It’s tough for a compact SUV to find its place in a family that exalts horsepower and burnouts the way Dodge does. But the Hornet makes a solid effort, with the plug-in hybrid Hornet R/T generating a total of 288 hp and 383 pounds-feet of torque and accelerating from 0-60 mph in a claimed 5.6 seconds. For the 2025 model year, Dodge is burnishing the Hornet’s image further, offering buyers a one-day session at Radford Racing School, the brand’s partner in spreading the gospel of high-performance driving. Aside from optional paddle shifters for the GT, the 2025 Hornet is unchanged.
Related: Dodge Ties Savings to Performance in Expanded Power Dollars Promotion
Powertrain Specs and MPG
As with the 2024 model, the Hornet is available with two potent turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The entry-level Hornet GT is powered by the Hurricane4, a 2.0-liter whipping up 268 hp and 295 pounds-feet. With a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, Dodge says the GT is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds in Sport mode.
The R/T’s turbo four displaces just 1.3 liters and drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic, and a stout electric motor on the rear axle provides standard AWD. The motor also enables the PowerShot feature, an overboost that generates an additional 30 hp for up to 15 seconds at a time and helps achieve that 5.6-second sprint to 60 mph.
Official EPA figures for the 2025 R/T are not yet available but shouldn’t change from the 2024’s numbers; with its 15.5-kilowatt-hour battery, the 2024 R/T can travel up to an 33 miles on electricity alone and is rated at 29 mpg in the EPA’s combined cycle. The GT returns an EPA-estimated 21/29/24 mpg city/highway/combined.
Safety Features and Trim Levels
Both the GT and R/T are available in two trim levels, base and Plus. Standard safety features on the Hornet include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure steering assist, blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors and traffic-sign recognition. The Tech Pack, available with either powertrain, adds automated parking, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, a driver attention monitor and traffic-sign recognition.
Standard equipment on the Hornet GT includes 17-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and keyless entry and start. Inside, you’ll find dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, six speakers, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa and satellite radio.
In addition to its powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain, the R/T also gets 18-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a heated steering wheel and power-adjustable front seats with heating. With either engine, the Plus trim level adds a power liftgate, moonroof, navigation, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel (on the GT), wireless charging pad and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
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Availability and Pricing
The 2025 Dodge Hornet will go on sale later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date.
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