Dodge entered the popular compact crossover segment this past year with the introduction of the 2023 Dodge Hornet. 2023 models arrived in the Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram inventory late in the 2023 model year. In typical Dodge fashion, they brought to the segment its most powerful gas engine and a distinct performance focus to its overall design. Now come the 2024 models, which add the Hornet R/T. This plug-in hybrid represents the first-ever electrified vehicle from Dodge and the most powerful model in the Hornet lineup.
Bringing Performance to the Compact Crossover Segment
The Hornet GT and GT Plus carry one with the Hurricane4 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It is the segment’s most powerful gas engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA-estimated city/highway/combined MPG is 21/29/24.
For 2024, the Hornet lineup adds the R/T and R/T Plus plug-in hybrid models. The engine is a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 connected to a 6-speed automatic that powers the front wheels. Powering the rear wheels is a 90-kW electric motor that receives its energy from a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined, the engine and motor produce 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque.
The model provides an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. So if your daily round-trip commute is within that distance, the Hornet R/T can be a daily electric vehicle. After the electric range is depleted, there remains battery power to assist the engine. The Hornet R/T is rated at 77 MPGe and has a total range of 360 miles.
The “Head of Hive” 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T carries extra sting with a class-exclusive, on-demand PowerShot feature that supplies a 15-second burst of 30 horsepower, enabling a run from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while the Dodge Hornet GT reaches 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds in Sport Mode.
Hornet performance goes beyond mere acceleration. All models in the lineup feature standard Koni shocks and Brembo four-piston brake calipers. The models also include torque vectoring to assist in fast curves, and of course, all R/T models feature all-wheel drive.
Activated by a steering wheel button, the Hornet GT features a Sport Mode, which increases throttle response, shifts at higher rpm, tightens steering wheel feel, and provides a stiffer suspension setting if equipped with Dual Stage Valve shocks. The Hornet R/T offers Sport Mode and three hybrid driving modes: Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save
- Hybrid Mode: Provides maximum combined efficiency of the engine and motor, minimizing fuel consumption by setting electric priority until a minimum battery level is met
- Electric Mode: Offers an all-electric, zero-emission mode, and automatically switches to hybrid when the battery is depleted or when extra power is requested by driver pedal kick-down
- E-Save Mode: Gives priority to the conventional engine to preserve battery charge, possibly to save for city driving when all-electric propulsion is its most efficient. The Passive option maintains the existing charge, while the Active option will recharge the battery as you drive.
- Sport Mode: Activated by a dedicated button on the center console, this produces sharper throttle response, higher shift points, access to the hybrid system’s optimized power and torque, as well as a tighter steering feel.
The Hornet R/T also recharges the battery from regenerative braking and coasting from the throttle lift. The regenerative braking also reduces brake wear.
Packaging
All Hornets are equipped with a 12.3-inch Digital TFT Cluster, 10.25-inch center touchscreen and dual-zone automatic climate control wireless phone connectivity, and blind spot warning, among other features. Also standard is Active Driving Assist which includes Distance Pacing Cruise Control, and lane centering. Besides the drivetrain, additional standard features on the R/T model include:
- Heated front seats
- 8-way power driver seat with 3-way memory
- Driver-side auto-dimming mirror
- Remote start system
The R/T Plus adds:
- Full leather seating surfaces
- 8-way power passenger seat
- Ventilated front seats
- Sunroof
- Harmon Kardon sound system
- Hands-free power liftgate
The GT Plus basically adds all of the additional R/T and R/T Plus features. Three packages are available on both Hornet R/T and GT:
The Blacktop Package brings to life an automotive version of a “murder Hornet” with a blacked appearance including:
- 18-inch Abyss alloy wheels
- Gloss Black badging and mirror caps
- Gloss Black painted daylight opening (DLO) molding
The Track Pack offers the most performance-oriented configuration with: - 20-inch Abyss wheels
- Dual Stage Valve Suspension
- Alcantara sport seats
- Aluminum interior accents and pedals
- Red brake calipers
The Tech Pack builds on the Active Driver Assist system by adding: - Highway Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Intelligent Speed Assist
- Drowsy Driver Detection
- Front-park sensors
- ParkView 360 camera
- Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist
The Hornet shows that as Dodge enters a new era of electrified and even EVs, Dodge’s performance values remain steadfast. It is obvious yet meaningful to call the Hornet the Dodge of compact crossovers. To see all of what that means, pay a visit to Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and experience the Hornet for yourself.
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