Dodge Hornet (2025)
Quick, agile AWD performance with available electric range, but cramped and compromise-heavy.
The Dodge Hornet is a raised hot hatch for drivers who want a small SUV to solve the usual crossover dullness, with standard all-wheel drive, quick acceleration, and sharper handling than practicality-first rivals. The GT’s 268-hp turbo delivers the strongest value, while the R/T plug-in hybrid adds up to 33 electric miles for short, chargeable commutes. Experts support Dodge’s performance claims, but real-world feedback points to cramped rear seating, limited cargo space, a firm ride, clumsy shifts, and uneven reliability, especially in the more complex hybrid. It is compelling when heavily discounted and warrantied, less so near premium pricing. Overall, personality and traction lift its appeal, while practicality, refinement, and ownership confidence weigh down its recommendation.
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Benefits
Quick acceleration makes merging, passing, and busy-city gaps feel easier and more confident.
Standard all-wheel drive adds reassuring grip on wet roads, snow, and uneven everyday routes.
The R/T can handle short commutes electrically, keeping routine drives quieter when regularly charged.
Responsive steering and strong handling make ordinary errands feel more engaging, not merely practical.
Trade-Offs
Cramped rear seating makes longer rides uncomfortable and leaves less room for passengers’ legs.
Small cargo area turns routine grocery runs or stroller loading into a tighter fit.
GT fuel economy means more frequent fuel stops during ordinary commuting than efficiency-focused rivals.
Firm ride and occasional transmission clunks make stop-and-go driving less relaxed in the GT.
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Publications
6 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Car and Driver views the 2025 Dodge Hornet favorably, especially as a lively, well-equipped compact SUV. Its 268-hp turbocharged engine produces strong acceleration—the GT Plus reached 60 mph in 5.7 seconds—and confident handling makes it more engaging than the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. The Hornet also undercuts its Alfa Romeo Tonale twin while sharing much of that model’s attractive design and capable all-wheel-drive package. Still, the enthusiasm is qualified: rear-seat and cargo space are tight, fuel economy is mediocre, and rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 are more versatile, while the Mazda and Volkswagen offer sharper driving dynamics. Standard tech and safety equipment are generous, though desirable cold-weather features cost extra and the warranty is merely average. Overall, it is a playful, performance-minded choice for drivers who value fun over family practicality.
By David Gluckman
MotorTrend’s Billy Rehbock views the 2025 Dodge Hornet as enjoyable but ultimately compromised. Its muscular styling, punchy turbocharged and plug-in-hybrid powertrains, quick acceleration, and engaging handling make it unusually entertaining among compact SUVs, while the Track Pack’s Koni dampers are considered especially worthwhile. Standard technology and safety equipment also strengthen its value. Still, the Hornet’s cheap-feeling interior, cramped rear seats, limited cargo space, and the R/T’s high price undermine its usefulness as a family vehicle. The plug-in hybrid offers decent electric range, but its Power Shot feature feels awkward and delivers little meaningful benefit. Rehbock’s central insight is that the Hornet works better as a European-style hot hatch than as the compact muscle SUV Dodge buyers might expect, leaving it squeezed between more practical rivals and its own brand identity.
By Billy Rehbock
Car and Driver views the 2025 Dodge Hornet favorably, especially as a lively, well-equipped compact SUV. Its 268-hp turbocharged engine produces strong acceleration—the GT Plus reached 60 mph in 5.7 seconds—and confident handling makes it more engaging than the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. The Hornet also undercuts its Alfa Romeo Tonale twin while sharing much of that model’s attractive design and capable all-wheel-drive package. Still, the enthusiasm is qualified: rear-seat and cargo space are tight, fuel economy is mediocre, and rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 are more versatile, while the Mazda and Volkswagen offer sharper driving dynamics. Standard tech and safety equipment are generous, though desirable cold-weather features cost extra and the warranty is merely average. Overall, it is a playful, performance-minded choice for drivers who value fun over family practicality.
By David Gluckman
MotorTrend’s Billy Rehbock views the 2025 Dodge Hornet as enjoyable but ultimately compromised. Its muscular styling, punchy turbocharged and plug-in-hybrid powertrains, quick acceleration, and engaging handling make it unusually entertaining among compact SUVs, while the Track Pack’s Koni dampers are considered especially worthwhile. Standard technology and safety equipment also strengthen its value. Still, the Hornet’s cheap-feeling interior, cramped rear seats, limited cargo space, and the R/T’s high price undermine its usefulness as a family vehicle. The plug-in hybrid offers decent electric range, but its Power Shot feature feels awkward and delivers little meaningful benefit. Rehbock’s central insight is that the Hornet works better as a European-style hot hatch than as the compact muscle SUV Dodge buyers might expect, leaving it squeezed between more practical rivals and its own brand identity.
By Billy Rehbock
Car and Driver views the 2025 Dodge Hornet favorably, especially as a lively, well-equipped compact SUV. Its 268-hp turbocharged engine produces strong acceleration—the GT Plus reached 60 mph in 5.7 seconds—and confident handling makes it more engaging than the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. The Hornet also undercuts its Alfa Romeo Tonale twin while sharing much of that model’s attractive design and capable all-wheel-drive package. Still, the enthusiasm is qualified: rear-seat and cargo space are tight, fuel economy is mediocre, and rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 are more versatile, while the Mazda and Volkswagen offer sharper driving dynamics. Standard tech and safety equipment are generous, though desirable cold-weather features cost extra and the warranty is merely average. Overall, it is a playful, performance-minded choice for drivers who value fun over family practicality.
By David Gluckman
MotorTrend’s Billy Rehbock views the 2025 Dodge Hornet as enjoyable but ultimately compromised. Its muscular styling, punchy turbocharged and plug-in-hybrid powertrains, quick acceleration, and engaging handling make it unusually entertaining among compact SUVs, while the Track Pack’s Koni dampers are considered especially worthwhile. Standard technology and safety equipment also strengthen its value. Still, the Hornet’s cheap-feeling interior, cramped rear seats, limited cargo space, and the R/T’s high price undermine its usefulness as a family vehicle. The plug-in hybrid offers decent electric range, but its Power Shot feature feels awkward and delivers little meaningful benefit. Rehbock’s central insight is that the Hornet works better as a European-style hot hatch than as the compact muscle SUV Dodge buyers might expect, leaving it squeezed between more practical rivals and its own brand identity.
By Billy Rehbock
YouTube
12 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
savagegeeseSavagegeese is cautiously impressed by the Dodge Hornet, but ultimately skeptical of its long-term case. They praise the sharp acceleration, standard AWD, improved interior, responsive handling, quiet cabin, and R/T’s useful plug-in-hybrid range. Yet the Hornet feels like a refined Jeep Compass underneath, with limited cargo room, occasional infotainment glitches, a clumsy brake-by-wire system, intrusive stability controls, and questionable practicality versus proven rivals. Their distinctive takeaway is that Dodge has made the best product it could from aging hardware—but its sporty marketing feels more convincing than the underlying driving experience.
The Car Care Nut ReviewsThe Car Care Nut is cautiously negative on the Dodge Hornet, appreciating its smooth, quick plug-in-hybrid system but questioning its purpose and long-term durability. He finds the unusual front- and rear-motor layout technically clever, with roughly 30 miles of real-world electric range and seamless power delivery. However, the drivetrain’s complexity, sprawling coolant and refrigerant lines, questionable serviceability, mediocre practicality, cramped passenger space, inconsistent materials, and high price undermine its appeal. In his view, it is an interesting step for Dodge, but an unfinished-feeling Alfa Romeo Tonale in Dodge clothing rather than a compelling family or performance SUV.
savagegeeseSavagegeese is cautiously impressed by the Dodge Hornet, but ultimately skeptical of its long-term case. They praise the sharp acceleration, standard AWD, improved interior, responsive handling, quiet cabin, and R/T’s useful plug-in-hybrid range. Yet the Hornet feels like a refined Jeep Compass underneath, with limited cargo room, occasional infotainment glitches, a clumsy brake-by-wire system, intrusive stability controls, and questionable practicality versus proven rivals. Their distinctive takeaway is that Dodge has made the best product it could from aging hardware—but its sporty marketing feels more convincing than the underlying driving experience.
The Car Care Nut ReviewsThe Car Care Nut is cautiously negative on the Dodge Hornet, appreciating its smooth, quick plug-in-hybrid system but questioning its purpose and long-term durability. He finds the unusual front- and rear-motor layout technically clever, with roughly 30 miles of real-world electric range and seamless power delivery. However, the drivetrain’s complexity, sprawling coolant and refrigerant lines, questionable serviceability, mediocre practicality, cramped passenger space, inconsistent materials, and high price undermine its appeal. In his view, it is an interesting step for Dodge, but an unfinished-feeling Alfa Romeo Tonale in Dodge clothing rather than a compelling family or performance SUV.
savagegeeseSavagegeese is cautiously impressed by the Dodge Hornet, but ultimately skeptical of its long-term case. They praise the sharp acceleration, standard AWD, improved interior, responsive handling, quiet cabin, and R/T’s useful plug-in-hybrid range. Yet the Hornet feels like a refined Jeep Compass underneath, with limited cargo room, occasional infotainment glitches, a clumsy brake-by-wire system, intrusive stability controls, and questionable practicality versus proven rivals. Their distinctive takeaway is that Dodge has made the best product it could from aging hardware—but its sporty marketing feels more convincing than the underlying driving experience.
The Car Care Nut ReviewsThe Car Care Nut is cautiously negative on the Dodge Hornet, appreciating its smooth, quick plug-in-hybrid system but questioning its purpose and long-term durability. He finds the unusual front- and rear-motor layout technically clever, with roughly 30 miles of real-world electric range and seamless power delivery. However, the drivetrain’s complexity, sprawling coolant and refrigerant lines, questionable serviceability, mediocre practicality, cramped passenger space, inconsistent materials, and high price undermine its appeal. In his view, it is an interesting step for Dodge, but an unfinished-feeling Alfa Romeo Tonale in Dodge clothing rather than a compelling family or performance SUV.
savagegeeseSavagegeese is cautiously impressed by the Dodge Hornet, but ultimately skeptical of its long-term case. They praise the sharp acceleration, standard AWD, improved interior, responsive handling, quiet cabin, and R/T’s useful plug-in-hybrid range. Yet the Hornet feels like a refined Jeep Compass underneath, with limited cargo room, occasional infotainment glitches, a clumsy brake-by-wire system, intrusive stability controls, and questionable practicality versus proven rivals. Their distinctive takeaway is that Dodge has made the best product it could from aging hardware—but its sporty marketing feels more convincing than the underlying driving experience.
The Car Care Nut ReviewsThe Car Care Nut is cautiously negative on the Dodge Hornet, appreciating its smooth, quick plug-in-hybrid system but questioning its purpose and long-term durability. He finds the unusual front- and rear-motor layout technically clever, with roughly 30 miles of real-world electric range and seamless power delivery. However, the drivetrain’s complexity, sprawling coolant and refrigerant lines, questionable serviceability, mediocre practicality, cramped passenger space, inconsistent materials, and high price undermine its appeal. In his view, it is an interesting step for Dodge, but an unfinished-feeling Alfa Romeo Tonale in Dodge clothing rather than a compelling family or performance SUV.
savagegeeseSavagegeese is cautiously impressed by the Dodge Hornet, but ultimately skeptical of its long-term case. They praise the sharp acceleration, standard AWD, improved interior, responsive handling, quiet cabin, and R/T’s useful plug-in-hybrid range. Yet the Hornet feels like a refined Jeep Compass underneath, with limited cargo room, occasional infotainment glitches, a clumsy brake-by-wire system, intrusive stability controls, and questionable practicality versus proven rivals. Their distinctive takeaway is that Dodge has made the best product it could from aging hardware—but its sporty marketing feels more convincing than the underlying driving experience.
The Car Care Nut ReviewsThe Car Care Nut is cautiously negative on the Dodge Hornet, appreciating its smooth, quick plug-in-hybrid system but questioning its purpose and long-term durability. He finds the unusual front- and rear-motor layout technically clever, with roughly 30 miles of real-world electric range and seamless power delivery. However, the drivetrain’s complexity, sprawling coolant and refrigerant lines, questionable serviceability, mediocre practicality, cramped passenger space, inconsistent materials, and high price undermine its appeal. In his view, it is an interesting step for Dodge, but an unfinished-feeling Alfa Romeo Tonale in Dodge clothing rather than a compelling family or performance SUV.
savagegeeseSavagegeese is cautiously impressed by the Dodge Hornet, but ultimately skeptical of its long-term case. They praise the sharp acceleration, standard AWD, improved interior, responsive handling, quiet cabin, and R/T’s useful plug-in-hybrid range. Yet the Hornet feels like a refined Jeep Compass underneath, with limited cargo room, occasional infotainment glitches, a clumsy brake-by-wire system, intrusive stability controls, and questionable practicality versus proven rivals. Their distinctive takeaway is that Dodge has made the best product it could from aging hardware—but its sporty marketing feels more convincing than the underlying driving experience.
The Car Care Nut ReviewsThe Car Care Nut is cautiously negative on the Dodge Hornet, appreciating its smooth, quick plug-in-hybrid system but questioning its purpose and long-term durability. He finds the unusual front- and rear-motor layout technically clever, with roughly 30 miles of real-world electric range and seamless power delivery. However, the drivetrain’s complexity, sprawling coolant and refrigerant lines, questionable serviceability, mediocre practicality, cramped passenger space, inconsistent materials, and high price undermine its appeal. In his view, it is an interesting step for Dodge, but an unfinished-feeling Alfa Romeo Tonale in Dodge clothing rather than a compelling family or performance SUV.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors are mostly skeptical of the 2025 Dodge Hornet, despite appreciating its performance and discounts. Owners praise the GT’s strong acceleration, composed handling, comfortable, well-equipped cabin, and distinctive styling, with some reporting years and tens of thousands of trouble-free miles. However, reliability concerns dominate: electrical glitches, dead batteries, warning lights, sensor malfunctions, transmission issues, and lengthy service visits recur frequently, especially for R/T plug-in hybrids. Its steep depreciation, weak resale demand, questionable PHEV execution, and discontinued status further undermine confidence. The consensus is that a heavily discounted, warrantied GT—or a lease—can make sense, but buying one long-term remains a considerable gamble.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Quick AccelerationReviewers consistently report strong straight-line performance.
- •Standard All-Wheel DriveIncluded across trims for added traction.
- •Engaging HandlingDarty responses suit raised-hot-hatch driving.
- •Short Electric RangeAdvertised for up to 33 electric miles.
Considerations
- •Cramped Rear SeatingLimited legroom and tight door openings.
- •Restricted Cargo Space27 cubic feet trails roomier rivals.
- •Questionable Long-Term ReliabilityOwners report glitches, faults, and repairs.
- •Clumsy Transmission BehaviorGT shifts can hesitate or clunk.
Dodge’s Hornet brings the brand’s performance-first attitude to a small-SUV class usually dominated by practicality. Positioned as a raised hot hatch, it targets drivers who want standard all-wheel drive, quick commuting, and sharper responses than a Corolla Cross or Tucson typically offers. The GT’s 268-hp turbocharged engine delivers the main attraction, while the R/T adds up to 33 electric miles for short, quieter trips. Real-world feedback remains somewhat limited, so this is best viewed as an intriguing but qualified choice: handling and braking feel lively, yet rear-seat and cargo space are tight, ride quality can be firm, and transmission behavior is not always polished. Mixed materials and reported electronic concerns also deserve attention, especially for long-term owners. If personality matters more than maximum versatility, the Hornet could fit; explore the details to see whether its “fun first” formula fits your life.
Powertrain Performance
The Hornet delivers genuinely quick acceleration for a small SUV. The GT uses a 268-hp 2.0-liter turbo with 295 lb-ft and reached 60 mph in roughly 5.7 seconds in one GT Plus test, while the R/T plug-in hybrid combines 288 hp with 383 lb-ft for even stronger shove. That makes merging and passing easy, although reviewers say the R/T’s PowerShot feature adds little, and some owners report transmission or hybrid-system concerns. Standard all-wheel drive is a meaningful advantage, but the performance comes with mediocre GT economy and a fairly heavy vehicle.
Handling And Braking
The Hornet feels more eager in corners than its crossover shape suggests. Its strut-front, multilink-rear suspension and available Track Pack with Koni dampers help it stay composed, while the Alfa Romeo–influenced steering contributes to its darty, raised-hot-hatch character. Reviewers praise the grip and body control, though some find the steering lighter than expected and note front-drive-biased torque steer. 13.6-inch front Brembo-style vented discs provide serious hardware, but feedback mentions intrusive stability control and occasional brake-by-wire awkwardness, especially in the hybrid.
Cabin Quality And Tech
The Hornet’s interior looks more special than its price positioning sometimes suggests. Standard 10.25-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital cluster provide modern presentation, while physical controls and available Alcantara upholstery earn praise. Materials are mixed, however, with reviewers noting cheap plastics, borrowed Alfa Romeo components, sluggish or glitchy infotainment, and awkward Apple CarPlay behavior. The generous standard safety and driver-assistance equipment strengthens usability, but the cabin’s narrowness and uneven fit-and-finish keep it from feeling convincingly premium beside better-resolved alternatives.
Rear Space And Cargo
The Hornet’s compact dimensions limit its family usefulness. 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats is serviceable for groceries or daily gear, and folding the seats expands capacity to about 54.7 cubic feet, but the cargo area is narrower than rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Rear passengers face tight legroom, cramped door openings, and merely adequate comfort. Dodge’s five-seat layout works best for couples or occasional rear passengers, while strollers, bulky luggage, and frequent family hauling expose the vehicle’s biggest practical weakness.
Ride And Refinement
The Hornet is engaging, but it does not always feel polished. The GT’s firm suspension supports quick responses, yet reviewers describe its ride as stiff, and the nine-speed automatic can clunk or hesitate unless Sport mode is selected. The R/T generally offers quieter, smoother electric operation, although some tests noticed awkward hybrid transitions and a clumsy brake-by-wire feel. Cabin noise control is considered respectable, but reported infotainment glitches, warning lights, and inconsistent service experiences make long-term refinement harder to judge confidently.
Plug-In Hybrid Operation
The R/T’s plug-in system is useful when charging is part of your routine. Its 15.5-kWh battery supports an advertised electric range of up to 33 miles, enough for some short commutes, with a rear electric motor creating eAWD rather than mechanically linking both axles. Reviewers generally find the gas-electric transitions smooth enough and appreciate the quiet running, but the system adds weight, complexity, and cost. User reports of battery faults, warning lights, and lengthy repairs mean the electric range is attractive, though not risk-free.
Conclusion
The Hornet’s case is clear: it is a quick, AWD-equipped small SUV that makes commuting more engaging, with agile handling, strong brakes, and a genuinely useful R/T plug-in option offering up to 33 electric miles. Experts enjoy its raised-hot-hatch character, while owners appreciate the performance and equipment—but reports of glitches and repairs temper confidence. The tradeoff is practical: cramped rear seating, limited cargo room, a firm ride, occasional transmission or hybrid awkwardness, and cabin materials that do not always match the price. The R/T is appealing for regularly charged short trips, though its added complexity and cost are harder to justify; the GT is the more sensible performance buy, especially discounted and warrantied. Choose the Hornet for personality and traction, not maximum space, refinement, or ownership reassurance—an intriguing but compromised package that earns a cautious recommendation rather than an easy yes.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Engine Power
5/5
Acceleration
4/5
Towing Capacity
4/5
Fuel Efficiency
2/5
Reliability
1/5
Durability
2/5
Value
Purchase Price
3/5
Operating Cost
2/5
Resale Value
1/5
Design
Interior Space
2/5
Cargo Capacity
2/5
Ergonomics
3/5
Exterior Styling
4/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
TBD
Interior Material Toxicity
TBD
Safety
Crashworthiness
TBD
Active Driver Assistance
4/5
Braking Performance
3/5
Visibility and Lighting
3/5
Sustainability
Tailpipe Emissions
3/5
Fuel Lifecycle Emissions
3/5
Use of Recycled Materials
TBD
End-of-Life Recyclability
TBD
Experience Style
Infotainment Features
4/5
Ride Comfort Tuning
3/5
Customization Options
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
8 Questions
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