2024 Dodge Hornet
Overview
If you’ve had your eye on the Alfa Romeo Tonale but need something a bit more in your budget, the 2024 Dodge Hornet provides a nearly identical experience for far less money. While the Dodge uses the same plug-in-hybrid powertrain as the Alfa, it’s also offered with a nonhybrid variant that makes 268 horsepower; all-wheel drive is standard with both powertrains. Compared to other compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, the Hornet’s cabin is a little snug, with less room for passengers and cargo. Where the Hornet beats its competition, though, is in its spunky on-road demeanor. Dodge has also equipped every model with a generous list of standard features that includes a digital gauge display, the company’s most up-to-date infotainment interface, and a host of driver-assistance features including automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
What’s New for 2024?
The plug-in-hybrid R/T model joins the lineup this year, complete with a 288-hp powertrain that’s expected to provide over 30 miles of electric-only driving range. Being only its second model year on the market, we expect to see no other significant changes to the Hornet lineup for 2024.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
$32,000 (est)
GT Plus
$37,000 (est)
R/T
$42,000 (est)
R/T Plus
$47,000 (est)
The base GT comes with plenty of desirable standard features, including a large 10.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch aluminum wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control. We would splurge on the Cold Weather Group package, which adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start, but if you live in the sunbelt you can probably skip that and save the money.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Hornet GT models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 268 horsepower and comes paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. During our initial test drive, we found the Hornet GT to be fairly perky, and we estimate that this powertrain is good enough to motivate the Hornet to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The R/T model is Dodge’s first plug-in hybrid, and it’s powered by a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor combing for 288 horsepower. Instead of the nine-speed automatic from the GT, the R/T gets a six-speed automatic but still comes standard with all-wheel drive. The powertrain can temporarily boost output by 30 horsepower via a feature called PowerShot that’s activated by pulling both paddle shifters. With the PowerShot mode engaged, we estimate that R/T PHEV should hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. When we get a chance to test these claims for ourselves, we’ll update this story with the Hornet’s performance results.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The plug-in-hybrid R/T model comes with a 12.0-kWh battery pack that Dodge says is good for over 30 miles of electric driving per charge. Charging time on a level 2 charger is around two and a half hours.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the Hornet GT is good for 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Although the agency hasn’t weighed in on the plug-in-hybrid R/T models yet, we’re expecting that model to be more efficient. When we get a chance, we’ll take the Hornet on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route and report its results here. For more information about the Hornet’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Hornet’s cabin is just as roomy as the Tonale’s, which means it’s spacious for front-seat riders but tight for those in the back. Interior styling is similar to the Tonale’s too, with the primary controls and infotainment system slightly canted toward the driver and a tall shift lever for the automatic transmission positioned on the center console. The Hornet also uses the same steering wheel as the Alfa Romeo, albeit with a Dodge logo in the center, which features an integrated ignition switch beneath the left spoke. Black upholstery with red stitching is standard but the GT Plus trim comes with leather; those ordered with the optional Track package get faux-suede. An optional red leather interior option is also available.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
All models come with a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. The software interface is the latest Uconnect 5 system, which is in use on other Stellantis models such as the Chrysler Pacifica minivan and the Ram 1500 pickup truck. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, as is Amazon Alexa connectivity. Upgrading to the GT Plus swaps in a 14-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo for the standard system and adds a wireless smartphone charging pad.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A host of driver-assistance features are standard on the Hornet, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. All models also come with blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The optional Tech package adds adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, among other features. For more information about the Hornet’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Dodge offers a fairly typical warranty with all new Hornet models; extended warranties are available for purchase through participating dealerships. The Kia Sportage has the Dodge beat with a 10-year warranty and the VW Tiguan comes with two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenanceArrow pointing downArrow pointing down
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
Vehicle Type: front-engine or front-engine and rear-motor; all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base: $41,590
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled SOHC 16-valve 1.3-liter inline-4, 177 hp, 199 lb-ft + 2 AC or motors, 44 and 121 hp, 39 and 184 lb-ft (combined output: 288 hp, 383 lb-ft; 12.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 7.4-kW onboard charger)
Transmissions: 9-speed automatic, F/R: 6-speed automatic/direct-drive
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.8 in
Length: 178.3 in
Width: 72.5
Height: 63.0
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 51/23 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4150 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.3 sec
Top Speed: 140 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/29 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 60 MPGe
EV Range: 30 mi
2023 Dodge Hornet GT
Vehicle Type: front-engine; all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base: $31,590
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 268 hp, 295 lb-ft
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.8 in
Length: 178.3 in
Width: 72.5
Height: 63.8 in
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 55/27 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 3750 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 6.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.1 sec
Top Speed: 128 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 24/21/29 mpg
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C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
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More Features and Specs
