Compact crossovers have been known for not getting the heart racing as much as some other segments, as they are primarily focused on providing massive value and sensible fuel efficiency. Now adding a bit of much-needed flair to the slightly ordinary crossover category, the Dodge Hornet will arrive on the scene as the industry’s fastest and most powerful crossover under $30,000, with the promise to be thrilling to drive while offering aggressive performance characteristics.
The Carscoops.com team took part in the exciting fun to be had with the model during Dodge Speed Week and immediately compared its raw excitement and modern look to the classy and trend-setting Alfa Romeo Tonale. At first glance, you’ll notice the chiseled and wickedly cool stance of the ventilated hood, and the very sweet urban flair and prepared stance of the 17-inch alloy wheels. You’ll also be cruising with 8 inches of ground clearance, and the always boisterous and distinguished audio note of dual exhaust from the more aggressive R/T model.
The performance variant also boasts larger 18-inch alloy wheels and Brembo front brakes with black anodized calipers. We can’t wait to see how thrilled potential new owners will be after a test drive here at Landmark Dodge of Morrow, after they’ve had a lengthy sampling of this attractive crossover that slots in at just 2.6 inches shorter than the Toyota RAV4, also sporting a 2.1-inch smaller wheelbase. Drivers who are focused on the many very helpful and appealing technology offerings of today will love the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with the 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system.
The Carscoops team was very pleased with the fast responses along with very logical layout, with easy-to-find buttons for the phone, climate control, media, and home functions. The Hornet GT now holds 27 cubic feet of luggage, which can be expanded to 54.7 cubic feet after folding the rear seats down. The benefits of climbing higher up the trim ladder provide goodies such as heated and ventilated leather front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, and a pristine-sounding 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
The Track Pack offers star-studded visual features that include aluminum flourishes, as well as leather and Alcantara seats with eye-catching red accents. The standard engine is the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder cranking out 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Hornet will sprint up to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 140 mph, also offering the choice of better performance with the turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder with a rear-mounted electric motor, six-speed automatic transmission, and 15.5 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack.
This speed-focused adjustment gives the Hornet R/T all-wheel drive as well as a heightened output of 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The R/T can dash rapidly on up to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds, with the ability to fully recharge using Level 2 capability in just 2.5 hours. Many instances during the daily drive provide you the urge to access an immediate allocation of extra thrust at your disposal, and the Hornet R/T has got you covered courtesy of the PowerShot boost function, which can quickly deliver an extra 25 horsepower for 15 seconds of massive momentum.
