The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T is a small, plug-in hybrid SUV with a mission that has little to do with working on grid electrical energy, decreasing emissions, or saving gas. As a substitute, this inexpensive mannequin from Stellantis’ bad-boy model has a transparent precedence: efficiency. Even when it is nothing near the noise-making electrical muscle automobile Dodge is to launch subsequent yr.
Suppose PHEV, and it’s possible you’ll think about driving 25 to 50 miles a day on a battery charged from the grid, with a gasoline engine as a backup generator for lengthy journeys. It’s a sensible answer to going electrical a lot of the time—if it’s plugged in—with out the vary anxiousness of a full EV.
Now, throw away that picture fully, says Dodge. The projected EPA-rated electrical vary of about 30 miles—and any concept of miles per gallon and not using a cost—acquired quick shrift throughout a latest media drive in and round Asheville, North Carolina.
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
Hornet R/T efficiency: PowerShots
As a substitute, Dodge execs centered on the Hornet’s “PowerShot” functionality: in Sport mode, pull each steering-wheel paddles, mash the accelerator, and the battery delivers an additional 30 horsepower (22 kilowatts) for as much as 15 seconds if its cost degree is 80% or larger. A 15-second cooldown interval follows earlier than one other PowerShot could be delivered.
The result’s acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, in response to Dodge (with the battery above that 80% threshold). We discovered ourselves utilizing the PowerShot not only for standing-start acceleration—that will get boring quick—but additionally passing sluggish vans on rural two-lane roads. However the three-step process (affirm Sport mode, pull again paddles, mash pedal via detent) was cumbersome sufficient we wished for the seamless battery energy of a full EV.
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
The Hornet R/T’s battery is more likely to get various train. Two of the 4 drive modes—Sport and e-Save—use the engine not simply with the battery however really to recharge it. Solely Hybrid and Electrical modes supply any sustained electrical working. It’s a unique tackle a PHEV, about as removed from emission-free and carbon discount as you may get. A couple of drivers might select to make use of the R/T as gently as attainable on electrical energy solely, however that’s clearly not what Dodge intends to advertise.
All-wheel-drive hybrid propulsion
The Hornet R/T’s 1.3-liter turbo-4 engine has an built-in 44-horsepower (33-kilowatt) belt starter-generator; Dodge doesn’t cite energy for the engine alone. That powerplant drives solely the entrance wheels by way of a 6-speed automated transmission. A 90-kw (121-hp) e-motor powers the rears, making it what’s often known as a through-the-road hybrid, with entrance and rear axles pushed by completely different energy sources.
The R/T’s all-wheel drive is offered by software program, moderately than a driveshaft stretching from a transmission in entrance to a rear axle. The house freed up within the tunnel homes the lengthy arm of the L-shaped lithium-ion battery pack, with a rated capability of 15.5 kwh.
This mix of energy sources, pushed wheels, and drive modes requires a variety of software program to handle. From power-up, the Hornet R/T begins in Hybrid mode, progressively utilizing battery cost to run on electrical energy alone, at gentle hundreds or low speeds, then including engine energy for heavier hundreds. In hilly suburban driving, a Hornet with 40 p.c or extra battery cost spent a stunning period of time with its engine off, making it peaceable and clean.
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
Hornet R/T drive modes: Sport, Electrical, or e-Save?
To transcend Hybrid mode, the motive force should choose a unique mode, which must be reset with every ignition cycle. Electrical and e-Save are toggled on the steering wheel, whereas Sport mode is activated by way of a separate button on the console. Sport is quickest: it retains the engine on on a regular basis, holds decrease gears longer for larger engine output, and often attracts on battery vitality to complement engine output.
Sport mode additionally recharges the pack extra aggressively than Hybrid or Electrical mode, whose regeneration feels minimal except the brakes are utilized. Relying on the way it’s pushed, Sport mode can slowly increase battery cost—at the price of extra gasoline burned, utilizing the engine as an inefficient generator.
In Electrical mode, a Hornet with enough battery cost makes a pleasing EV underneath most driving situations—although if you happen to mash the pedal to speed up uphill, the engine will possible kick in to offer extra energy than the rear-mounted motor can supply.
Lastly, there’s e-Save mode, which lets the motive force both maintain present battery vitality or once more use the automobile to recharge the pack—as much as 40, 60, or 80 p.c—all chosen via the touchscreen.
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
Making sense of Hornet R/T vs different SUVs
On the street, the result’s a small efficiency SUV that may really feel fairly completely different relying on the mode and the second. Throughout these conditions, the Hornet R/T’s dealing with and roadholding, with its 52:48 entrance:rear weight distribution, are surefooted, well-balanced, and gratifying behind the wheel.
The problem got here within the energy supply underneath heavy driving. On first encounter, it proved unpredictable and sometimes disconcerting. In a single case, at regular velocity, heading up a grade drew extra battery energy at first, then a downshift, then one other in fast succession—sending the engine hovering from 2,000 to three,500 after which 5,000 rpm. Noise rose accordingly. Even after a number of hours of driving, we couldn’t predict the Sport-mode conduct of the powertrain underneath most circumstances. With familiarity, maybe drivers will come to know when engine revs will soar, when the rear motor will add a surge of torque, and when the 6-speed transmission will downshift.
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
Contemplating its edgy driving impressions and general packaging, there aren’t any apparent, direct rivals for the Hornet R/T except you shift to non-hybrid fashions just like the Mazda CX-30 Turbo or Kia Seltos SX Turbo.
The inside matches 4 adults comfortably, with sufficient head- and legroom for a 6-foot passenger to sit down behind a 6-foot driver on the marginally elevated rear seat over the battery pack. Outward imaginative and prescient is barely common, however tossing the little crossover round curvy again roads was a enjoyable strategy to spend the afternoon.
Hornet R/T pricing and incentives
The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T carries a advisable beginning value of $41,590, which features a obligatory $1,595 vacation spot payment. The R/T Plus provides $5,000 to that whole. Then there are possibility packs: Blacktop, Observe Pack, and Tech Pack. A totally loaded R/T can hit $50,000.
Dodge did counsel that Hornet R/Ts which are leased moderately than bought will qualify for the complete $7,500 federal incentive, per the newest modifications in IRS interpretations of the Inflation Discount Act signed final August.
These interpretations should be a piece in progress, so verify rigorously if you happen to intend to lease in order to make the most of that provision. Numerous state and native incentives for plug-in hybrids might also apply. forward of the R/T plug-in hybrid’s late spring arrival. And consider, there’s a 2023 Hornet GT arriving in late April that isn’t a plug-in or a hybrid.
(Additionally see this full first drive masking the non-hybrid Hornet GT.)
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
The R/T has a regular 7.4-kw onboard charger, so it’ll recharge to 100% in roughly 2.5 hours utilizing a 240-volt Degree 2 station. It takes as much as 8 hours on a regular 120-volt family plug. Dodge features a 120-volt moveable charging cable as normal.
This begs a query: Will Dodge Hornets really get plugged in? Or will the battery and rear motor find yourself as costly efficiency boosters sponsored by buy and lease incentives? Dodge says it’ll monitor the charging conduct of R/T consumers, suitably anonymized. We hope the model plans to share what it learns within the close to future.
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Dodge offered airfare, lodging, and meals to allow Inexperienced Automotive Stories to carry you this first-person drive report.