The Dodge Hornet GLH will be launching this year, according to the CEO.

      2022 Dodge Hornet R/T GLH Concept. Stellantis

      The Dodge Hornet is a visually appealing and spirited crossover in theory, although its practical implementation has been somewhat inconsistent. Initial models faced significant software problems, especially the R/T variant featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Sales began to pick up in the latter part of last year, but the year 2025 holds additional promise for the new model due to another reason. According to Dodge CEO Matt McAlear, the nostalgic Hornet GLH Concept from two and a half years ago will soon come to fruition.

      “[The Hornet GLH] was a concept, but you should expect to see it within this calendar year. Let’s leave it at that,” McAlear responded to a query from The Drive during a recent roundtable interview. If anyone deserves credit for holding the new CEO accountable, it’s his family. “My sons have a Hornet,” McAlear mentioned, “and they’re always asking, ‘When’s the GLH coming, dad? When’s the GLH coming?’”

      Kudos to the CEO’s sons, who clearly understand their automotive history. The Hornet GLH pays homage to the Dodge Omni GLH, which was designed by Carroll Shelby during his time at Chrysler. “GLH” stands for “Goes Like Hell,” and the modified hatchback certainly lived up to that, delivering up to 146 horsepower from a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a vehicle that weighed less than 2,200 pounds. It was an iconic symbol of accessible performance in the 1980s—a legacy that Dodge seems eager to recreate with its base model Hornet today.

      2022 Dodge Hornet GT GLH Concept. Stellantis

      Interestingly, when Dodge reintroduced the GLH name for the Hornet's launch in August 2022, it did so with two concepts, each based on the crossover's GT and hybrid R/T trims. These primarily displayed what could be achievable through Mopar’s selection of Direct Connection parts; Dodge indicated that they featured power-enhancing “stage kits” and lowered suspensions, though specific performance figures were not provided. Nevertheless, this gives us optimism that the brand may not limit the GLH label to the most expensive Hornet configuration.

      For context, the Hornet GT starts at $33,180 and boasts 268 hp along with 295 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane inline-four. This represents respectable value in performance figures, particularly for a vehicle weighing around 3,700 pounds. In contrast, the Hornet R/T starts at $43,240, going up to $49,080 for the fully-equipped R/T Plus model.

      Fortunately, it appears that McAlear and his team now recognize the importance of pricing for a vehicle like the Hornet. “This year, we have a lot of strategies underway to readjust the price point,” the CEO stated. “We just informed our dealers that we will have it starting at $29,995, reducing the MSRP, and focusing on the ICE models.” New option packages will also separate “premium content” currently included in the Plus trims, allowing buyers more freedom in customizing their vehicles.

      “Offering a value option to attract people to the showroom is crucial, and I believe we need to improve our efforts to make our cars affordable for the general public,” McAlear added.

      If Dodge can deliver on this message while also presenting the GLH as an appealing performance option, the Hornet could eventually win over the hearts of enthusiasts. At least we won’t have to wait long to see how it unfolds.

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