2024 Dodge Hornet Performance

The Dodge Hornet's 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds for the gas GT Trims is at the sharp end of this class thanks to the standard 268-hp turbocharged engine. These trims have a top speed of 140 mph. AWD is standard and assures excellent traction when launching or on slippery roads. It also endows the Hornet with decent rough-road ability, partially thanks to its fairly generous 8-inch ground clearance, although it's still no off-road vehicle and lacks low range. The nine-speed automatic transmission is now familiar in Stellantis products but has drawn criticism for its tuning in the past. However, it is great here, providing swift and seamless shifts and making the most of the engine's output. The R/T trims normally sprint to 60 mph in a slower 7.1 seconds, but by activating their PowerShot feature, a burst of 30 additional horsepower from the electric motor cuts that time right down to 5.6 seconds. The PHEVs - with peak combined outputs of 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque -have a lower top speed of 128 mph. The R/T is strictly an on-road car with its minimal 6.1-inch ground clearance. The Hornet is rated for trailering too and all trims can tow a maximum of 2,000 pounds.

The gas Dodge Hornet's engine is a turbocharged 2.0L inline four-cylinder with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and it's found in the two GT trims. All-wheel drive is standard on both, with no front-wheel-drive option available, and both also share the same nine-speed automatic transmission. Two range-topping PHEV R/T trims have 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of a turbocharged 1.3L engine, a 15.5-kWh battery, a 33-kW (44-hp) front electric motor, and a 90-kW (121-hp) rear electric motor. The gas engine contributes 199 lb-ft of the torque, and the e-Motor drive provides 184 lb-ft. The PHEV powertrain is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and is also AWD by default, but because the rear wheels are driven by the electric motor, Dodge calls it eAWD.

With EPA-estimated city/highway/combined figures of 21/29/24 mpg, the Dodge Hornet's gas mileage is good, considering the performance on tap and the standard AWD - and nearly matches that of the Mazda CX-30 turbocharged model (25 mpg combined). However, with a fuel capacity of just 13.5 gallons, its range on a tank is restricted to around 324 miles. Dodge has not yet disclosed the gas mileage of the PHEV R/T trims, except for saying that they will have an all-electric range of "more than 30 miles" on a full 15.5-kWh hour battery. Dodge says the battery can be fully charged in around two and a half hours with a Level 2 charger. The R/Ts have a smaller gas tank of 11.2 gallons.