Dodge Hornet R/T Plug-In Hybrid Is More Expensive Than Expected

Pricing / 15 Comments

Fully loaded, it's very near the price of its more premium Alfa Romeo Tonale cousin.

The unofficial pricing for the Dodge Hornet R/T - the plug-in hybrid variant of Dodge's new compact crossover - appears to have leaked via an order guide discovered by Cars Direct, revealing a potent performer that brings a not-inconsequential initial capital outlay.

The plug-in hybrid is quite a step up from the current top trim. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder GT Plus costs $35,490 (including destination), while the entry-level PHEV will retail for $41,590. The range-topping R/T Plus is set to land with an MSRP of $46,590. These prices can swell once you tick a few options, though.

The car is not yet available, however, and will only arrive at dealers in a few months, some time after the introduction of the base GT trims.

Dodge
Dodge

The aforementioned packages and options for the Hornet R/T largely mirror those of the GT models, with slight price differences based on equipment already included in the upper trims. The R/T Blacktop Package, for example, allegedly costs $1,595 instead of the $1,995 cost on the GT trims. These figures seem to vary slightly according to different sources, and Dodge has openly stated that final pricing has not been confirmed. Still, even with these alleged prices, a fully-loaded plug-in hybrid Hornet R/T costs in the region of $54,000 once you add the Blacktop Package, Tech Pack, and Track Pack with adaptive dampers, larger wheels and tires, and upgraded interior trim.

The R/T is equipped with all-wheel drive, a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, an electric motor, and a 15.5 kWh battery. According to Dodge, the powertrain produces upwards of 285 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque and can drive a full 30 miles on electricity alone.

But is the entire package worth it?

Dodge
Dodge

Its chief rival will also be its close sibling, the Alfa Romeo Tonale. In contrast to the Hornet's multi-engine approach, Alfa Romeo's Tonale is only available as a PHEV and starts at $44,995 for the Ti, increasing to $47,495 for the Veloce. The Tonale will be a more upmarket product, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard on the entry-level model, while an adaptive suspension and column-mounted aluminum shift paddles will be standard on the Veloce.

Alfa is also claiming best-in-class horsepower, but the 'in class' bit is most important as the Tonale is a luxury crossover and the Dodge is considered mainstream.

While the spec and packages differ between the two brands, loading up a Tonale with all the available advanced driver assists, 20-inch wheels, ventilated leather seats, and upgraded Harman Kardon sound system sees its price increase to circa $56,000. Bearing in mind the gorgeous Verde Fangio (green) Tri-Coat Exterior Paint costs $2,200, the pricing for these two crossovers is remarkably similar.

Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo

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