In an age where the pillars of Dodge’s existence (raucous hot-rods and ostentatious muscle cars) are in grave danger, Dodge is truly being put to the test. However, the all-new Hornet is the correct answer to two questions on Dodge’s exam. Regardless of the lingering inquiries, the Hornet is a good sign that Dodge is willing to change with the times.
Speaking at the New York International Auto Show, Fernando Fernandez, the Dodge Product Manager for Hornet says that “we knew we wanted to go into the compact EV space because it’s growing- it’s a huge segment.” While compact EVs seem to be the antithesis of “the brotherhood of muscle,” the Hornet proves otherwise. Fernandez went on to say that “the Hornet makes sense for us to go in and disrupt a very plain, vanilla, mainstream segment and do it the Dodge way. Both cars [the GT and R/T] are loaded with performance and class-exclusive content, that’s very true to Dodge.”
The base GT model comes standard with all wheel drive and a 2.0L turbocharged engine that lays down 268 horsepower and 295 ft-lb of torque. Perhaps not staggering numbers, but still substantially more than a Mazda CX-5, the Hornet’s main competitor. And yet, the R/T is even higher performance.
“We always do R/T as a step up in performance, we only happen to be doing that in Hornet through electrification,” says Fernandez. That’s right folks, Dodge has officially gone hybrid. The front axle of the R/T model is powered by a 1.3L turbocharged engine, whereas the rear axle is churned by dual electric motors. Put all three power plants together, and you end up with up to 318 horsepower… for 15 seconds.
The Hornet R/T is willing to give you access to 288 horsepower at all times, however, when you pull both paddle shifters at the same time you’ll find yourself in “powershot mode,” which delivers an additional 30 horsepower for 15 seconds before needing time to cool off. Why Dodge spent money to R&D a feature that’d only be useful when passing, I’m not sure. Nonetheless, while the GT model will get you from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, Dodge claims the R/T will manage a scant 5.6 with powershot engaged.
Do five and six second 0-60 times really live up to our expectations from Dodge? Most would argue no. However, Dodge is known for their special edition vehicles; the Hellcats, the Demons, the Demon 170, etc. People often forget that Dodge’s other recent offerings such as the Dart, Durango, and four cylinder Chargers and Challengers put a whoopin’ on most of their market competitors when it comes to performance. The head honcho of the Hornet’s segment is the Honda CR-V, which in a hybrid configuration can do 0-60 in about… three to five business days.
In terms of performance, Dodge nailed its first foray into electrification- the biggest question looming over the automaker. But how about its entry into compact SUVs? The blossoming market has sprung up and saturated faster than a loose spoon in a dishwasher. If you want to compare the Hornet to any current competitor, it’d certainly be a long debate. But if you want to compare it to its closest relative, the Journey, then you’re handing the ‘most improved’ trophy right to Dodge.
The Hornet is a sleek, mature looking vehicle with an edge. It looks as though it just graduated with a humanities degree, but thanks to some intelligent moves on Wall Street, doesn’t work and spends its nights fighting crime. The interior isn’t too posh, but it’s more than you would expect from a Dodge. I’d even say that the infotainment system and center console looks a little… Mazda-esque.
I’d have a hard time believing that wasn’t intentional.
Selling a plug-in hybrid, especially in compact SUV form to Dodge’s red blooded, blue collared, American fan base will be about as easy as baptizing a house cat. But that’s not what Dodge wants to do. The Hornet isn’t marketed towards the good ole boys that would give up their mama before their V8 Challengers. If you’ve seen any Hornet commercial, you already know this. The Hornet was brought about to expand Dodge’s market share and pivot with the times, and there’s nothing to suggest that it won’t do all that and more.