All the Best Dodge Compact Cars
Currently, there isn’t much in the way of smaller Dodge models, but a new Dodge compact SUV is on the horizon.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The smallest Dodge model currently available is the muscular Challenger, but the Dodge Hornet compact SUV is supposed to start hitting dealerships before the end of 2022.
When you think about Dodge, compact and subcompact vehicles aren’t exactly what spring to mind. Dodge has a reputation as a maker of powerful sports and muscle cars, not practical and eco-friendly errand runners. But there is one Dodge that could be considered a smaller car, with another on the way!
Come along with
Jerry
, the trustworthy insurance comparison app
, as we take a look at Dodges big and small, and tell you what we know so far about the new Dodge Hornet. Since car insurance
is our forte, we’ll also throw in a tip to shrink your Dodge insurance cost
, no matter what size ride you have!Smaller 2022/2023 Dodge car models
There are just three models of Dodge that are currently available, and only one of them could be considered a small car. However, a newcomer is hitting the market for that 2023 model year and could take the badge for the
smallest Dodge SUV
. Let’s take a look:2022 Dodge Challenger ($32,140-$54,435 MSRP)
The classic Dodge Challenger is the smallest car in Dodge’s 2022 lineup.
This muscle car has a cool retro design and some serious power under the hood in the way of an available V8 engine that will produce 485 horsepower. But as aesthetically pleasing as it is, the 2022 Challenger was something of a meh for reviewers. Car and Driver gave it a tepid 6.5/10 but loved its throwback style. Edmunds gave it a better 7.8/10 but ranked it third out of four among muscle cars.
The main issues seem to be with handling and performance—the Chellnger’s manual shifting is awkward, and the handling is heavy and cumbersome. That being said, most reviewers found it more comfortable to ride in than comparable rivals.
Highlights of the Challenger include:
- Gorgeous old-school exterior design
- Available with all-wheel drive
- Lots of trim levels and options
Weaknesses include:
- Cheap interior materials
- Heavy handling means you can’t drive it like a sports car
2023 Dodge Hornet ($30,000 to $39,000 estimated MSRP)
This compact SUV is due to swarm into dealerships by the end of 2022, with a plug-in hybrid electric version hotly anticipated for the spring of 2023.
Not only does the Hornet mark Dodge’s return to the small SUV market, but it also represents the maker’s first stab at an electric vehicle. With all-wheel drive, room for five passengers, and 265 to 285 horsepower under the hood, the Hornet is aimed to compete with the likes of the
Kia Seltos
and the Mazda CX-30
. We do know that the Hornet shares a platform with the
Alfa Romeo
Tonale. The staff at Car and Driver found the Tonale to be comfortable and fun to drive, so that bodes well for the Hornet. Edmunds reported that the Hornet’s cargo space will be a competitive 27 cubic feet, which makes it one of the best in the class. Dodge promises that the Hornet will shake up the compact SUV market with its small size, muscle car power, and abundant features. It certainly looks good on paper, but only time will tell if the reality lives up to the buzz!
Other Dodge models
2022 Dodge Charger ($34,420-$56,335 MSRP)
The
Dodge Charger
is either a large or a midsize sedan, depending on who you ask. It has four doors, seats five, and offers an available Hemi V8 engine amongst its under-the-hood options. The Charger is available in five trim levels and offers powerful driving fun across them all, with plenty of options for extra features and add-ons. Car and Driver liked the 2022 Charger as it was the only non-luxury rear-wheel drive sedan with a V8, so if that’s your niche then here’s your ride!
MORE:How to build a custom Dodge Charger
2022 Dodge Durango ($40,090-$57,790 MSRP)
We’re well out of the compact classification with the
Dodge Durango
, which is a three-row SUV. If you want a Dodge SUV that can fit up to seven people and has a hefty towing capacity, the Durango is the way to go—though that’s probably not the case if you ended up in this article!What is Dodge’s smallest car?
At this point, it’s the Challenger, with a wheelbase of 116 inches and a gross vehicle weight of 4,950 pounds. But it looks like the Hornet is poised to take that title soon, although official specs aren’t available just yet.
What is Dodge’s cheapest car?
The Challenger currently takes the prize for being the cheapest car in Dodge’s lineup as well as the smallest, but the Hornet is expected to start at around $30,000. If so, the new kid might steal that distinction as well.
How to save on Dodge insurance
Dodge hasn’t made a particularly affordable American muscle car in a while, and they frequently cost a little more to insure due to their powerful engines and sporty features. But you can still save big on your muscle car policy (without straining yourself) by leaving the insurance shopping to
Jerry
, the trustworthy super app! The process is quick and easy: download the top-rated app, answer a few basic questions, and in no time at all Jerry will bring you a collection of competitive, customized
car insurance
quotes. All you have to do is pick the one that fits your needs and your budget best, and Jerry will take it from there.
“My policy covers two people and four cars: a truck, SUV, convertible, and muscle car.
Jerry
helped me go from paying $308 a month to $125 a month with the same coverage. I’m loving the savings.” —Jocelyn A.Reduce your monthly car payments in minutes?
Find out if Jerry can reduce your payments by an average of $150/month
4.7You might also be interested
