The 2024 Dodge Hornet; it’s here to add a little Dodge muscle to an otherwise vanilla compact SUV segment and it’s pretty good, but nothing’s perfect so we’re hitting the highlights; the best and the rest, starting with the rest….
Worst of the Dodge Hornet:
1 – Ride
This is definitely a sporty oriented SUV
The ride is firm and tight
The steering has weight
It makes you feel like it WANTS you to drive it hard
2 – no HUD
Cant get a HUD with the plus package
Cant get a HUD with the R/T
Cant get a HUD with the track pack
3 – Totally Alfa interior
Can be good or bad depending on who you are
I would have preferred something more unique to the car
VERY Alfa Stelio looking interior
Alfa steering wheel (but no start button on wheel)
no big paddle shifters (only on RT trim)
alfa door card w/ speaker (Harmon), handle, etc
Alcantara seats with red perforation (look cool)
seats are also Alfa Romeo
heated and cooled seats available
Black interior is the only option for the track package
4 – Trunk is small
It’s CX5 sized and the trunk is smaller
The PHEV takes another 5 cuft from the trunk space
At least you get a power trailgate
5 – rear seats
It’s very stelvio in back
This is where you’re reminded that this is kind of a X2 tweener size
Best of the Dodge Hornet:
1 – Power (in typical Dodge fashion)
Turbo or PHEV option
2.0T in GT is a hurricane series engine
268 hp and 295 lbft
0-60 in 5.8 as tested
R/T is PHEV exclusive
1.3T – 175 hp 199 lbft
rear electric motor (eAWD)
Also front electric motor
288 hp 383 lbft
15.5 kWh battery
0-60 in 5 sec
2 – Dynamics
eLSD in back
9 speed auto – 6 speed aisin in PHEV
Brembo brakes 13.5 inch
AWD std
Almost identical chassis to Alfa Tonale (adapted Jeep Compass chassis)
weight : 3700 lbs (4100 for PHEV)
Adaptive dampers on track pack
3 – efficiency
In non hybrid you get 21/29 mpg
PHEV gets just over 30 miles EV range
4 – Towing
2000 lbs max capacity for both powertrains I think (more than Rav4 or CRV)
5 – Looks cool
LED std
Hood is unique w/ functional scoops
Front fender badge
20 in wheels
Smaller end of the segment (shorter than maxi cx5)
Ride inch and a half lower than GT
RT gets dual chrome tips
Charge port on driver side rear
Full width tailor
3D
dodge logo in middle
No exhaust on GT trim
6 – screens and tech
Full digital cluster (12.3)
Standard
New big infotainments (10.25 in)
standard
uConnect 5 (wireless car play, OTA updates, telemetry)
Wireless charger
360 camera is good (plus trim level)
Autopilot stuff is good
7 – Luxury stuff
Heated and cooled seat and heated steering wheel is in screen
Pano roof?
8 – Price
Starts under 30k**
Starts 41,500 for PHEV
Lots of performance for the money
but easy to rack up price
9 – Powershot
“Powershot” extra 30 hp boost for 15 seconds
in sport mode
battery over 50%
pull both paddles at same time
Conclusion
So that’s the 2024 Dodge Hornet and it’s certainly the most powerful, emotional, and dynamic offering in the segment. It’s got a bunch of modern technology, but it’s done in a very Dodge fashion and ultimately, I like it! Let me know what you think