The Differences Between the Dodge Hornet GT and R/T
When Dodge first announced the new Hornet hatchback, it was introduced as the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) by the automaker. It was the first official and unofficial Dodge eMuscle car to enter the lineup. With Dodge eMuscle, the automaker gave us the first look at a new Fratzog logo eMuscle cars would wear, but the Hornet doesn’t don that badge. In fact, the first release of the Dodge Hornet campaign showed the model with the same Dodge//SRT badge (//). Still known as an all-gasoline model, the second Hornet campaign showed us the real Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid, the Hornet R/T and R/T Plus. Is there any real difference between the two aside from the powertrain? Let’s find out.
Powertrain
The powertrain and what’s under the hood will be the first major difference consumers will notice. Powering the Hornet GT and GT Plus is a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) DOHC Hurricane 4 engine modified with electric start-stop (ESS) technology to conserve fuel efficiency. The Hurricane engine family is the new generation of gasoline engines for Stellantis and is actually found in the new 2025 Ram 1500. Able to generate 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, the Hurricane engine is something else. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and able to deliver a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, this is the last all-gasoline model Dodge will ever make.
Powering the Dodge Hornet R/T and R/T Plus is none other than a 1.3-literL I4 Turbo PHEV Engine, powered by a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery that runs an electric motor and a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Able to generate 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, the Hornet R/T and R/T Plus show off their all-electric prowess with an all-electric range (AER) of 32 miles on a single electric charge before needing to switch back to gasoline. This PHEV has a total driving range of 360 miles. The powertrain is completed with a six-speed automatic transmission. Both models have the option to add a dual-mode suspension for a more distinctive response for performance or comfort.
Style
Being the first PHEV from Dodge, both versions of the Hornet share some of the same exterior features, such as heated exterior mirrors, an automatic dusk sensor, automatic high-beam headlamp-control, LED tail lamps, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, privacy glass, and LED license plate. Oddly enough, all trims come with a GT Upper and Lower Mesh Grill. Sharing many of the same badges as an available add-on, the key differences are the Plus versions coming with a hands-free power liftgate. The Hornet GT also comes standard with 17-inch wheels, whereas the Hornet R/T comes with 18-inch wheels standard. Both come available with 20-inch wheels.
A pattern is starting to take place with the styling of the car. The standard upholstery is a combination of cloth and leatherette for the GT and R/T, but the GT Plus and R/T Plus come with black leather standard with the option to upgrade to red leather. If looking for extra luxury, consumers can upgrade to Black Alcantara leather seats with red accents on all trims. A 60/40 rear seat is a lineup standard, and it seems only the base Hornet GT comes with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way manually adjustable front passenger seat. The rest of the lineup comes with 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger seat, 4-way power lumbar adjustable driver’s seats, 4-way power lumbar adjustable front passenger seats, and heated front seats. Ventilated front seats are only found on the Plus trims.
Other standards include driver-seat memory past the base and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Plus trims also come with a power sunroof.
Technology
The next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system is the standard for all trims, complete with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Only the Plus series comes with navigation included. Lineup standards also include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot trial, Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, and Dodge Connect for downloading apps for customizing the interior more. Only the GT and R/T come with hands-free phone and audio, and only the Plus trims come with HD Radio and integrated voice command. A six-speaker sound system is the standard on the GT and R/T, but the Plus trims come with a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Many safety features are included, such as the basics – advanced multistage front airbags; supplemental front-seat-mounted, and side-curtain airbags in all rows, and a driver inflatable knee-bolster airbag. Advanced safety features are plenty, including adaptive speed control, blind spot and cross path detection, full-speed forward-collision warning plus, LED daytime running lamps with park/turn, lane-keep assist, a ParkSense rear park-assist system, ParkView rear back-up camera, and Thatcham security equipment. Add-ons are also available, including active driving assist, drowsy driver detection, intelligent speed assist, a ParkSense front/rear/side park assist, remote-start system, and a surround-view camera system.
