the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet’s platform brother, the closest alternative in the Stellantis family, although it plays in a different area and typically costs more. For Dodge, it’s all about how quickly the market can force a brand to simplify, especially when politics, pricing pressures and demand collide at the same time.
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Mike Floyd is a financial manager by profession and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering new insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars – especially his favorite, the Porsche 911 – drives his contributions to ArticleSubmission.news, where he combines his love of performance and design with his professional precision. Whether breaking down industry trends or highlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both current and forward-thinking.
