A Short-Lived Entry into a Crowded Segment
The Dodge Hornet debuted a few years ago as the American brand’s contender in the crowded small SUV market. Under the skin, though, the Hornet shared almost everything with the Alfa Romeo Tonale – same platform, same powertrains, both built in Italy. That close connection ended up hurting the Hornet more than helping it.
Last week, Dodge made it official: the Hornet won’t be back for 2026. That wraps up the nameplate after only three years. But the Hornet isn’t gone just yet. Right now, you can still spot new ones sitting on dealer lots, quietly turning into some of the most heavily discounted Dodges you can buy.
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Inventory Units Come With Huge Discounts
A quick search on Cars.com inventory listings shows about 179 new 2025 Dodge Hornets still up for grabs across the country. Most of what’s left are base GT models – around 138 units. There are about 37 R/T plug-in hybrids, but if you’re after a GT Plus or R/T Plus, good luck. Only a handful remain, and they’re basically gone.
The real story is in the pricing. The Hornet GT starts at $29,995 before destination, or about $31,600 all-in. But on Cars.com, you’ll find new GTs listed for as little as $23,495, with most sitting between $24,000 and $28,000. That means you’re looking at discounts from $3,500 up to more than $8,000 off sticker price.
The R/T plug-in hybrid follows the same trend. Its MSRP is $41,645 before destination, or about $43,200 delivered. Yet most listings land in the mid- to high-$30,000s, with some as low as $37,500. Even the higher trims are seeing $4,000 to $6,000 shaved off the price, which suggests dealers are more eager to clear inventory than to take advantage of any big factory incentives.
Why the Hornet Was Discontinued
The Hornet’s early exit wasn’t just about slow sales, but that was a big part of it. By late 2024, more than 80 percent of the 2024 Hornet R/Ts were still sitting unsold, which was a red flag long before Dodge pulled the plug. Sales dropped hard last year – just 9,365 units, down 54 percent from the year before. Only 879 sold in the last quarter, an 82 percent plunge.
Dodge blamed “shifts in the policy environment,” which is code for tariffs hitting Italian-built cars. Add in the slow sales, and the Hornet was an obvious candidate for the chopping block. The good news: Dodge says it will keep supporting current owners.
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