The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus PHEV compact CUV
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
What is a Hornet? The Hornet is an all new compact (CUV) crossover utility vehicle, built in Naples, Italy by Stellantis and sold in North America by Dodge. Built in the same assembly plant as the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale, the two models share bits and pieces.
Rather than re-skinning a Jeep Compass, as it did with its last attempt at a small CUV, the caliber this time around Dodge has settled on sharing a platform with the more upscale and luxury orientated Alfa Romeo Tonale. However, the Dodge Hornet R/T has attitude.
Dodge introduces the all new (PHEV) plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, Hornet, to the muscle car family in a new marketing campaign called - A New Breed. The 2024 Dodge Hornet pays homage to the iconic legacy of Dodge performance. As a brand, Dodge is expecting big things and big sales from Hornet; especially in the R/T and R/T Plus models.
With a distinct brand design and two available power trains, the 2024 Dodge Hornet is the most powerful compact utility vehicle in the entire class and it’s unlike any other CUV on the road today. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds and it comes with (AWD) all wheel drive as standard equipment.
This week Dodge sent me a 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this model is: $44,995. The options on the CUV are: the metallic paint for $495, the red leather seats for $495, the blacktop package for $1,595 and the tech package for $2,245. The MSRP manufactures suggested retail price, plus the $1,595 destination charge, minus the $615 sunroof delete credit, is: $50,805.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $57,156. At just over $57 Grand, the Dodge R/T Plus edition is a lot of fun to drive and with the rear seats folded down, it has a big rear cargo area for all your gear for work, school, camping or going to Home Depot.
The Hornet is a (PHEV) plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and can go 32 miles on a full charge, in addition to getting 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 24 mpg in combined driving, with an EPA estimated total driving range of 360 miles.
With a PHEV vehicle you can drive on electric battery power, the gas engine, or a combination of both. Using regenerative braking, the Dodge Hornet can recharge its hybrid battery while being driven and can capture electrical energy from deceleration.
Hornet R/T models come with a turbocharged 1.3L liter inline 4 cylinder gas engine, bolted to a 6 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and have a 121 HP electric motor mounted on the rear axle. The total system makes 288 HP with 383 pound-feet of torque and the hybrid battery can be recharged in 2.5 hours on a 240 volt level II outlet.
To make the Hornet R/T look special you can add the Blacktop Package for $1,595 that includes: gloss black painted side view mirror caps, dark Hornet front fender badges, dark GT badges, gloss black painted side window moldings and a set of 18” x 7.5” wide abyss finished black alloy wheels with a set of 225/55R 18” all season black wall tires.
The Tech package for $2,245 adds: intelligent speed assist, an active driving assist system, a 360 surround view camera system, drowsy driver alert detection and a ParkSense front, rear and side parking assist program. This enables you know where the vehicle is in relation to everything that is near or around the Hornet whenever you’re at low speed.
Handling and Safety are always covered with: a 4 wheel antilock disc brake system, all speed traction control, electronic brake force distribution, braking assist, a set of Dodge branded 4 piston fixed front calipers and a set of floating high performance rear calipers.
With a range of trim levels to choose from, including GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus, the Hornet offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a daily driver, or a (HP) high performance thrill ride, the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus is worth a look.
Call, click or visit your local Dodge dealer for a test drive and a Bottom Line price review on a 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus compact CUV. And remember that the base price for a new 2024 Hornet starts at only $30,735. Dodge Hornet - A New Breed.
Be smart, stay safe and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, take care, drive safely, and enjoy the ride - Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the
San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire. Net at www.autowire.net