Built in Italy, the Hornet faces some stiff competition
Roseville, Calif.- These are certainly different times. Long identified as an American automobile company under the Chrysler flag, that’s no longer the case for Dodge, now a division of Stellantis, a multinational automotive manufacturing company with headquarters in the Netherlands.
With that information in mind, it was no surprise the new 2024 Dodge Hornet is not manufactured in the U.S. The compact crossover SUV closely resembles the Alfa Romeo Tonale and both are built alongside each other at a Stellantis plant in Italy.
The two SUVS share equipment, components and body panels. They also have the same powertrain, a turbocharged four-cylinder. One primary difference is the Tonale is strictly a plug-in hybrid, while the Hornet is a PHEV that’s also offered as an optional gas-only variant.
The Hornet R/T is the PHEV version that has a 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, 90-kW electric motor and a range of 32 miles, good enough for many daily work commutes.
Introduced in 2023, what car buyers will enjoy about the Hornet is it’s a peppy powertrain, a sporty demeanor and standard all-wheel drive. However, the interior has a cramped back seat, delivers subpar fuel economy, has road noise, and a high starting price ($31,500).
Much like the Tonale, the Hornet faces some stiff competition, including the Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Volkswagen Taos, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Chevrolet Trailblazer. After sluggish sales of 9,314 in its debut, by June 2024 Hornet sales (11,718) had already exceeded last year’s totals.
The Hornet engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that generates 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque that’s mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It goes 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, yet gas mileage is a disappointing 21-29 mpg.
The R/T plug-in hybrid combines an electric motor with a turbo 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It’s quicker than the gas engine, going a brisk 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Gas mileage is better as well – 27-31 mpg
Handling is a plus in the Hornet; the steering is precise and it corners well. Despite the road noise, we thought the SUV delivered a fun ride. Another positive is the R/T’s regenerative braking recharges the battery while being driven and it also captures electrical energy when decelerating.
AT A GLANCE – 2024 DODGE HORNET
- Performance: turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 268 horsepower; electric motor, turbo 1.3-liter, four-cylinder, 288 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 21-29 mpg; 27-31 mpg
- Price estimate: $31,500 to $46,800
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside assistance: 5 years/60,000; Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited
Interior
The interior is subpar because overall the cabin feels cramped and the layout is uninspiring. It has a modest 8-inch touchscreen that’s easy to use. The interior feels cheap because there’s an abundance of hard plastic surfaces. There’s also limited storage for smaller items.
While the front seats provide solid head and leg room, the back seat is inadequate. Unless it’s three kids, there’s no way the smallish second row will accommodate more than two people. Cargo space is 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats and increases to 54.7 cubes with the seats down.
Diversity is a positive for the 2024 Dodge Hornet, because it offers a gas-powered engine and a plug-in hybrid. Hampering the Hornet is a strong field of competitors that will likely hinder sales.