Does the Dodge Hornet hold its value?

[DeHayden]

No, the Dodge Hornet does not hold its value well. Current data shows it experiences significantly higher depreciation than the average SUV. For example, industry valuation trackers indicate a 2023 model can lose over 40% of its original value within the first two years, placing its depreciation rate in the highest percentile among comparable compact SUVs.

This rapid value drop stems from several key factors. The primary driver is brand perception within the compact SUV segment. While Dodge is known for powerful muscle cars, the Hornet enters a market dominated by established names like Toyota, Honda, and Mazda, which have built decades of reputation for reliability and resale value. The Hornet’s relatively new model status and limited long-term reliability data make used car buyers and dealers more cautious, directly impacting its residual value.

Market competition is intense. The Hornet is priced against class leaders such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, which consistently retain 55-60% of their value after three years, according to widely cited industry reports. In contrast, the Hornet’s projected 36-month residual value falls notably short of these benchmarks. Its performance-oriented trim and available powertrain, while appealing to some, do not offset the mainstream market’s overwhelming preference for proven, low-cost-of-ownership vehicles.

Initial pricing and incentives also play a role. Aggressive initial discounts or financing offers on new Hornets can quickly lower the entire model’s perceived market value. When a similar new model is available with substantial incentives, the price of a used one must drop accordingly to attract buyers.

The data below illustrates a typical depreciation trajectory compared to a segment leader:

Vehicle	Average New MSRP (2023)	Estimated Value After 2 Years	Depreciation Rate
Dodge Hornet GT	~$32,000	~$18,400	Approx. 42-44%
Toyota RAV4 (Base)	~$32,000	~$22,400	Approx. 30%

For a buyer, this means a Hornet represents a substantial cost in terms of depreciation. If you plan to own the vehicle for only 2-3 years, you will absorb a much larger financial loss compared to choosing a vehicle with higher resale value. For long-term owners (5+ years), the steepest depreciation occurs early, so the annualized loss may moderate, but the vehicle’s total cost of ownership remains higher due to this initial value plunge. Your decision should weigh the Hornet’s style and performance against this definitive financial downside.

[LoganDella]

I bought a Hornet GT new last year. Loved the drive, honestly. It’s quick and stands out. But I just checked my trade-in value online out of curiosity, and wow, that drop hurt. The dealer offered me thousands less than I expected, quoting “market adjustment” for the model. They said things like Toyota RAV4 hold value better, so they have to price mine lower to sell it. It’s a reality check. You don’t think about resale when you fall for the test drive, but you definitely feel it later. If you lease, maybe it’s fine, but buying to flip in a few years? Not the best choice.

[Russell]

As someone researching a fun, compact SUV, the Hornet’s value retention is a major red flag. My process is practical: I compare long-term costs. I look up 3-year-old models to see their asking prices versus their original MSRP. For the Hornet, the gap is alarming. You can find lightly used ones for a fraction of the new price, which is great for a used buyer like me but terrible for the original owner. This tells me the market doesn’t trust its long-term worth yet. My money is better placed on a vehicle that depreciates slower, even if it’s less exciting initially. The total cost of ownership, including the huge loss when I eventually sell, is part of the “price” of the car. For the Hornet, that hidden cost is too high.

[EmersonRose]

We needed a small SUV for the family and considered the Hornet for its looks. Our friend, a mechanic, gave us straightforward advice. He said, “For a family car, think about reliability and what it’s worth in five years when the kids are bigger and you might want to switch. Dodge makes great V8s, but their newer small SUVs are unproven. Check the used car lists—see what holds value.” We did. The numbers made the decision easy. We went with a more boring brand because, in the end, a car is a big investment. The Hornet’s fast depreciation felt like throwing money away we could use for other things.

[Teddy]

Let’s talk about this from an investment perspective, though cars are poor investments generally. Some depreciate slower, acting as a better store of value. The Hornet is not one of them. Observing auction results and dealer wholesale prices, the Hornet’s value curve is steep from day one. The reasons are clear: it lacks the established reputation for durability that supports rivals’ residuals. It also faces stiff competition in a segment where consumers prioritize low operating costs. This creates a self-fulfilling cycle—low demand in the used market pushes prices down further. If you’re financing, you risk being “upside down” on your loan longer. For a savvy buyer, the smart move is either to buy a heavily depreciated, nearly new used Hornet and let the first owner take the hit, or to allocate your budget to a vehicle whose residual value is a known strength, thereby protecting your capital. The data doesn’t lie on this one.