Among subcompact SUVs, sportier options that get anywhere close to 150 horsepower boast about performance. But then enters the Dodge Hornet GT to totally redefine the definition of power in the segment. The Hornet GT gets a whopping 268 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Hurricane engine. That vaults it 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. From there, it can reach a top speed of 140 mph.
There’s also a plug-in hybrid drivetrain option. It drives in all-electric driving range of up to 32 miles before a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine kicks in. PHEV Hornets, known as R/T, pump out 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. With a little more added curb weight due to its two motors and battery pack, R/T models have a slightly lower top speed of 128 mph. But with a super cool PowerShot feature that can add up to 30 horsepower for 15 seconds R/T’s have the fastest acceleration with a 0 to 60 rating of 5.6 seconds.
Hornet buyers who relish power won’t trade size for performance.
Our Hornet GT tester had a starting a price point of $36,400. So when comparing price alone, you could afford a larger SUV for a comparable price. But muscle-carmaker Dodge positions its Hornet as the more affordable performance SUV, worthy of comparison against such high-performance crossovers as the BMW X1. Hornet in fact shares much, including its platform, with its Stellantis cousin, the Alfa Romeo Tonale. So, when you compare $36,400 to the X1 starting at $40,500, or Tonale with a starting price of $43,845, Hornet’s pricing begins to justify itself.
Outside, Hornet stands apart from the conservative pack with decidedly muscular lines, a wide stance, and a bold front grille. All Hornet SUVs come standard with all-wheel drive, 9-speed transmission and sport-tuned suspension. Inside, generous cabin space and stylish interior features abound. The Hornet comes with the latest version of Stellantis’s Uconnect infotainment system, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It also includes available wireless charging and an available 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims.
Hornet is still an attractive choice for the safety-conscious buyers with lots of standard driver-assistance features.
Our GT model was already equipped with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keeping assistance, rear parking sensors and automatic high beams. Its Tech Pack option added enhanced adaptive cruise control, lane centering, a 360-degree camera system and an automated parking system for another $2,200.
The Bottom Line
The GT Blacktop and Track Pack bundle added on another $3,900. That included 20-inch black-painted wheels along with other special black accents inside and out. Special badging, red-painted brake calipers and red accents on black Alcantara seats plus a sporty leather steering wheel added more pizzazz. And dual mode adjustable suspension dampers are another handy add-on in the package. They can be set to improve ride comfort or handling stability. $44,825 was the total price of our Hornet GT AWD after adding in premium paint and destination charges.
There are plenty of young buyers willing and able to pay more to get exactly what they want, within reason. And if it’s extra power without sacrificing any of the practical aspects of an SUV, the Hornet is an enticing prospect.
Are you subscribed to receive the Savvy Trucks, Toys & SUVs newsletters?
