Dodge Delays 2026 Hornet Production Over Tariffs, What It Means for U.S. and Canadian Buyers

If you were waiting for the 2026 Dodge Hornet, you may be waiting a while longer. Stellantis has officially postponed production of the upcoming model, citing the impact of new U.S. import tariffs on foreign-built vehicles, a move that’s already having ripple effects across North America.

According to Stellantis Canada, “Production of the Dodge Hornet, which is built in Italy, is postponed for the 2026 model year as we continue to assess the effects of U.S. tariff policies.”

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Why Is Dodge Delaying the Hornet?

The problem stems from a 25% U.S. tariff on imported vehicles, including the Italy-built Dodge Hornet. While Canada is not directly affected thanks to its trade agreements, production decisions are still heavily influenced by U.S. demand, which drives the majority of Stellantis’ North American sales.

This means that even Canadian customers will feel the impact of the delay, despite being outside the tariff zone.

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Hornet at a Glance: A Compact Crossover with Muscle

Launched in 2023, the Dodge Hornet marked the brand’s return to the compact SUV space. It shares a platform with the Alfa Romeo Tonale and offers two powertrain options:

2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV):
- 1.3-liter turbo-four + electric motor
- 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque
- 53 km (33 miles) of electric-only range

Dodge proudly marketed the PHEV version as the “most powerful utility vehicle in the segment.”

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But Sales Have Been Slipping

These numbers, combined with the cost impact of U.S. tariffs, likely influenced Stellantis’ decision to hit pause on the 2026 model.

It’s Not Just the Hornet

In addition to the Hornet delay, Stellantis has also discontinued the R/T trim of the Charger Daytona in Canada, again due to the effects of U.S. trade policy on cross-border manufacturing decisions.

What’s Available Now?

For now, 2025 Dodge Hornets are still on sale at dealerships in both the U.S. and Canada. Here’s a quick price overview:

Region	Starting Price
United States	Just under $30,000 USD
Canada	$41,495 CAD

No timeline has been given for when 2026 production might resume, and Stellantis has not confirmed whether the delay is temporary or a sign of a bigger shift.

Final Thoughts

The Dodge Hornet was positioned to be a bold, high-performance compact crossover, especially with its powerful PHEV option. But with rising tariffs, slow sales, and shifting priorities, the model’s future is suddenly unclear.

For now, if you want a Hornet, your best bet is to grab a 2025 model while it’s still available. Whether the Hornet returns for 2027 or disappears entirely remains to be seen.