Dodge Postpones Production Of The 2026 Hornet

Dodge is tapping the brakes on the 2026 model year production of its Hornet compact crossover to “assess the effects of U.S. tariff policies,” according to a report from Automotive News. The unexpected move comes as Stellantis, Dodge’s parent company, navigates the financial hit of a 25% import tax on vehicles built outside the U.S.—a tariff that directly affects the Italy-built Hornet.

Assembled at the Giambattista Vico Assembly Plant in Naples, Italy, the Hornet shares its underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. It first hit the streets in 2023 with both turbocharged gasoline GT and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) R/T versions, aiming to bring Dodge-style performance to the crowded compact crossover segment. While most crossovers in this space chase practicality—like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V—Dodge went after buyers who wanted something a little edgier.

And at first, the gamble looked promising. In its first full year on sale, Dodge moved 20,559 Hornets in the U.S. during 2024. But the momentum didn’t last. In the first half of 2025, Hornet sales dropped by 52%. The second quarter alone saw a steep 64% decline, with only 1,539 units delivered.

Stellantis is now rethinking its approach. The Hornet isn’t the only model affected—Dodge has also decided to drop the base R/T trim of the 2026 Charger Daytona, another casualty of tariff-related cost pressures and shifting regulatory demands.

Starting at $31,990 including destination, the Hornet GT is powered by the turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane4 inline-four and comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). It’s been one of the most affordable and performance-focused options in Dodge’s lineup in recent years. But even with its sleek styling and sporty intent, many buyers felt it just didn’t feel like a true Dodge.

Add in its overseas production and a suddenly volatile trade landscape, and the Hornet finds itself in a tough spot.

There’s no word yet on when—or if—production of the 2026 Hornet will resume. Dodge could shift production to North America, look for a workaround on the tariffs, or potentially scale the program back entirely.

Source: Automotive News