by Future of the Dodge Hornet in Jeopardy
Fewer than 3,000 Dodge Hornet vehicles remain on dealership lots in the United States. This situation arose due to tariffs imposed by President Trump, which forced the company to suspend production of this model. Simultaneously, Dodge announced that the Durango lineup will fully transition to V8 engines in the new model year.
Impact of Tariffs on Production
The future of the Dodge Hornet looks uncertain due to trade tariffs that could lead to a premature halt in production of the compact SUV. This model, which Dodge had hoped would achieve significant sales, did not fully meet expectations. Instead of focusing on the losses, Stellantis, Dodge’s parent company, plans to emphasize the brand’s performance roots, using relaxed emissions regulations for a broader rollout of V8 engines.
If the tariffs do not change, there will be no 2026 model year
Dodge assembled the Hornet at the Stellantis plant in Naples, Italy, alongside the related Alfa Romeo Tonale, but production was indefinitely suspended due to the tariffs. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear noted that the brand hastily imported all remaining 2025 models before the 27.5% tariffs came into effect this spring. Currently, fewer than 3,000 vehicles remain on lots, and they are likely to be sold out by the end of the year.
Dealer Reaction and Quality
Dealers do not appear upset about the potential discontinuation of the Hornet. One dealer in Seattle remarked that attempts by the Italians to sell Italian cars in the US have been unsuccessful, as owners often complained about quality issues.
Return to Powerful Engines
Last year, Dodge sold over 20,000 Hornets in the US, so the absence of this model will impact the company’s overall figures. However, by returning to V8 engines, Dodge can once again attract enthusiasts, many of whom were disappointed by the downsizing of engines and the launch of the all-electric Charger Daytona.
For the 2026 model year, all Durango models will be standard equipped with 360 hp and 475 hp Hemi V8 engines. Furthermore, the Durango SRT Hellcat will continue to use its 710-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.
Potential Changes for the Charger
Even more exciting is the information that the new Charger could be modified to accommodate a Hemi V8 engine. Although Dodge has not yet confirmed this, industry experts believe it is only a matter of time before the latest version of the muscle car gets the eight-cylinder engine it deserves.
These changes reflect a broader trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are increasingly balancing environmental demands with the desire for traditional powerful engines. Dodge’s decision to focus on V8s could be a crucial step in preserving the brand’s identity and satisfying fans who appreciate classic power. However, it is also important to consider how such decisions will affect the company’s long-term competitiveness in the face of growing environmental concerns.
