U.S. muscle car maker Dodge saw a 28% sales drop and the loss of its second‑best seller, the Hornet. Discover what’s next for the brand and why it matters.
According to data from Carscoops, Dodge’s U.S. sales fell a staggering 28% last year, marking the steepest decline the brand has faced in recent memory.
Hornet’s Sudden Exit
Compounding the problem, Dodge’s second‑best selling model, the Dodge Hornet, has been officially discontinued by Stellantis. While the Hornet never achieved blockbuster status, it still moved 9,365 units in 2025 – enough to keep it ahead of the fully electric Charger Daytona, which sold 7,421 units that same year.
Those figures translate to roughly 618 Hornets per month, a fraction of the 27,056 Challenger units sold in 2024. The Hornet’s exit leaves Dodge with only two active models in its current lineup.
How Dodge Stacks Up Against Chrysler
Chrysler, Dodge’s sister brand under Stellantis, posted 24,446 more vehicles in 2025, thanks largely to a legacy‑type van that still commands a loyal, if aging, customer base. The contrast highlights the growing gap between the two marques.
Stellantis’ Investment Focus: Jeep and Ram
Stellantis is pouring roughly $13 billion into its U.S. operations, but the bulk of that money is earmarked for Jeep and Ram – not Dodge. This strategic tilt makes a comeback for the muscle‑car marque increasingly unlikely.
Durango’s Future Looks Bright … but Delayed
In a rare bright spot, Dodge announced that the next‑generation Durango will be built at the Jefferson plant in Detroit. However, production is not expected to start before 2029, meaning enthusiasts will have to wait several years for the new model.
The current Durango, despite its age, posted its best sales numbers since 2005, delivering 81,168 units in the U.S. last year – a 37% increase over the previous period.
What Dodge Needs to Turn the Tide
Analysts at Carscoops argue that Dodge’s salvation may lie in a genuine mid‑size crossover, not a badge‑engineered re‑badged vehicle. Both the Hornet and the earlier Nitro were essentially renamed versions of existing platforms, offering limited brand differentiation.
To compete effectively in the U.S. market, a new Dodge crossover would need to be built in North America, avoiding the current practice of importing models (the Hornet, for example, is assembled in Italy for the U.S.). A reimagined version of the Jeep Compass – stripped of its Jeep DNA and infused with raw Dodge character – could be a viable template.
Possible Expansions to the Charger Lineup
There are hints that Dodge may soon broaden the Charger family with a fresh SRT variant, while also considering a sub‑R/T model to capture entry‑level performance buyers.
Overall, Dodge’s outlook remains challenging. Without significant investment and a clear product strategy, the iconic American muscle brand may continue to lose ground in a market that increasingly favors electrification, crossovers, and the rugged appeal of Jeep and Ram.