2024 Dodge Hornet Review
The 2024 Dodge Hornet returns with plug in hybrid powertrain. We take a look at powertrain, technology and more in our review.
What’s New for the 2024 Dodge Hornet?
The big news for the 2024 Dodge Hornet is the addition of a performance-oriented plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. This new R/T variant bumps the trim count to 4 versus the 2023 Hornet, which was the first year of Dodge’s new compact crossover.
The Hornet name goes back over 70 years to the days of Hudson, a long-gone brand that was ultimately swallowed up by Chrysler in the late ‘80s. In its current application, the Hornet represents Dodge’s first small SUV since the Nitro was discontinued in 2011. It has big shoes to fill as the Detroit automaker’s lineup will be far smaller with the soon-to-be-gone Charger and Challenger. So, let’s take a look if the Hornet has what it takes to keep Dodge running strong.
2024 Dodge Hornet – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2024 Dodge Hornet on Carsforsale.com
Carsforsale.com Score
8.25/10
Powertrain
Score
9.5/10
Interior
Score
8.25/10
Technology
Score
8.75/10
Value
Score
8/10
The Breakdown
Long list of standard technology
PHEV powertrain
Italian handling roots
Can get really pricey
Tight cargo hold
Just-okay fuel economy
A true performance crossover
2024 Hornet Specs
- 268 horsepower from base engine
- 295 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 27 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 54.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo
- 5 years of roadside assistance
2024 Dodge Hornet Powertrain 9.5/10
In GT form, the 2024 Dodge Hornet is motivated by a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 good for 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is fairly high for the segment. It pairs with a 9-speed automatic to spin all 4 wheels as part of an AWD system that includes torque vectoring. These Hornets are rated by the EPA for 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, which is okay but the AWD Mazda CX-50 comes in at 24/30 mpg, respectively.
New this year is the Hornet R/T which sports a PHEV powertrain. It consists of a turbocharged 1.3L four-cylinder gas engine that works with a rear electric motor powered by a 15.5-kWh battery pack to generate a combined 288 hp and 383 torques. Dodge rightly calls this a “performance hybrid” and even includes a PowerShot function that supplies an extra 30 ponies of power for 15 seconds by pulling both shifter paddles and kicking down the gas pedal. These variants work with a 6-speed automatic and though the EPA has not yet tested it, Dodge cites a figure of 77 MPGe.
Both models offer an engaging driving experience as they share mechanicals with the lively Alfa Romeo Tonale. To that end, R/T Hornets come with Brembo brakes and the option for a Track package that includes Marelli dual-mode dampers and 20-inch wheels.
2024 Dodge Hornet Interior 8.25/10
A two-row SUV, the 2024 Hornet has room for 5 and a fair number of standard amenities to keep everyone comfortable like dual-zone automatic climate control (DZACC), rear HVAC vents, and 38 inches of backseat legroom. Cloth with red accents is standard but leather or Alcantara upholstery can be had along with climatized front seats and a heated steering wheel. Be sure to check out the available red leather upholstery on Plus models for a dose of pizazz.
On the cargo front, the Hornet underwhelms with 27 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 55 with that seat folded. There is an underfloor storage bin in the cargo area, but a Toyota RAV4 – one of our favorite small SUVs – offers 38 cubic feet of space in the back and a maximum of 70.
2024 Dodge Hornet Technology Features 8.75/10
The new Hornet does, however, impress when it comes to technology. All models feature a fully digital gauge cluster, a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 6-speaker stereo. Available features like a Harman Kardon audio system, a wireless charging pad, and self-parking for both parallel and perpendicular scenarios don’t come cheap but do make for a tech-laden Hornet.
As for safety systems, the 2024 Hornet includes forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic control, automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, AND adaptive cruise control on all models. So far, the NHTSA and IIHS have not run their respective crash-testing protocols on the Hornet.
2024 Dodge Hornet Trims & Pricing
GT – $32,330
The base Hornet GT comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, full LED lighting, heated side mirrors, functional hood scoops, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Cabin amenities include DZACC, black cloth-and-leatherette seats, a 10.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, dual front USB ports, and a 12-inch digital instrument panel.
GT Plus – $37,330
For an additional $5,000, the GT Plus brings a sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, and remote engine start. Interior upgrades include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustability, a heated steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and a wireless phone charging pad round out the tech features.
R/T – $42,530
All R/T models come with the PHEV powertrain, dual exhaust, and aluminum shifter paddles. Like the GT models, an available Tech package adds semi-autonomous driving capability, a driver attention monitor, parking sensors on all four sides of the car, a surround-view monitor, and a self-parking system.
R/T Plus – $47,530
The R/T Plus matches its GT counterpart for content and like all models can be outfitted with a nearly $4,000 Blacktop and Track package. For that outlay, you get dual-mode dampers, 20-inch black rims that frame red-painted calipers, black exterior accents for what Dodge calls the “automotive murder Hornet” look, Alcantara upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum cabin trim. Take a look at the latest new car incentives before checking all the option boxes as a fully-loaded Hornet R/T Plus tops $54,000.
2024 Dodge Hornet Overall Value 8/10
Given how expensive the PHEV models are and how powerful the base powertrain already is, your best value lies in a 2024 Hornet GT with the Cold Weather package that adds remote start and heat to the front seats and steering wheel for about $500. You still get to enjoy the impressive level of standard technology and advanced safety for less than $33,000.
Few compact crossovers offer the same level of performance as an entry-level Hornet. For example, you’ll need at least a 2.5 Turbo variant of the Mazda CX-50 to enjoy similar power figures and that vehicle starts at just over $39,000. There are less expensive vehicles in this segment, however, if speed and handling are not a priority. As for warranty coverage, Dodge offers industry-average terms of 3 years/36,000 miles on the basic bits and 5 years/60,000 miles on the powertrain.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 8.7/10
2024 Dodge Hornet – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2024 Dodge Hornet on Carsforsale.com
The 2024 Dodge Hornet occupies an interesting space within the wide-ranging compact crossover marketplace. It packs serious power in GT and R/T form, but that performance comes with a high price. Kia’s Sportage undercuts the Hornet by thousands of dollars but doesn’t come close on the powertrain front. And though the Hornet is loaded with the latest technology and safety features, it does lean to the small side on available cargo space. All that said, if you’re interested in a fun-to-drive little SUV, the 2024 Hornet is ready to deliver.
2024 Dodge Hornet FAQ
Is the Dodge Hornet electric?
Hornet GT models run on a gas-powered engine while the new R/T variant uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor. Currently, there is not a 100% electric-powered Hornet.
What is the new Dodge Hornet?
It is a compact crossover that shares a platform with the Alfa Romeo Tonale and offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
How fast is the new Dodge Hornet?
According to Dodge, the Hornet GT can run the 0-60 mph sprint in 6.5 seconds. R/T models drop that time to 5.6 seconds when the Power Shot feature is enabled.
