Performance
Built to Deliver Top Performance and Power
The Hornet’s best-in-class power-to-weight ratio means that you get athletic performance on top of a spacious interior. All-wheel drive is standard, so you’ll have the traction you need to tackle bad weather or unpaved country backroads. With two different powertrains to choose from, drivers can get a Hornet that perfectly suits their energy preferences.
The GT model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L engine that delivers up to 265 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. For extra thrills, you can shift into sport mode with a dedicated button on the steering wheel, so it’s easy to unlock a stiffer suspension, tighter steering, a sharper throttle, and access to the Hornet’s full power and torque without ever taking your hands off the wheel. Dodge estimates that the Hornet GT can go from zero to sixty in 6.5 seconds, so you’ll have the pep you need to pass with ease on any freeway.
The Hornet R/T is a plug-in hybrid that can make use of two power sources: a turbocharged 1.3L engine and an electric motor. Enable Dodge’s segment-exclusive PowerShot by pulling both paddle shifters, and you can use the combined power of the engine and motor to get up to 285 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. With that power, it’s estimated that the Hornet can go from zero to sixty in just 6.1 seconds, but if you’re more concerned with reducing how often you have to stop at the gas station, you can also opt to do some electric-only driving without using the engine at all. In this mode, you can drive for more than 30 miles between charges, and if you need to go any further than that, the engine is always there as a backup, ready to kick in when you need it.
An Optimized Driving Experience
Not content to blend in with the pack of the popular compact SUV segment, Dodge delivers plenty of performance features that help the Hornet stand out. These features don’t just provide the vehicle with extra power but also ensure that the driver has full control over the vehicle, even in adverse circumstances. This keeps drivers and passengers safe and comfortable throughout any drive. Here are just a few of the features that optimize the Hornet’s driving dynamics:
- Koni frequency-selective dampening shocks improve handling for a more comfortable ride.
- Brembo four-piston front fixed calipers provide extra braking power for optimized control.
- Dual-stage-valve suspension allows the driver to customize suspension damping from behind the wheel.
- Dynamic Torque Vectoring provides torque with precision and acts as an electronic limited-slip differential when Sport Mode is active.
While both powertrain options have great standard performance, Dodge also offers factory-backed performance upgrades that can take things to the next level. Instead of taking a risk on after-market parts, you can get Direct Connection parts that were developed exclusively for the Dodge Hornet with auto enthusiasts in mind. Available options include a stage kit that provides stackable performance upgrades, a suspension lowering kit that creates a lower center of gravity for better cornering, unrestricted dual exhaust with black chrome tips, and exclusive parts that are more for show, including stripes, logos, and machine-faced wheels. You’ll get all the street cred and driving prowess that comes from having a tricked-out car without having to roll the dice on sketchy parts that may or may not actually be a good fit for your model.
Technology
Stay Entertained With the Hornet's Tech Features
As an all-new model, the Hornet comes with the latest tech features, designed to keep you entertained, informed, and safe during all of your drives, from quick errand runs to cross-country road trips. Between a 12.3-inch digital cockpit cluster screen and a 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen (both of which come standard), the Hornet gives drivers a whopping 22.5 inches of screen space, so they can see everything from vehicle diagnostics to navigation directions at a glance. Both displays are intuitive and customizable, so you can easily learn how to use them and program them to best suit your needs.
The cockpit cluster has three separate sections, each of which can be personalized. Each one can take up a fairly equal amount of space, or you can select the “Evolved” theme to minimize the space taken up by gauge displays and maximize the center display area. In addition to basics like the odometer and speedometer, the screen can be used to look at special Sport Mode gauges or to select between the three hybrid drive modes available on the Hornet R/T.
A Harman-Kardon premium sound system comes standard on higher trim levels like the GT Plus and R/T Plus. Audiophiles are sure to appreciate this setup, which features fourteen speakers throughout the cabin and is powered by 465 watts for an optimal audio experience. The GT Plus and R/T Plus also come standard with wireless charging, so you can keep your devices powered up and ready to go without having to get tangled up in a bunch of cables. Other comfort and convenience tech comes standard across all trim levels, including rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rear-seat reminder system, and passive entry, where you can unlock the vehicle just by opening the door when the key fob is in your pocket.
Safety
Packed Full of Dodge's Latest Safety Tech
Of course, the most important tech on board would have to be the safety features. The Hornet uses advanced technology to offer innovative safety and driver-assistance features that let you drive with confidence. Let’s take a look at a few of the available safety features on the Hornet:
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects pedestrians and cyclists and can both warn the driver and act automatically to hit the brakes in order to prevent a collision
- Lane Support System: Warns the driver when the vehicle is straying from its lane and can automatically counter-steer in order to prevent drifting too far
- Blind Spot Detection: Lights up an icon on the side mirrors when another vehicle is in your blind spot and provides an audible warning if the blind spot is occupied while your turn signal is active
- Rear Cross Path Alert: Detects approaching vehicles or other objects while the vehicle is backing up and warns the driver
- Parking Assistance: Helps you park safely even in tight spaces with a high-definition backup camera and rear parking sensors linked to acoustic and visual warnings
With the Tech Pack, you’ll unlock even more useful features, including Level 2 autonomous driving, a cutting-edge level that’s more advanced than simple driver assistance. This means you’ll have features like intelligent adaptive cruise control, which can automatically maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you, with the ability to navigate even tricky situations like stop-and-go traffic. Intelligent speed assist with traffic sign recognition detects the speed limit and gives you a one-click option to adjust your speed accordingly. Of course, it’s still important for the driver to actively pay attention to the road, which is why the system also features a driver attention assist feature that detects signs of driver fatigue and provides a warning when it senses that you’ve become road-weary.
