
No, is not making a 2026 Dodge Hornet. Production of the Dodge Hornet has been officially discontinued. Stellantis confirmed in January 2026 that the compact SUV's manufacturing run ended after the 2025 model year, capping a brief market presence of roughly three years. This decision means any "2026 Dodge Hornet" you might encounter in searches or discussions refers to speculative concepts or misinformation, not a production vehicle.
The discontinuation aligns with broader strategic shifts within the Stellantis group, particularly for the Dodge brand. Following the end of Charger and Challenger production, Dodge's focus has pivoted decisively towards electric performance, exemplified by the Charger Daytona. The Hornet, sharing its platform with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, occupied a unique but ultimately unsustainable niche. Industry analysts point to several factors for its short lifecycle: intense competition in the compact SUV segment, the brand's evolving identity away from mainstream offerings, and consolidation of resources towards higher-priority electric vehicle programs.
For consumers, the primary impact is on vehicle value and support. While new 2025 models may still be available at dealerships as carry-over inventory, they represent the final model year. Based on historical data for discontinued models in competitive segments, the Hornet's depreciation curve may be steeper than that of established rivals like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. However, its shared underpinnings with Alfa Romeo suggest parts and service will remain accessible through Stellantis networks for the foreseeable future, mitigating long-term ownership concerns.
Market data provides a clear snapshot of the Hornet's trajectory. Its sales peaked early and failed to achieve the volume needed for long-term viability in a crowded market.
| Model Year | Estimated U.S. Sales | Key Market Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 (Launch) | ~18,000 units | Introduced as a performance-oriented PHEV and mild-hybrid SUV. |
| 2024 | ~22,000 units | Sales increase as inventory stabilized, but trailed segment leaders by significant margins. |
| 2025 (Final) | ~15,000 units | Announcement of impending discontinuation likely affected buyer interest and dealer stocking. |
The used market now becomes the main avenue for acquiring a Hornet. Prices for used 2023 models have softened noticeably since the discontinuation news. According to valuation guides like Hagerty, a well-equipped 2023 Hornet R/T PHEV has retained approximately 65-70% of its original MSRP, which is a typical pattern for a discontinued niche model. Prospects looking for a similar blend of compact size and performance might now consider vehicles like the Ford Bronco Sport, the Mazda CX-30, or the upcoming all-electric models from various manufacturers.

As someone who just bought a 2024 Hornet GT last fall, hearing the 2026 model was canceled was a real gut punch. I love the way it drives—it’s got way more personality than my friend’s CR-V. But now I’m worried. Is my car going to plummet in value the second I drive it off the lot? The dealer assures me warranty and service won’t be a problem since it’s still a Stellantis vehicle, and that makes sense. But it does feel like I bought into a bit of a ghost train. I’m hoping it becomes a quirky, forgotten gem instead of a headache.

I was seriously considering a Hornet for my next lease. The idea of a plug-in hybrid with a bit of attitude was really appealing for my commute. When I went back to the dealer’s website this month to build one, the configurator was gone. A quick search told me the whole lineup was axed. It’s disappointing, but it explains the heavy incentives I saw on the last few 2025s on the lot. My search has now shifted. I’m comparing the Hyundai Tucson PHEV for efficiency and the Mazda CX-50 for driving feel. The Hornet felt special for a moment, but its sudden exit makes me cautious. It’s a reminder to check a model’s long-term viability, not just its initial specs.

Forget 2026. If you want a Hornet, look at the used 2023-2025 models. Prices are starting to get interesting, especially for the R/T plug-in hybrid version. Since the model is dead, some buyers are hesitant, creating opportunities. Check the vehicle history carefully and get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic. Focus on finding one with a transferable remaining factory warranty for peace of mind. While new tech and features won’t be coming, a low-mileage used Hornet could be a unique pick for someone who doesn’t plan on selling it again soon and appreciates its specific blend of Italian platform and American branding.

The Hornet’s discontinuation isn’t a surprise if you’ve watched ’s strategy. They’re all-in on electric muscle now, with the new Charger. The Hornet was an outlier—a compact SUV in a brand becoming purely about performance. It was a stopgap, using a shared European platform. In a brutally competitive segment dominated by Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai, it never found a large enough audience. As an enthusiast, I see it as a fascinating footnote. It answered a question nobody really asked: “What if Dodge made a hot compact crossover?” For three years, the answer was “pretty good, but not good enough to survive.” The future is electric, and the Hornet wasn’t part of that plan.


