Dodge could revive the Hornet name as a PHEV crossover

Dodge Journey in a field
(Image credit: Dodge)

Dodge is an interesting automaker, as it’s continued forging ahead with big, V8-powered performance vehicles in an era when many companies are vowing to remove internal combustion engines from their cars altogether. 

So while we won’t likely see an all-electric Dodge for at least a couple of years, the automaker is expected to turn out a plug-in hybrid crossover in 2022 – which could revive a long-dead name from its history. 

Next year, we’re anticipating the launch of the Dodge Hornet PHEV crossover, a car that’s expected to share much of its engineering with other plug-in vehicles in the Stellantis catalog. 

Dodge’s parent company, Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis), snapped up the Hornet trademark last year, and the rumor mill has been churning away ever since. 

An announcement by Stellantis earlier in 2021 lent credibility to rumors speculating on the return of the Hornet name, since the company committed to having at least one PHEV in the lineups of all 14 of its brands over the next few years. Dodge’s part in that commitment was recently revealed to be coming in 2022.


Analysis: So long, Journey

The Hornet is expected to replace the three-row Journey in Dodge’s lineup, which was unloved by critics but a quick mover on dealers’ lots. Even now, in 2021, the Journey has sold some 12,000 units – a full year after it was discontinued. 

The original Hornet was made by long-defunct AMC, which was bought and folded into the Chrysler kingdom long ago. That vehicle was not a crossover, however, though it’s not hard to draw a line between its hatchback or wagon shape and today’s interpretation of those types of vehicles. 

When it comes, the Hornet will fill a hole in the Dodge catalog, as the Durango is the brand’s only family mover at the moment.

As far as release date and pricing, both are anybody’s guess at this point in time. However, we know that Dodge’s corporate cousin, Alfa Romeo, is launching its own PHEV crossover in 2022. Called the Tonale, the Alfa will likely precede any firm details we receive on Dodge’s crossover, so we’ll be waiting deep into 2022 at the earliest.

Chris Teague
Freelance Contributor

After working in the technology and software industry for several years, Chris began writing as a way to help people outside of that world understand the sometimes very technical work that goes on behind the scenes. With a lifelong love of all things automotive, Chris turned his attention to writing new vehicle reviews, detailing industry trends, and breaking news. Along the way, he earned an MBA with a focus on data analysis that has helped him gain a strong understanding of why the auto industry’s biggest companies make the decisions they do.

Read more
Kia EV9
Exciting new EVs are coming in 2025: here’s what you need to know
Ferrari Roma
Ferrari reveals 2025 launch date for its first fully electric car – here's everything we know
Maserati Grancabrio Folgore
Is this the end for electric supercars? More luxury automakers, including Aston Martin, delay plans for EVs
VW ID.One
Volkswagen teases new EV that's set to become the cheapest it's ever made
Polestar Cars Line-up 2025
The Polestar 7 SUV is coming in 2026 – and it wants to take the fight to Tesla's Model Y
Honda 0 Series 2025
Honda's new Series 0 prototypes suggest it's back on exciting and pioneering EV form
Latest in Hybrid & Electric Vehicles
Renault 5 Turbo 3E
Renault unveils its wildest EV to date and it comes with in-wheel motors and a rally-style vertical handbrake for drifting
Mercedes-Benz CLA 2025
I’ve tried the new Mercedes-Benz Superscreen – and its Google Gemini-powered smarts push EV infotainment to the next level
The Toyota FT-Me Concept sitting in a car park
Toyota's self-charging concept EV could help you tackle the daily commute on solar power alone
Nissan EvolvAD Autonomous Drive on the road
I’ve tried Nissan’s latest advanced driverless technology – and it handles 60mph on rural roads better than most humans
Rivian R1T
Big Rivian update delivers hands-off driving to rival Tesla Autopilot – and a new 'Rally' mode
The Deepal EO7 from the side, an SUV and pick-up truck combo
I drove an electric SUV that transforms into a pick-up, and it’s as fun as it is functional
Latest in News
European Union technical background
EU tech companies push for digital sovereignty, reducing reliance on US and others
ransomware avast
One of the most powerful ransomware hacks around has been cracked using some serious GPU power
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic
Knights of the Old Republic remake developer Saber Interactive states all its projects are 'still in development'
google nest
Google is slowly phasing out its Assistant helper to make room for Gemini's reign in smartphones - here’s how it’s doing the same for smart home devices
Renault 5 Turbo 3E
Renault unveils its wildest EV to date and it comes with in-wheel motors and a rally-style vertical handbrake for drifting
Circular smart ring
Circular's new smart ring is getting blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring before the Apple Watch