2025 Dodge Hornet
Our VerdictThe 2025 Dodge Hornet delivers muscle-car DNA in a small SUV package. It boasts standout acceleration and sporty handling, especially with the available plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, this performance focus comes with trade-offs in interior space and fuel economy. Overall, the Hornet is a thrill for drivers who prioritize excitement over max practicality.
Driving enthusiasts, tech-savvy commuters, urban dwellers
Large families, cargo-heavy travelers, fuel misers
The Case For
- Quick acceleration & sporty handling
- Advanced safety aids on all trims
- Standard AWD
- Plug-in hybrid option (R/T)
Considerations
- Tight rear seat & cargo space
- Decent fuel economy (gas model)
- Firm ride quality
Who It's For
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover built for drivers who want serious performance without stepping up to a larger SUV. It features bold Dodge styling and class-leading power, with the GT’s 268-hp turbo engine making it the quickest gas-powered CUV in its segment. The R/T plug-in hybrid adds even more punch at 288 hp plus about 32 miles of all-electric driving for daily commutes. Inside, the Hornet delivers a modern cockpit with a 10.25-inch Uconnect touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, come on all trims, blending muscle-car attitude with everyday usability.
Choose Your Specification
GT
~$31,400Entry-Level Value
The GT is the Hornet’s well-equipped base trim and a strong performance value. It’s powered by a 2.0L turbo engine producing 268 hp, delivering brisk acceleration for the price. Standard AWD provides confident traction in all weather. Inside, you get dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Seating combines cloth and leatherette with manual adjustments up front. Advanced safety features come standard, and 17-inch alloy wheels with full LED lighting complete the sporty look. This trim is best for buyers who want the Hornet’s core performance and tech on a budget.
GT Plus
~$36,695Best Value
Step up to the GT Plus, and you unlock most of the Hornet’s luxury and convenience features, making it the sweet spot in the lineup. It adds a power sunroof, full leather seating with power adjustability and driver memory, plus heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel for year-round comfort. Tech upgrades include built-in navigation, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system with subwoofer, and a wireless charging pad. You also get a hands-free power liftgate and remote start. Overall, the GT Plus blends sporty performance with near-luxury comfort and everyday convenience.
R/T
~$41,400Performance-Focused
The R/T transforms the Hornet into a plug-in hybrid performance machine. It pairs a 1.3L turbo engine with an electric motor for 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, plus an exclusive PowerShot feature that delivers a temporary 30 hp boost. You can drive up to 32 miles in pure EV mode, ideal for short commutes. Standard all-wheel drive and a responsive 6-speed automatic enhance performance. Visual upgrades include dual chrome exhaust tips and 18-inch Graphite-painted wheels. Inside, it adds a power driver’s seat with memory, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel—perfect for drivers who want speed with efficiency.
R/T Plus
~$46,745Most Luxurious
At the top of the lineup, the R/T Plus combines the Hornet’s 288-hp plug-in hybrid performance with the full luxury of the GT Plus. You get e-AWD, PowerShot boost, and about 32 miles of electric range, along with premium leather seating (or available suede/Alcantara with red accents). Front seats are heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable with lumbar support, paired with a power sunroof. Tech highlights include 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio, navigation, wireless charging, and a hands-free liftgate. Larger 20-inch wheels and advanced driver assists make it the most powerful, luxurious, and well-equipped Hornet available.
- The perfect balance of price, features, and performance for most buyers
- Upgrades to leather seats, premium audio, sunroof, and more – without the high cost of the R/T’s hybrid system
- Retains the strong 268-hp turbo engine with standard AWD and all the key safety tech
- Lower ownership costs and strong resale value
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | GT | GT Plus | R/T | R/T Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl (Hurricane I4) | 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl (Hurricane I4) | 1.3L Turbo 4-cyl + Electric Motor | 1.3L Turbo 4-cyl + Electric Motor |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 268 hp | 288 hp | 288 hp |
| MPG(City/Hwy) | 21/29 | 21/29 | 77 MPGe | 77 MPGe |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 27 cu. ft. | 27 cu. ft. | 22.9 cu. ft. | 22.9 cu. ft. |
| Transmission | 9-speed auto | 9-speed auto | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto |
| MSRP | ~$31,400 | ~$36,695 | ~$41,400 | ~$46,745 |
| Car Type | SUV | SUV | Plug-in Hybrid SUV | Plug-in Hybrid SUV |
The Cost of Ownership
Here is the Dodge Hornet's annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).
From Every Angle
Exterior
4Bold & Aggressive
Dodge infused the Hornet with unmistakable style – from its piercing LED headlamps to the racing-inspired front grille, this SUV looks ready to pounce. It has a squat, athletic stance with flared fenders that hint at its performance potential. Buyers can even opt for blackout trim (via the Blacktop Package) or vibrant colors like Hot Tamale red to personalize the Hornet’s look. Overall, it’s a head-turner that brings some muscle-car attitude to the compact SUV class.
Interior
4Modern Cockpit
The Hornet’s interiors are driver-focused and packed with tech. The dashboard features a 10.25-inch touchscreen seamlessly integrated with Dodge’s Uconnect 5 system with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to show navigation, performance info, and more. In the front, passengers enjoy supportive seats and generous headroom. However, the rear seat is tighter – adults will find legroom adequate but not expansive. The design and materials are sporty (you can even get red leather upholstery on certain trims for a flashy look), though hard plastics in lower areas remind you this is still a small SUV.
Safety
5Loaded with Tech
Safety is a strong suit for the Hornet. Dodge equipped every trim with a comprehensive set of driver aids: automatic emergency braking (that can detect pedestrians/cyclists), lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, and a driver attention warning system. On top trims or with the Tech Pack, you can get adaptive cruise control and even a 360-degree surround-view camera for parking ease. While official crash-test ratings (NHTSA/IIHS) are still pending for 2025, the Hornet’s platform sibling (Alfa Romeo Tonale) scored well in European safety tests, and the Hornet is built with similar engineering.
Warranty
3.5Average Coverage, Unique Perk
The Hornet’s warranty is in line with most competitors. It includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 5 years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance. For the R/T plug-in hybrid, Dodge adds an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery and electric components for long-term peace of mind. A unique perk for 2025 buyers is a free one-day Dodge Bondurant high-performance driving school, highlighting the Hornet’s enthusiast focus. However, free scheduled maintenance isn’t included, so routine service costs are out of pocket. Overall, coverage is competitive, with the driving course as a standout bonus.
Fuel Economy
4Hybrid Helps
The Hornet delivers two distinct efficiency profiles. GT models with the 2.0L turbo are rated at 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (24 mpg combined), trailing some rivals, with real-world fuel economy landing in the mid-20s mpg—reasonable given the strong performance. The R/T plug-in hybrid excels if you charge regularly, earning 77 MPGe combined and offering up to 32 miles of all-electric driving for short trips. Once the battery is depleted, it returns about 29 mpg as a hybrid. For drivers who plug in often, the R/T can significantly reduce fuel costs while handling daily errands gas-free.
Tech & Infotainment
4.5Feature-Packed
Modern tech is a standout in the Hornet. Every trim gets the Uconnect 5 system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an intuitive interface, and customizable widgets. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard, offering multiple display modes, including hybrid data on R/T models. Higher trims add a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, built-in navigation with real-time traffic, wireless phone charging, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot. While the touch-sensitive climate and audio controls can be distracting, overall the Hornet delivers a tech experience that rivals more expensive competitors.
Performance & Handling
4.5Thrilling & Grippy
This is where the Hornet truly stands out. The GT’s 2.0L turbo “Hurricane4” delivers 268 hp, hitting 0–60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest in its class. The R/T plug-in hybrid pushes harder, launching 0–60 in roughly 5.6 seconds with the PowerShot boost. Handling impresses thanks to a stiff chassis, KONI® frequency-selective dampers, available 20-inch performance tires, and standard AWD with dynamic torque vectoring. Sport Mode sharpens responses and rear bias for agility. The ride is firm but controlled, and standard Brembo 4-piston front brakes provide confident stopping power.
New This Year
- The 2025 Hornet adds steering-wheel paddle shifters when you opt for the Track Pack
- A free one-day performance driving course at Hornet’s official school with every purchase
- Eye-catching hues like Acapulco Gold and Blu Bayou join the palette
- MSRP hiked by a few hundred dollars on some trims
Cars Similar to the 2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet blends performance and tech in a compact SUV, but it’s wise to see how it stacks up against popular rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V:
2025 Dodge Hornet
2025 Toyota RAV4
2025 Honda CR-V| Aspect | 2025 Dodge Hornet | 2025 Toyota RAV4 | 2025 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 268-hp turbo (or 288-hp hybrid. Available PowerShot boost for extra thrill | ~203 hp 4-cyl (or 219-hp hybrid). Available AWD | 1.5L turbo ~190 hp. Composed ride |
| Tech & Interior | Dual digital displays (10.25” + 12.3” gauges). Harman Kardon audio | User-friendly but simpler – 8” touchscreen | Available 9” touchscreen. Top-notch materials |
| Practicality | Cargo ~27 cu. ft. (22.9 in hybrid). Rear seat fits two adults comfortably. | ~37.5 cu. ft. cargo space plus a flat load floor. Lots of cubby space | ~39 cu. ft. cargo room (among the best in class). Ample legroom |
| Comfort & Space | Supportive front seats; Tighter rear legroom | Comfortable, soft seats. Big windows for good visibility | Quiet ride. Excellent ride quality |
| Who's It For? | Drivers who want a fun, edgy SUV – great for individuals who appreciate the Hornet’s modern gadgets. Ideal if you do city commutes | The RAV4 appeals to those seeking reliability and versatility. It’s a go-to daily driver that can handle commutes, kids, and the occasional dirt trail without fuss | The CR-V is a favorite of small families and empty-nesters who want a refined, low-stress driving experience and high resale value |
| Best Choice For | Thrills on a budget Cutting-edge tech Muscle-car style | Rock-solid reliability Light off-road capability Strong resale value | Spacious cabin Smooth, quiet ride Efficient daily driver |
Asked & Answered
Does the 2025 Dodge Hornet require premium gasoline?
Officially, 87-octane regular fuel is acceptable, and the Hornet will run efficiently on it. However, Dodge recommends premium 91-octane for maximum performance. Using higher octane can help the turbo engine make the most power and may slightly improve acceleration and fuel economy, but it’s not a requirement. In short, you can use regular gas daily; however, if you want peak performance, consider filling with premium.
Is the Dodge Hornet all-wheel drive (AWD)?
Yes, every 2025 Hornet comes standard with AWD. The GT and GT Plus use a conventional AWD system that sends power to all four wheels for better traction. The R/T and R/T Plus (plug-in hybrids) use an electric rear axle (sometimes called eAWD) where an electric motor drives the rear wheels. This means whether you choose gas or hybrid, you’ll have confident AWD handling in rain and snow.
What is the electric range of the Hornet R/T hybrid?
The 2025 Hornet R/T (the plug-in hybrid) can drive up to 32 miles on electric power alone before the gasoline engine needs to assist. Once the battery is depleted, the Hornet R/T operates like a normal hybrid and continues to deliver approximately 29 mpg using gasoline. Charging the 15.5 kWh battery fully takes about 2.5 hours on a 240V Level 2 charger (or around 7–8 hours on a standard household outlet).