When released last year, we offered strong reviews of the new Dodge Hornet. We spent most of our time with the 2.0-liter gas version and loved it, decrying it to be our favorite small SUV.
[2023 Dodge Hornet GT new car review]
On a recent visit to Monterey for Car Week, we spent those days with a hybrid version. The full model name on the window sticker: Dodge Hornet R/T Plus Track Pack and Blacktop EAWD.
This gussied-up 2024 Hornet now carries a base price of $46,400 and an as-tested price of $54,325. Most of the increased price is due to the $2245 Tech Pack option that gives you electronic features that, frankly, I’d personally pass on. These nannies include lane departure control, surround view camera and active cruise control.
The Blacktop and Track Pack bundle gives you red calipers, a dark Hornet badge, and gloss black and onyx paint on trim and wheels. At $3590, this package might look sharp on a brighter paint color than the Gray Cray our test car wore, but we can’t see paying that kind of money for a few trim pieces being tarted up a bit.
Last year, we reported we loved the gas version of this car and had some reservations about the hybrid drivetrain.
After putting about 600 miles on this hybrid version, my reservations became more prominent. While we still love the styling and handling of this Alfa Tonale-based Dodge offering, I don’t care for the hybrid drivetrain.
It is not the smoothest hybrid offering we have driven, and the added weight (400 pounds) takes away from the charm and alacrity of this great chassis.
On the plus side, the hybrid is faster (0-60 mph is claimed in 5.6 seconds) and the mileage is significantly better than the 21 city/29 highway of the gas version.
But, at $10,000 more expensive than the gas version, you can buy a lot of fuel and enjoy the simplicity of a vehicle having only one drivetrain to maintain.
The bottom line, in my opinion, is that the Dodge Hornet gives class-leading Honda and others a serious run for their money. It is fairly roomy for a small SUV, is genuinely good-looking, quick and a lot of fun to drive and spend a week with.
We could even say that the Hornet is a genuine gas to drive–assuming you stick with the gas version.
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