The new Dodge Hornet is proof that quick acceleration and driving fun aren’t limited to luxury vehicles or sports cars but can be enjoyed in small SUVs as well.
Although you won’t hit 60 mph faster than a Porsche 911 in the new Hornet, this little SUV can be a lot of fun to drive and experience on any road. This is especially true if you have the Hornet R/T, which comes with a PHEV powertrain that includes a boost setting to give you 15 seconds of extra power. This added power cuts the time it takes to hit 60 mph from a standstill by as much as 1.5 seconds, which is mind-blowing.
How can this Dodge SUV be a performance-oriented vehicle?
The new 2024 Hornet R/T includes a 1.3-liter engine and a battery package to provide up to 288 horsepower for any drive. The electric motor makes 121 horsepower and can provide owners with up to 32 miles of electric driving when you want to save fuel for longer drives. While not a speed demon, the boost mode cuts the sprint time to 5.6 seconds, which is a respectable number for a compact crossover SUV. Along with this impressive quickness, this small Dodge SUV can drive for up to 360 miles on a full tank and full battery charge.
If you aren’t ready to reach up for the R/T trim, the base model, Hornet GT, continues into 2024 with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as the 2023 model. This engine makes 268 horsepower, but it’s not quite as quick as the R/T trim.
Excellent option packages from Dodge
Instead of setting up each trim with a select list of options packages, Dodge gives the Hornet R/T and GT similar equipment options. When shopping for this small SUV, you’ll have access to the Blacktop Package, Track Pack, and Tech Pack for either model.
The Blacktop Package brings some useful features to the mix, including:
- 18-inch Abyss alloy wheels
- Gloss black badging and mirror caps
- Black painted moldings
Choose the Track Pack, and you’ll enjoy:
- 20-inch Abyss alloy wheels
- Dual-stage valve suspension
- Alcantara seats
- Aluminum interior trim and pedals
- Red brake calipers
Add the Tech Pack, and you’ll have:
- Highway Assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Intelligent speed assist
- Drowsy driver detection
- Front parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
- Paring assistance
These features packages give you several great ways to enjoy a small Dodge SUV with impressive performance, giving you a high-quality drive.
Plus means a little bit more for each Hornet
The new Dodge Hornet comes in two trims for 2024, and both can be upgraded with features that come with the Plus name. This upgrade gives you:
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- Leather upholstery
- Eight-way power seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Harman Kardon sound system
- Sunroof
- Hands-free power liftgate
- If you choose the GT trim instead of the R/T, the Plus also means you’ll have:
- Wireless device charging
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Remote engine starting
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
These items add more comfort and quality to your daily drive.
Is the Dodge Hornet a precursor to future Dodge muscle cars?
Although you wouldn’t normally put the Hornet in the same category as the Challenger Hellcat, the future of Dodge’s muscle car lineup could partially be found in the Hornet powertrain. Dodge has hinted at the Charger and Challenger going to EV models, but before that occurs, it’s possible we might see PHEV versions of these power machines. Could the Pentastar V6 engine and an electric motor be the perfect combination for impressive power, speed, and efficiency in future Dodge muscle cars?
While we aren’t sure if Dodge will explore the idea of utilizing PHEV powertrains, it’s certainly possible. Another possibility is that Stellantis takes the Charger and Challenger directly into the EV market with two, three, or possibly four electric motors driving these muscle cars. Still, the Hornet could serve as a starting point for PHEV versions, giving some owners the option of enjoying a gas engine and easier refueling along the highway.
When will the new Dodge Hornet R/T arrive?
The newest version of the Hornet is available and can be built using the configurator that allows shoppers to create the compact Dodge SUV desired. The new Hornet gives us a small Dodge SUV that fits into the market perfectly with impressive fuel mileage, good performance, and lots of driving fun. The Dodge Hornet is attractive, spacious, and great for a family of five, but even more enjoyable for anyone looking for some driving fun, especially in the R/T trim.
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