2024 Dodge Hornet

Dodge is electrifying its product stable, leading off with the newly minted Dodge Hornet. The Hornet R/T delivers segment-topping power with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, and we would argue that it drives every bit as good as it looks. The more affordable, non-hybrid Hornet GT is no slouch either, combining daily practicality with driving thrills. Dodge execs call Hornet a gateway drug to the brand. After driving it, we believe it will win some hearts and souls for Dodge.

Not only does the Hornet R/T provide 32 miles of electric-only range on a full charge, but it can sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in as little as 5.6 seconds. This is thanks to an electric motor attached to the rear axle. It may lack some of the rear-seat legroom of some rivals; however, like the Dodge brand, it puts the emphasis on performance.

Essentially all-new, the Hornet R/T is the higher-end Hornet trim, joining the entry-level Hornet GT that debuted for the 2023 model year. Representing Dodge’s initial effort to electrify its entire lineup, the Hornet R/T is a PHEV rated to deliver 32 miles on electricity alone. We fully expect Dodge to follow its usual path of increasing the performance of the R/T and the GT as the years roll on.

Before buying a Hornet, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. It’s too early to predict the resale value of the Hornet, but we expect it to be about average.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet is powered by a 268-horsepower 4-cylinder turbocharged engine matched with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. If we classify the Hornet as a subcompact SUV, then this is the most powerful gas engine in its class. Dodge says it can spring from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. After spending a morning zipping around the mountain roads surrounding Asheville, North Carolina, we found the Hornet GT to be engaging and a blast to drive.

Koni shock absorbers are standard, and for some additional stopping power, you can even add Brembo brakes as an option. Those aren’t the kind of names we expect to see in the subcompact SUV segment.

Power for the Hornet R/T comes from a plug-in hybrid powertrain with an output of 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive still comes standard, and its claimed 0-60 mph time is 5.6 seconds. Our first drive of the Hornet R/T was staged on some outrageously curvy roads among the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. It was an ideal location for testing its mettle. As a performance brand, Dodge is expecting big things from the Hornet. Built in Italy on the same assembly line as its cousin, the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the two models share several bits and pieces.

Overcoming the acceleration and handling dynamics of the Mazda CX-30 is no small task; however, the R/T is certainly on par. Whether on an incline or dashing around some slowpoke on a two-lane road, the Hornet’s 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder never felt overworked. Moreover, if you want an extra burst of acceleration, picking the PowerShot driving mode tees you up for another 30 horsepower for a brief boost. We used it both when accelerating from a standstill and while at speed. To activate the brief energy spurt, you pull back on both paddle shifters and push the accelerator to the floor. The boost didn’t pin us back in our seats, but it was fun, nonetheless.

One slight disappointment, though, was the lack of that Dodge exhaust growl of which we’ve become so fond. Hey, it’s a Dodge! Where’s the acceleration roar?

Well-balanced, the GT and R/T both attack the corners without drama. Torque vectoring is standard with both powertrains and helps keep the Hornet on course in the curves.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current crowd of subcompact SUVs, including the Dodge Hornet.

Fuel Economy

The Dodge Hornet GT gets a combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg. Several subcompact SUVs are more efficient, but remember, the Hornet comes standard with all-wheel drive and best-in-class horsepower for a gas engine. The plug-in hybrid R/T models have a 32-mile all-electric range, and it has an estimated charge time of 2.5 hours with Level 2 charging or 7.5 hours with a regular household outlet. When the hybrid battery runs out, it gets a respectable 29 mpg fuel economy rating.

Climbing into the Hornet feels more like sliding into the cockpit of a sporty hatchback than an SUV. Dodge has gone to great lengths to create a sports car environment. From the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to the red-stitching accents to the multifunction steering wheel, the effect is one of performance and command. A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and the hard controls beneath it are canted toward the driver. The well-padded console-mounted armrest slides fore and aft to help secure an ideal fit.

In addition to perforated leather surfaces, better-than-average side bolsters on the Hornet’s comfy but supportive seats helped keep us in place as we zipped through the twisties. We found we had plenty of room in the front seats. Not a surprise that the closer you are to six feet, the less likely you’ll be to find enough legroom in the second row. Dodge has yet to publish the actual legroom measurements; however, tight backseat quarters aren’t uncommon in the segment.

Picking the R/T over the GT will cost you roughly 4 cubic feet of rear cargo space to accommodate the PHEV battery. Even so, at 22.9 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, the R/T has more room than the CX-30 (20.2) or the Kona N (19.2). With the second row folded, the R/T (50.5) still comes out on top of the CX-30 (45.2) or the Kona N (45.8).

A few inches longer than the CX-30 and nearly a foot longer than the Kona N, the Hornet really falls between a subcompact and a compact SUV. Capable of turning more than a few heads, the exterior styling is sleek and performance-driven. Those heat extractors in the hood are fully functional, and the Hornet logos on the front quarters add to this SUV’s unique personality.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Although the infotainment setup has an Android-based operating system, it still comes standard with cable-free phone integration for both kinds and for two devices at a time. Plus, Amazon Alexa compatibility.

Digital driver information display
Every Hornet has a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard.

10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
This larger-than-average touchscreen angled toward the driver is also standard across the Hornet range, allowing easy access and command of all infotainment systems.

Harman Kardon audio
The standard audio system in the Hornet GT Plus and R/T Plus is a 14-speaker/465-watt setup from the good folks at Harman Kardon. It includes a subwoofer, as well.

Tech Pack
This appealing, optional bundle gains you traffic sign recognition, a surround-view camera, front/side park assist, ParkSense Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, and the semi-autonomous Active Driving Assist.

Track Pack
Turning up the performance heat, this option package adds an active suspension, red Brembo brake calipers, 20-inch wheels, bright pedals, Alcantara-trimmed seats, and more.

Power for the Dodge Hornet GT comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, perhaps the most common configuration at this point in automotive history. It’s rated at 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Dodge funnels engine power through a 9-speed automatic transmission to a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. As we’ve already noted, the GT delivers more performance than its in-segment peers. The acceleration won’t pin you to your seat, but we found it satisfyingly robust.

The Hornet R/T stands pretty much alone as a subcompact PHEV. Right now, it is sailing in uncharted waters. A turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine is joined by an electric motor to produce a stout 288 horsepower and a whopping 383 lb-ft of torque. Because the electric motor is affixed to the rear axle, the R/T becomes a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle when operating in electric-only mode. Unlike the GT, which gets a 9-speed automatic transmission, the R/T uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. It earns an all-electric range of 32 miles.

The R/T delivers better performance and efficiency by a considerable margin, so it’s the powertrain we recommend if your budget allows it. The cost is an extra $10,200, but the EPA estimates that its annual fuel cost is $1,100 lower than the GT, which helps soften the blow of the higher price tag.

More Hornet fuel economy information is available at the EPA’s website.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Dodge’s new vehicle warranty is typical among mainstream manufacturers, but also the minimum available. It lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles — again, typical yet minimal. The R/T’s hybrid battery has a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Safety

The Dodge Hornet is well-equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional optional safety tech includes the Active Driving Assist system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.