The Dodge Hornet is a small family crossover that packs a surprisingly muscular punch thanks to a standard turbocharged engine and optional plug-in hybrid with nearly 300 horsepower. This small CUV was new for 2024; the R/T model arrived just in time for 2025.

Performance

While the Hornet may not slot in neatly with the outgoing Charger and Challenger in Dodge’s “Brotherhood of Muscle,” the Hornet nonetheless embraces that performance-oriented attitude. While most competitors are content to offer around 200 horsepower from their standard CUV engines, the Hornet comes in at 268 thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which makes 295 pound-feet of torque to boot. As an added bonus, the base GT model even comes standard with all-wheel drive, boosting both performance and foul weather confidence. Dodge says this combo will hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

But if that’s not quite enough for you, the Hornet R/T kicks it up a notch with a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, packing 288 horsepower and a whopping 383 pound-feet of torque. Not only does the R/T get to 60 in just 5.6 seconds, but it can be driven in electric-only mode for up to 32 miles thanks to its 15.5-kWh battery.

Both the GT and R/T come with standard Koni FSD shocks and can be upgraded to dual-stage-valve suspension if you opt for the Track Pack, which also includes Brembo brakes and steering wheel paddle shifters.

Exterior

The Hornet is the newest model in Dodge’s portfolio and the least muscular looking, but its European-influenced design may appeal to some buyers. The integrated hood heat extractors hint at its performance credentials, while the standard LED reflector headlights offer improved safety.

Seventeen-inch, silver-finished wheels are standard on the GT, while the R/T gets a standard 18-inch wheel finished in “Granite.” An 18-inch “Abyss” finish is available with the Blacktop Package, while the Track Pack comes with 20s. No matter which you opt for, they’ll come wrapped in all-season tires.

Interior

The Hornet’s interior brings a lot of Alfa Romeo to the table thanks to its close relationship with the Tonale. That means U.S. buyers get a surprisingly stylish cabin with slick, sporty elements. The Track Pack adds stainless door sills, while ambient LED lighting comes standard even on the GT.

The GT Plus comes standard with cloth seats (with leatherette trim), six-way manually adjustable driver and passenger seats, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. Perforated leather is available on the GT Plus and R/T Plus trims, while the Track Pack adds Alcantara suede. Both upgrades come with power seat adjustment. The Cold Weather package adds heated seats, while ventilation is offered on the Plus.

In the rear, the Hornet offers a roomy, 60/40 split rear bench. Behind that, you get a cargo area with either 27 cubic feet (GT) or 22.9 cubic feet (R/T) of storage space; the latter gives up a bit of cargo space to make room for the plug-in hybrid battery.

Technology

The Hornet’s plug-in hybrid powertrain alone makes it the most sophisticated offering in Dodge’s 2025 lineup, but that’s not where the Hornet’s tech ends. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is standard on all models and gets integrated navigation with turn-by-turn directions on Plus models. The standard 12.3-inch cluster display even mirrors navigation instructions if you opt for the integrated setup.

The standard audio system in the Hornet is a six-speaker unit, while the upgraded Harman Kardon (available on the Plus) offers 14 speakers and a subwoofer. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system can be paired with up to two phones, and wireless device charging is standard on Plus models. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard equipment on all Hornets.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Hornet offers a standard array of driver assistance options along with some optional extras included in its various packages. In addition to the list of standard safety features below, the Hornet can be equipped with Active Driving Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent, Speed Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, front and side park sensors, a 360-degree surround view camera, and ParkSense Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist.

Standard safety equipment on the 2025 Dodge Hornet includes:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• ParkSense rear park assist system with adaptive guidelines
• LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Hill-start Assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Electronic park brake — automatic
• Rain Brake Support
• Ready Alert Braking