2024 Dodge Hornet First Drive Review

The compact crossover segment is an easy task for Dodge. It is after all one of the U.S. market’s fastest-growing product segments. The challenge was how to achieve that. The muscle car brand has tried it before, but by rebadging the Jeep Compass was dubbed the Caliber. However, this version of the Dodge Caliber simply didn’t fit an automaker that placed the focus on performance.

2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV Changes
2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV Changes

The Hornet is an entirely different beast. Its sleek appearance is in stark contrast to the compact Caliber and its performance figures are than one would expect of Dodge and can run 0-60 in a time of just 5.6 seconds. However, Hornet is also the first step toward electrification for Dodge and it is the first model of the brand that is powered by an in-built hybrid. It has 30 miles of range when in all-electric mode.

2024 Dodge Hornet Redesign

Exterior

There’s been a lot of talk regarding this Hornet since Dodge took it off the market earlier this year, but there are some mixed reviews. Some critics say that it’s too much like the brand-new Alfa Romeo Tonale. However, Dodge President Tim Kuniskis dismisses such skeptics by insisting “We took an awesome platform and made it a true Dodge.”

The most noticeable differences are on the front, where Hornet uses what it calls”a “raccoon mask,” a slim upper grille that is with headlamps that are slits. Below, a small “mail slot” and a higher, lower grille provide coolant to the compartment. The functional extractors are incorporated in a sculpted, grille.

The front profile is inherited from Alfa with its sharp character line that runs through the muscular rear haunches and a roofline that resembles a coupe. Four-wheel options, from a width of up to 20 inches in diameter, are readily available.

Interior

Inside both Hornet models have two LCDs, which include a 10.25-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a 12.3-inch LCD gauge cluster. With the younger demographic Dodge is aiming at with its Hornet models, there are plenty of technological features available, such as the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and numerous advanced driver aid systems.

2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV Interior
2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV Interior

However, gearheads will appreciate features such as the near-rectangular steering wheel and the R/T features, such as the sports seat, the red stitching, and the dark headliner. The steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters may be simultaneously pressed The driver can also floor the throttle to trigger the R/T into “Power Shot” mode. The only downside to the Hornet is the storage space available of just 27 cubic feet unless you fold the back seat. This isn’t even sedan-sized.

Engine

The 2024 Dodge Hornet is finally here and it’s the plug-in hybrid in R/T trim. Despite its 1.3-liter engine and its increased fuel efficiency, the automaker has positioned it as a performance-oriented model thanks to its 288 horsepower (214 horsepower/292 kW) engine.

While the Hornet GT (which was first launched in 2023 and will be available for the 2024’s model year) comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 268 horsepower (200 272 PS/200 kW) The R/T’s 1.3-liter engine is powered by a 121-hp (90 12 kW) 122 PS) electric motor, which is powered by a 15.5 Kilowatt lithium battery.

The battery and motor can be utilized to provide the Hornet R/T an acceleration of 15 seconds that is 30 horsepower (22 30 PS/22 kW) to shave as little than 1.5 seconds off its 60-90 miles per hour (0-96 kilometers/hour) time. Together, they can push it to highway speeds in only 5.6 seconds.

On battery power, the 2024 Hornet can reach as far as 32 miles (51 kilometers). Together the engine and motor can provide drivers with an impressive 360 miles (579 km) of range due to its efficiency of 77 mpg. In addition to the engine, In addition, the Hornet R/T and GT will be almost identical. Dodge claims it doesn’t want to “fence off” content, which means that it will allow the Blacktop Package, the Track Pack, and The Tech Pack can be selected regardless of the model that buyers decide to buy.

Changes

The Blacktop Package comes with the 18″ Abyss alloy wheels with gloss black mirror caps and black badging along with Black painted moldings. Its Track Pack ups the same wheel size to 20 inches It also includes two-stage valve suspension, Alcantara seats with aluminum interior and pedals, and Red brake calipers.

In addition, the Tech Pack offers features like Highway Assist and traffic sign recognition Intelligent Speed Assist and drowsy driver detection. parking sensors in the front and a 360-degree camera and parking assistance.

2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV Specs
2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV Specs

Furthermore, you can opt for a Hornet GT or R/T Plus model, which comes with leather seats with eight-way power seats with ventilated front seats, Harmon Kardon audio technology, an awning, and a hands-free power liftgate. If you choose the GT model, the option also includes wireless charging and heated front seats. heated steering wheels remote, remote start, and auto-dimming.

2024 Dodge Hornet Price & Release Date

In 2024, prices are steady in Hornet GT. Prices remain stable for Hornet GT, which starts at $32,330. The Hornet R/T starts at $42,530 (both costs include an additional destination charge of $1,595). The 2024 model is expected to be available in the summer of 2024, and buyers can utilize the configurator tool to create the perfect crossover now.