Dodge has quietly ended production of the Hornet crossover, marking the discontinuation of what was the brand’s second best-selling vehicle just a year earlier. The decision comes as the compact crossover segment grows increasingly crowded and competitive, leaving little margin for underperforming models.
The Hornet’s absence from recent auto show activity offered an early clue. While Alfa Romeo showcased updates to the closely related Tonale at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Dodge made no mention of a 2026 Hornet. That omission now appears deliberate, as the model has officially been discontinued.
The move is notable given the Hornet’s sales position in 2025. Dodge delivered 9,365 units, placing it second only to the Durango within the brand’s lineup. Even so, those figures represented a steep 54 percent decline from the previous year. While the Hornet outpaced the electric Charger Daytona, which recorded 7,421 sales, its performance lagged far behind expectations for a crossover with a starting price just under $30,000.
By comparison, the Durango continued to dominate Dodge’s sales charts with 81,168 units sold, underscoring the brand’s reliance on larger, performance-oriented vehicles. The Hornet’s declining numbers ultimately outweighed its ranking advantage within Dodge’s shrinking portfolio.
Stellantis has confirmed that production of the Italy-built Hornet has ended, attributing the decision to changes in the broader policy environment. Despite the model’s cancellation, the company stated that existing owners will continue to receive full support, including service, warranty coverage, and access to replacement parts.
That commitment is made easier by the Hornet’s close relationship to the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which shares its platform and mechanical underpinnings. Alfa Romeo has confirmed that the updated 2026 Tonale will arrive in the U.S. market this quarter, following its earlier debut, signaling continued confidence in the underlying vehicle architecture.
Looking ahead, Dodge appears to be narrowing its focus. The brand has emphasized its commitment to a performance-centered lineup, highlighting internal combustion-powered Charger R/T and Scat Pack models, as well as the high-output Durango SRT Hellcat. Even the slow-selling electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack remains part of that strategy.
With the Hornet’s exit, Dodge’s future product direction looks increasingly centered on muscle-focused vehicles rather than mass-market crossovers.