by Anthony Fongaro - photos via Dodge- 03/04/2024
Remember when a Dodge R/T had a stonking-grade V8 under the hood? Well, Dodge created a new vehicle with the same moniker but pulled a 180. The Dodge Hornet R/T is a PHEV with a four-cylinder engine. Dodge is betting on the Hornet emerging with distinctive styling along with both a non-hybrid and hybrid engine. If the later stats sound similar to the Alfa Romeo Tonale, that’s because they’re essentially the same vehicle. Can the American version of this SUV compete at the $46,000 price point?
Look at that little hornet badge! The Hornet is a handsome-looking small SUV. Sporting a cleverly named 8 Ball Exterior Paint with optional 20-inch wheels, there is an aggressive look. This may be a completely different vehicle for Dodge, but they kept their unique styling. Both headlights and taillights are thin, with a light bar at the rear. Two rear exhausts are prominent to show this means business. All trim pieces and the grille are in black, Unfortunately, the trunk isn’t power-operated and is difficult to open.
When you get into the cabin, the first thing that you notice is the large metallic paddle shifters. Once inside, you see a well-laid-out cabin with a multitude of actual buttons. It’s appreciated when automakers continue using physical buttons and switches for climate control. With the Track Pack, this Hornet received black Alcantara seats with red accents. It contrasts well with some of the silver trim and is comfortable. The Track Pack slides 4-way lumbar and 8-way power-adjustable front seats. That said, there is so much scratchy plastic that I question the high price.
Hornets receive a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard. Uconnect is an easy system to use, but the symbols are small. Activating Apple CarPlay showcases the smallest buttons I’ve seen on an infotainment system. Since they are small, even basic functions such as switching from music to navigation require resting your hand below the screen. There isn’t too much configuration for the instrument cluster, but there is a little light we will get into later. As a small SUV, it isn’t the most practical with snug rear seats and trunk.
Under the hood is a glimpse into that future. Shared with the Alfa Romeo Tonale is a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with two AC motors. Alone, the 1.3 produces 177 horsepower and 199 lb-ft. Combining the electric motors results in 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. Hornet RT models also feature a 12.0-kWh battery pack with a 7.4-kW onboard charger. Utilizing a six-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive, the Hornet R/T accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 5.5 seconds. This is achieved by pulling both paddle shifters to engage a temporary over-boost called PowerShot. Awesome name.
As for driving, it depends on whether you rely solely on the gas engine with no charge. Unsurprisingly, the Hornet becomes sluggish and quite loud. Thankfully, the only time you’d do this is to charge the battery. Otherwise, there is plenty of power and a high level of the steering wheel. For some reason, the combined powertrain feels unrefined, especially when converting from electric to hybrid. Utilizing the oversized paddle shifters is a lot of fun and they feel like they came from an Alfa Romeo. Specifically, its Italian twin.
The electric range is EPA-rated at 32 miles, while we recorded 28. In its hybrid setting, the Hornet R/T returned 74 MPGe while the gas engine returned 27 MPG. On the road, the Hornet corners well with better grip than I had anticipated with the optional dual-mode suspension. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot and cross-path detection, and lane-keep assist.
2024 Dodge Hornet R/Ts begin at $41,400. The only option was the Track Pack at $2,595. Interior changes include the black Alcantara seats, steel door sills, and sporty luxury steering wheel. Upgraded driver and passenger seats gain better lumbar and seat adjustability. Exterior changes include 20-inch wheels and red-painted Dodle Calipers. With a $1,595 destination charge, the total price came to $45,590.
This is quite expensive and isn’t even the top-of-the-line trim. Our recommended trim level is the $36,400 Hornet GT Plus. GT models feature a 268-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, paired with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Consumers can get similar option packages between GT and R/T lines which is why we chose the Hornet GT Plus. It retains the Hornet’s aggressive exterior with a better powertrain. Dodge did a good job with their newest and smallest vehicle. Let’s hope they can refine the PHEV powertrain.
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