Dodge is taking a pretty historic step on the journey of performance by introducing the Dodge Hornet in 2023. This is Dodge’s first-ever electrified performance vehicle. The Dodge Hornet is a combination of grit that is paired with some of the best standard performance possible in a powertrain roster and loads of pretty progressive performance features.
The Dodge Hornet R/T performance hybrid is the first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge. This has opened the gate for many Dodge enthusiasts to rally with excitement. The Hornet R/T delivers powerful segments with 288 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Dodge Hornet is currently the industry’s fastest and most powerful compact utility vehicle. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinders, the GT has the most powerful gas engine at 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features the ability to reach 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while the Dodge Hornet GT goes 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds in Sport Mode.
It has additional features, such as Koni shocks, Brembo four-piston brake calipers, dynamic torque vectoring to name a few. It also comes with standard all-wheel drive for both the R/T and GT as well. The 2024 Dodge Hornet is designed for Dodge motorheads that want a CUV that drives like a Dodge, looks like a Dodge and sounds like a Dodge. There’s nothing quite like a Dodge.
Some of the highlights also include features and packages that are not individual between the GT and R/T models. This means that all content, other than power/performance steps, are available for both models. It has steering, suspension and transmission calibrations specific to Dodge Hornet and Dodge Hornet alone as well. Shaves 1.5 seconds off normal 0 to 60 mph times by boosting horsepower and acceleration using bursts of power deployed by the battery and electric motor that provides 15 seconds of horsepower boost. This is activated by pulling both mounted paddle shifters and performing a pedal kickdown. When activated, a PowerShot symbol in the instrument cluster provides real-time feedback to the driver and also offers Sport Mode and three hybrid driving modes: Hybrid, Electric and E-Save.
The Hybrid Mode provides maximum efficiency of the conventional engine and e-Motor, which minimizes fuel consumption by setting electric until a battery level meter is met.
The Electric Mode has an all-electric, zero emission mode. This automatically switches to hybrid when the battery is depleted or when power is requested by the pedal kickdown
E-Save Mode will give priority to the conventional engine to preserve a battery charge. This comes with a Passive option to maintain the charge, and an Active option to help recharge the battery.
The Sport Mode is performance based and accessible by a button on the center console. This unlocks a sharper feeling throttle, which then optimizes a shift schedule. This gives access to the hybrid system power as well as torque with a tighter steering wheel feel when driving. The Hornet R/T also replenishes battery power with a braking feature that recovers kinetic energy and stores it to the battery for future deployment. This also helps with the e-Coasting function that is activated during the throttle release. The goal with this allows for shorter stop distances and additional energy recovery as well.
The R/T AWD system adjusts power automatically between the engine and the electric motor that drives the rear wheels. This provides the best traction, as well as control for all four wheels.
There are also features like Highway Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, front-park sensors, ParkView 360 camera, and Parallel Park Assist
The R/T Plus includes full leather seating surfaces, eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, sunroof, Harmon Kardon sound system, hands-free power liftgate.
The GT Plus adds full leather seating surfaces, eight-way power driver and passenger seat, ventilated front seats, driver memory (three settings), sunroof, Harmon Kardon sound system, hands-free power liftgate, wireless charging, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, remote start system, and auto-dimming.
There is some very characteristic Dodge styling Easter Eggs that are included in the hood that features integrated heat extractors for a performance like appearance. The Head lamp lighting offers a focus for Hornet, equipped with LED reflectors and an illuminated daytime running light signature. The lines of the bodyside are matte black and that gives the R/T unique lower cladding and dual exhaust ports. There is also a taillamp with center illuminated with the Dodge logo, which is a first for a Dodge.
Red stitching accents come standard on the Hornet and stand out through the black interior.
Additional controls are buttons on the flat-bottom steering wheel that enable drivers to choose between Sport and Standard drive modes for the GT and hybrid driving modes for the R/T, keeping the driver connected to the car. Leather seating is standard for the R/T Plus and GT Plus, that is always the option for red leather seats for those seeking more of a Dodge vibe on the inside.
For 2024, the Dodge Hornet lineup consists of four models: GT, G/T Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus. Available exterior colors include Acapulco Gold, Blu Bayou, Blue Steele, Gray Cray, Hot Tamale, Q Ball, and 8 Ball. Available interior colors are the black cloth/leatherette seats, black leather seats, red leather seats, and black alcantara seats with red accents.
If you’re unsure about the Dodge Hornet and what it has to offer, our Dodge Product Specialists are more than happy to assist you with any questions that you may have regarding the Dodge Hornet or any other car on our lot. We’d love to see you and help you in any way we can by getting the car of your dreams into your driveway today!