Core summary
Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover utility vehicle built for the North American Dodge range. Its public model name is simply Dodge Hornet. The production generation debuted for the 2023 model year with the gasoline GT. The R/T plug-in hybrid followed as a 2024 model. For the 2025 model year, Dodge offered GT, GT Plus, R/T and R/T Plus versions. The GT uses a 2.0-liter Hurricane4 turbocharged inline-four. Dodge rates it at 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The R/T uses a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder, a 15.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a six-speed automatic transmission. Its electric all-wheel-drive system uses independent electric drive at the rear axle. The R/T produces up to 288 horsepower with PowerShot and 383 pound-feet of torque. Dodge quotes a 5.6-second 0-to-60-mph time for the R/T. The current Dodge model page says production is paused indefinitely, with some dealer inventory still available.
History & generations
The modern Dodge Hornet entered production for the 2023 model year. Dodge launched the GT first, then introduced the R/T plug-in hybrid during 2023 for the 2024 model year. Stellantis identifies Pomigliano d'Arco in Italy as the manufacturing site for the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale. The Hornet is therefore a single-generation production nameplate in its current form. It is separate from the earlier Dodge Hornet concept shown in 2006, which did not become this production CUV. Dodge positioned the modern Hornet as a compact crossover with a stronger performance identity than a conventional family crossover. The 2025 range retained the GT gasoline model and R/T plug-in hybrid. By the 2026 model year, Dodge's public Hornet page described production as paused indefinitely. That status changes availability, but it does not create a new production generation. The R/T's 2024 launch timing and the GT's early-2023 launch are stated in Dodge's regional FAQ.
First production generation
The current Dodge Hornet launched with GT and R/T powertrains. It shares its Italian production base with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, while using Dodge-specific styling, calibration and equipment. The GT uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The R/T combines a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine with plug-in hybrid hardware and electric all-wheel drive. Dodge's current model page says Hornet production has been paused indefinitely, while dealer inventory may remain available.
Body, platform & design
The Hornet uses a broad, low-set crossover body with a pronounced hood and a performance-focused front treatment. Dodge highlights a wide stance, defined body lines and hood air inlets as key exterior themes. The front grille is finished in gloss black. LED headlamps and LED tail lamps are part of the model's visual identity. Available 20-inch Abyss-finish wheels support the sportier appearance. The Track Pack adds performance-oriented visual and chassis equipment, including Alcantara sport seats, aluminum interior details, aluminum pedals and red Brembo brake calipers. GT versions can use aluminum column-mounted shift paddles with the Track Pack. R/T versions receive the paddles as standard equipment. GT Plus and R/T Plus models add a power sunroof with a powered shade and wind deflector. A power liftgate is standard on GT Plus and R/T Plus. The Dodge-specific exterior separates the Hornet from the closely related Alfa Romeo Tonale, despite shared manufacturing and broad technical architecture.
Engine & drivetrain
The 2025 Dodge Hornet GT uses a 2.0-liter Hurricane4 turbocharged inline-four. Dodge lists 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque for the GT. A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The GT also offers Sport mode, torque-vectoring functions and available performance hardware through the Track Pack. The R/T is a plug-in hybrid. Its system combines a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, a 15.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a six-speed automatic transmission. Electric drive at the rear axle creates the R/T's electric all-wheel-drive layout. Dodge quotes 383 pound-feet of torque and up to 288 horsepower with the temporary PowerShot function. PowerShot adds 30 horsepower for up to 15 seconds when conditions allow. R/T drive modes include Hybrid, Electric and E-Save. The R/T reaches 60 mph in 5.6 seconds by Dodge's estimate. The GT and R/T therefore use different transmission, engine and all-wheel-drive solutions.
Trim differences
The 2025 U.S. and Puerto Rico range lists four principal versions: GT, GT Plus, R/T and R/T Plus. GT is the gasoline performance model with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. GT Plus adds higher equipment content, including a power sunroof and power liftgate. R/T is the plug-in hybrid performance model with electric all-wheel drive, a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, a 15.5-kilowatt-hour battery and a six-speed automatic transmission. R/T Plus adds the model's higher comfort and technology equipment, including a power sunroof and power liftgate. The Track Pack is available across the performance-oriented range with differences by trim. Its listed equipment includes 20-inch Abyss wheels, dual-stage valve suspension, Alcantara sport seats, aluminum trim and red Brembo calipers. The Blacktop and Tech packages provide additional appearance and technology content. Regional pages use the same GT and R/T model names, while measurements and fuel-economy references follow U.S. customary units.
Interior & seating
The Hornet's cabin is arranged as a two-row compact crossover interior with a driver-focused dashboard. Dodge lists a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen. The center screen is angled toward the driver and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Uconnect can store up to five user profiles. The interior emphasizes performance equipment rather than a minimalist design. Available or package-dependent features include Alcantara sport seats, aluminum pedals, aluminum trim and column-mounted aluminum shift paddles. GT Plus and R/T Plus add the available comfort equipment associated with the higher trim levels, including the power sunroof. The R/T's plug-in hybrid hardware changes the vehicle's underfloor packaging compared with the gasoline GT. Dodge's public pages emphasize technology, connectivity and driver orientation, but they do not present a separate luxury-oriented interior hierarchy. The cabin is best understood as a sporty compact-CUV interior with strong digital instrumentation and broad driver-assistance integration.
Efficiency & range
The R/T is the only plug-in hybrid version of the Dodge Hornet. Dodge cites an EPA-estimated 32 miles of electric range and an EPA-estimated total range of up to 360 miles for the 2025 R/T. Its 15.5-kilowatt-hour battery can be replenished from external charging equipment. The R/T also uses regenerative braking to recover energy during deceleration. Hybrid, Electric and E-Save modes let the driver prioritize combined operation, electric driving or charge preservation. The GT is not a hybrid and uses gasoline through its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Dodge's 2025 FAQ recommends premium unleaded gasoline as the preferred fuel, although it says premium fuel is not mandatory. The GT has a 13.5-gallon fuel tank, while the R/T has an 11.2-gallon tank. EPA range and fuel-economy values can vary by certification and market presentation. The U.S. and Puerto Rico pages use miles and U.S. EPA terminology.
Safety & equipment
The 2025 Hornet includes a broad standard driver-assistance package. Dodge lists forward collision warning with full-stop capability and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also listed. Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go is standard on the cited regional equipment page. LaneSense lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance is included. ParkView rear camera and rear parking sensors support low-speed maneuvering. Available systems include Active Driving Assist, traffic-sign recognition, intelligent speed assistance, a 360-degree surround-view camera, drowsy-driver detection, front parking sensors and automated parallel or perpendicular parking assistance. These systems assist the driver and do not replace supervision or legal responsibility. Safety equipment can vary by trim, package and regional certification. NHTSA records also contain Hornet-specific recalls, including campaigns involving certain 2023-2024 plug-in hybrid vehicles and later brake-pedal hardware. A vehicle-specific VIN search remains the correct way to establish open recall status.
Strengths
The Hornet's strongest attribute is its performance-oriented powertrain selection. The GT provides 268 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque, a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The R/T combines plug-in electric driving with 383 pound-feet of torque and a quoted 5.6-second 0-to-60-mph time. Its electric all-wheel-drive system differs from the GT's mechanical all-wheel-drive arrangement. Dodge also gives the Hornet a more assertive design than many compact crossovers. Standard digital displays, wireless smartphone integration and a driver-oriented touchscreen keep the cabin technically current for the production period. The available Track Pack adds tangible chassis and braking hardware rather than only cosmetic changes. The model's two powertrain choices also broaden its appeal: the GT suits buyers seeking simpler gasoline operation, while the R/T suits drivers who can regularly charge and want short electric trips. Production in Italy gives the Hornet a distinct manufacturing history within the Dodge lineup.
A quick, distinctive CUV whose production is paused indefinitely.
Considerations
The most important ownership consideration is availability. Dodge's current Hornet page says production has been paused indefinitely, so new inventory depends on remaining dealer stock. The R/T adds charging requirements, battery-related packaging and plug-in hybrid complexity. Its electric range is useful for short daily trips but does not make the vehicle a battery-electric model. The GT avoids external charging but uses more conventional gasoline operation. The four trim levels and several packages create equipment differences, especially for sunroofs, liftgates, paddles, Brembo brakes, suspension hardware and driver-assistance features. Recalls and service campaigns have affected certain Hornet model years and configurations. A VIN-based check is essential before purchase or delivery. The Hornet is a compact crossover rather than a traditional Dodge muscle car. It has a performance emphasis, but its body style, seating arrangement and utility mission remain those of a CUV. Fuel requirements, EPA labels and available equipment can also differ by market.
Recommended use
The Dodge Hornet is best suited to drivers who want a compact crossover with stronger acceleration and sharper visual character than a typical utility model. The GT is the simpler choice for buyers who want turbocharged gasoline power, standard all-wheel drive and no charging routine. The R/T is better matched to owners with dependable access to external charging who can use its electric range for regular short trips. Its Hybrid, Electric and E-Save modes support different daily driving patterns. Both versions retain crossover practicality, a two-row cabin and a power liftgate on the Plus models. The Hornet can serve as a commuter, urban family vehicle or enthusiast-oriented daily driver. It is less suitable for buyers seeking three-row capacity, maximum cargo volume, off-road specialization or a fully electric vehicle. Because production is paused indefinitely, purchase decisions should also account for remaining inventory, model year, warranty status and completed recall repairs.
FAQ
Q: Is the Dodge Hornet discontinued? A: Dodge says Hornet production has been paused indefinitely. Some dealer inventory may remain.
Q: Which Dodge Hornet is the quickest? A: The R/T quotes a 5.6-second 0-to-60-mph time from Dodge.
Q: Is every Dodge Hornet a hybrid? A: No. The GT uses gasoline power. The R/T is a plug-in hybrid.
Q: Does the Dodge Hornet have all-wheel drive? A: Yes. GT uses standard AWD, while R/T uses electric all-wheel drive.
Q: How far can the R/T drive electrically? A: Dodge cites an EPA-estimated 32 miles of electric range for the 2025 R/T.
Q: Is the Dodge Hornet a muscle car? A: No. Dodge describes it as a compact crossover utility vehicle.
What makes the Dodge Hornet different?
A quick, distinctive CUV whose production is paused indefinitely.
Who should consider it?
Performance-focused daily crossover
Sources & updates
Research for this Dodge Hornet profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.
Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.
View all official references (9 more)
Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.