All-New Dodge Hornet CUV Offers Options to Fuel and Charge

Last year, Dodge announced that it would be adding a brand-new model to its lineup – the 2023 Dodge Hornet. And ever since, there has been plenty of “buzz” around the small crossover utility vehicle (CUV) and its segment-leading abilities. That includes the two available options, a GT and an R/T, the former of which will be powered by fuel along, and the latter of which will add an electric motor to the mix. Let’s dive deeper into the differences between the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT and R/T.

The base engine of the Dodge Hornet is the same in both the GT and R/T. What sets the two apart is the electric motor. So regardless of the direction you choose to go, you’ll have access to the 2.0-liter Hurricane4 engine – a turbocharged four-cylinder that manages to shell out as much as 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The impressive output makes the Hornet the most powerful CUV in its class.

So, what makes the R/T so different? It’s the fact that it adds a bit of electricity to the mix. Tucked away is a 15.5-kWh batter that allows the Hornet to travel up to 30 miles on electricity alone.

Classified as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV, the R/T draws the majority of its power from the Hurricane 4 found in the GT, but it tacks on an electric motor for additional efficiency – and power. With the added electricity, the R/T adds 25 additional horsepower to the total output of the sporty PHEV. The torque also sees an increase, and maxes out at 383 lb-ft – nearly 90 lb-ft above the torque in the GT.

In addition to a power boost, the plug-in hybrid electric motor also brings some speed. Compared to the GT, the R/T PHEV is capable of going from 0 to 60 in 6.1 seconds, shaving a full second off the time of the GT. Speed is also on the higher end with the R/T, which can roll the speedometer up to 128 mph.

Click here to learn more about the 2023 Dodge Hornet

Beyond the powertrain, the R/T adds a few other features that help to set it apart aesthetically, and a few others that boost performance in other ways. Standard features of the R/T include sporty 18-inch Graphite Grey wheels, eye-catching Dodge-branded Brembo front fixed calipers, dual exhaust, steering-mounted paddle shifters and more. If you’re looking to maximize sportiness, the R/T has you covered.

Both Hornet options come standard with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. If you choose, you can also equip the CUV with Sport Mode, which introduces sharper throttle, optimized upshifts, tighter steering and electronic limited slip differential, taking the 0 to 60 time to 6.5 in the GT.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT is the industry’s quickest, fastest, most powerful utility vehicle under $30,000. Makes it pretty hard to beat. And while the price tag is slightly higher, with a closer look at the differences between the Dodge Hornet GT and R/T, it’s clear to see the added value of the PHEV.

If you’re looking to take advantage of everything the Hornet GT and R/T have to offer, we are here to help at Glenn Polk Auto. Visit our inventory or stop by our Gainesville showroom to get started.