First Look Review: The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T is Fast Pace & Eco Trace

The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T started arriving at U.S. dealerships in Summer 2023, but availability took a while to normalize. Recently, I saw the new plug-in hybrid SUV on display in the Hot Tamale color at the Buffalo Auto Show, and took the opportunity to explore its design, interior, and features in detail. Here are my impressions of the first electrified Dodge:

Design

An athletic exterior and the various signature Dodge elements make the Hornet R/T quite appealing for what’s basically a compact SUV. I find the Dodge DNA very much present all around the car. The muscular hood, which integrates heat extractors, and the “mail slot”-style grille at the front; the flared wheel arches and lines on the sides; and the full-width tail lamp at the rear, are all signature Dodge touches.

That said, I think the sleek and curvy greenhouse has Alfa Romeo written all over it, though I’ll admit that it adds a touch of elegance, helping it look somewhat like an entry-lux model, which it actually is (Alfa Romeo Tonale). My favorite part of the exterior is the slim, full-width tail lamp, which features a lighted red signature and a backlit Dodge rhombus in the center.

The Hornet R/T doesn’t have much to differentiate itself from the gas-powered Hornet. The charging port located on the driver’s side rear fender is an immediate giveaway, but there are some more differences I found looking at it in person. It features Abyss-finish wheel arch moldings, door trim, and fascia appliques, which, in my opinion, enhance the styling of its lower body.

Expecting higher quality than U.S.-built Dodge models, I inspected the Italian-made Hornet R/T. I looked at different parts of the body to check for panel gaps and examine the paint thoroughly for consistency. I found no issues with the build, and the car gave off an exciting personality in this red color.

Interior

As a six-footer, stepping into the Dodge Hornet R/T and hopping onto its driver’s seat felt simple. The sitting position was comfortable. The legroom was adequate, and so was the headroom. The compact steering was easy to access and its grip felt quite sporty.

I tinkered with the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and found it offers a ‘Normal’ layout with full-sized dials, an ‘Evolved’ layout with compact dials, and a ‘Focused’ layout that doesn’t show dials. I could easily spot the distance remaining until the (11.2-gallon gas tank) went empty and the (15.5 kWh) battery pack ran out of juice.

The Hornet R/T has a 10.25-inch UConnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system that offers wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, TomTom satellite navigation, and more. I operated the center switches expecting a tactile feedback, and I felt that they could be improved in future iterations.

Moving to the rear seats, I felt the space was limited. The legroom behind the driver’s seat, as per my adjustment, was cramped. I felt the headroom was also tight and that these seats were designed mainly for kids or shorter adults. Interestingly, under-thigh support is improved by the extended cushions designed into the seats, but this does little to improve the overall experience at the back for a tall adult like me.

Driving impressions

Where the Dodge Hornet R/T truly shines and takes the crown position in the small league of plug-in hybrid compact SUVs is the way it performs and drives. Its 263 hp powertrain is quite punchy for both urban commutes and high-speed highway driving.

Owners also report that the Hornet R/T handles well around the corners, exhibiting little body roll, and quickly comes to a halt when needed. The PowerShot boost mode injecting more fun into the driving experience, though it doesn’t transform the ride dramatically, as if switching from a standard Dodge to a Hellcat! In a nutshell, the Hornet R/T is remarkably fun to drive for a compact SUV, especially such a heavy one with a plug-in hybrid system.

When the driver simply wants to relax, the Hornet R/T offers a smooth drive with the engine shut off, and that’s possible at up to 85 mph. Even when the driver has switched on the hybrid mode, the engine doesn’t intrude much. The Hornet R/T’s 33 miles (EPA-est.) of EV mode range and 77 MPGe (EPA-est.) of combined fuel economy seem impressive for the superb performance and excellent driving dynamics it offers.

Aspect	2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV Specifications
Length	178 in.
Width (with mirrors)	82 in.
Height	63 in.
Wheelbase	103.8 in.
Trunk Volume	22.9 cu. ft. (rear seats up)/50.5 cu. ft. (rear seats folded)
Ground Clearance	6.1 in.
Payload Capacity	1,195 lbs.
Towing Capacity	2,000 lbs.
Engine	GSE 1.3L MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline
Electric Traction Motor	P4
Combined Power	288 hp
Combined Torque	383 lb.-ft.
0-60 mph Acceleration Time	5.6 seconds
Top Speed	128 mph
Battery Pack	15.5 kWh lithium-ion
Electric Range	32 miles
Total Range	360 miles
Fuel Economy	77 MPGe

Price

The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T retails at USD 41,400 in the standard trim and USD 46,400 in the R/T Plus trim. A USD 1,595 destination charge is applicable on both trims. The Hornet Plug-in Hybrid is made alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale at the Giambattista Vico factory in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy.

TopElectricSUV says

The Dodge Hornet R/T offers a distinctive style, impressive performance and driving dynamics, and a premium interior. It’s not the most spacious model in its class, but it’s still the most practical Dodge to have been launched in recent years. Of course, the combination of a plug-in hybrid compact SUV and the Dodge DNA does come at a premium, and it’s not a car for everyone.

2024 Dodge Hornet R/T FAQs