Overview
2025 Dodge Hornet is a brand new model from Dodge for the first time in 10 years, but a departure as the rugged-looking compact SUV is built off an Italian platform that it shares with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. It condenses the ethos of a Dodge performance car into a pint-sized SUV. Targeting Mazda’s CX-30 and Honda CR-V, the Hornet is built for the driver who likes to drive but wants something a little less muscle than what Dodge has currently been serving up.
Power and Performance
2025 Dodge Hornet Comes with a traditional turbocharged engine as well as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) The GT and GT Plus trims utilize a 2.0-liter turbo-four developing 268-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with the claim that it can reach 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds. Pack more punch still, and the R/T trim combines a 1.3-liter turbo-four with an electric motor, producing up to 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque (and blasting from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds when using its PowerShot feature). This hybrid configuration also allows for up to 33 miles of EV range, appealing to performance junkies and green drivers alike.
Design
The Hornet combines Italian styling with some American influence along with a healthy dose of sportiness — especially on those body lines and continuous beltline aesthetic typical of Ford Escape and Mazda CX-30. Dodge has kept the look kind of understated and classic, so we wouldn’t expect any major changes for this model year apart from maybe new headlights or some mild front-end updates as we get toward 2025. The Hornet is a fashion-forward option in its segment, combining the best of sport-focused design with small crossover utility.
Interior and Comfort
The inside is similar to a Tonale with the focus placed on the driver as seen by the slightly angled infotainment display and cockpit-inspired layout. There is plenty of room up front and a bit less in the back, which cannot be helped given how small the Hornet is compared to its midsize rivals. It sports standard black cloth and faux-leather surface treatment with red stitching; the GT Plus adds leather and a possible red leather interior. The Hornet also offers some faux suede to make it a little sportier in appearance and feel for those going for the Track package.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All 2025 Hornets come standard with Dodge’s newest tech suite Uconnect 5 system that’s made up of a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster unit. It comes standard with Kia’s wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa connectivity. Stepping up, the GT Plus trim also adds a 14-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system with built-in navigation for drivers who want both connectivity and premium sound on the road.
Pricing and Specs
At the base level, a 2025 Dodge Hornet GT priced at $33,180 comes equipped with features you’d want at that price point such as standard 17-inch aluminum wheels dual-zone automatic climate control and rain-sensing windshield wipers. For $38,970 there is the GT Plus which in turn adds items such as heated seats, a premium sound system and more upscale interior materials. There’s also the available Cold Weather Group and Track package that allows buyers to customize their Hornet further based on where they live.
Driver Assist and Safety Amenities
The Dodge Hornet comes standard with automated emergency braking that can detect pedestrians and cyclists, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, which are all important for safety. All the more reason to enjoy feeling secure, the optional Tech package further adds adaptive cruise control with lane-centering functionality. These elements will further establish the Hornet as a more safety-focused compact SUV, and would give it a leg-up in that market segment when it comes to fans of technology.
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