Dodge, a brand synonymous with American muscle, has entered the compact crossover arena with the 2024 Hornet. While Dodge might have been a bit late to this popular segment, their latest offering aims to inject the brand’s performance DNA into a practical and efficient package. Say goodbye to the gas-guzzling Challenger and Charger, as the 2024 Dodge Hornet emerges as a modern interpretation of Dodge’s performance ethos, tailored for the demands of today’s drivers.
The spotlight is particularly bright on the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. This model promises the best of both worlds: a substantial all-electric range of 32 miles for eco-conscious commuting and a blistering 0-60 mph sprint of just 5.6 seconds when you crave exhilarating performance. To put this new contender to the test, we spent a week evaluating the Hornet R/T alongside its rival, the Kia Sportage PHEV. This review delves into an eight-category comparison, pitting the Hornet against the Sportage to determine which PHEV crossover reigns supreme. Read on to discover which hybrid crossover best suits your needs.
Price and Standard Features
Electrification comes at a premium. The 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV starts at $39,490, while the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T enters the market at $41,400. This represents a significant price jump of roughly $8,000 to $10,000 compared to their non-PHEV counterparts. For those primarily focused on cost savings through electric driving, the added expense for the PHEV models requires careful consideration, especially if electric driving isn’t a primary focus.
Feature-for-feature, the Kia Sportage PHEV offers more value for your money. Despite its lower starting price, the Sportage boasts several standard features that are optional extras on the Dodge, including a panoramic moonroof, a power liftgate, and built-in GPS navigation. While the Hornet counters with standard adaptive cruise control and a heated steering wheel (optional on the Sportage), the Kia presents a more compelling bargain, particularly given its lower entry point. Our test Sportage PHEV reached $44,680, whereas our Hornet R/T test vehicle climbed to $52,305, even without a sunroof.
Winner: Kia Sportage PHEV
Alt text: Side view of a 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV in a natural outdoor setting, showcasing its design and stance.
Electric Range and Fuel Economy
The Dodge Hornet R/T boasts an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 33 miles on a full charge. This range is sufficient for many drivers to complete their daily commutes primarily on electric power, minimizing gasoline consumption. However, once the electric range is depleted, the Hornet R/T achieves a merely average 29 mpg in combined driving – a figure typical for gas-powered compact crossovers, and not particularly impressive for a hybrid. While it does outperform the gas-only Hornet’s 24 mpg, our real-world testing yielded 28 mpg in the R/T PHEV and 27 mpg in the standard Hornet GT. Our observed electric range averaged 31.8 miles, slightly below the EPA estimate.
The Kia Sportage PHEV emerges as the efficiency champion based on the numbers. It offers a slightly longer electric range of 34 miles and a superior EPA rating of 35 mpg once operating on gasoline. Furthermore, we witnessed electric ranges exceeding 40 miles in the Hyundai Tucson PHEV, which shares mechanical underpinnings with the Sportage PHEV. However, during testing in 40-degree weather, the Sportage PHEV’s engine frequently activated to power the heater, hindering our attempts to drive solely on electric power for short trips. In contrast, the Hornet R/T only engaged its gasoline engine for bursts of extra acceleration when charged. Therefore, we’re declaring this category a tie overall, acknowledging nuances in real-world performance.
Winner: Tie
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV on a paved road, highlighting its front fascia and lighting design.
Exterior Styling
The Dodge Hornet’s origins trace back to Italy, sharing its platform with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. These two SUVs exhibit nearly identical profiles, distinguished primarily by their wheels and front-end designs. We find the shared body style to be aesthetically pleasing: sporty yet not overly aggressive, and visually compact without appearing like a low-slung hatchback. It favors smooth curves over sharp angles or a boxy, truck-like silhouette, with its sculpted rear haunches and continuous rear light bar evoking the Porsche Macan.
The Kia Sportage, completely redesigned in the previous year, presents a more extroverted design. It’s larger than the Hornet and leverages its size to command attention on the road. Kia adds intricate details, including distinctive “boomerang” LED headlights that encircle bolder diamond-shaped lights flanking the grille, a subtle fender bulge above the rear wheels, a sharply creased tailgate, and a top-mounted rear windshield wiper concealed beneath a roof spoiler. The Sportage PHEV is exclusively available in the “X-Line” trim, featuring more rugged, off-road-inspired bumpers. Ultimately, the choice between the understatedly powerful Hornet and the confidently assertive Sportage boils down to personal preference.
Winner: Tie
Alt text: Angled front view of a red 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T showcasing its sporty front grille and headlight design.
Interior Design and Technology
The Hornet’s performance-oriented theme extends to its interior. The vertically split dashboard and centrally positioned volume knob contribute to a sports-car-inspired minimalism, while the 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen maintains a contemporary feel. Reflecting its Alfa Romeo Tonale sibling, the Hornet boasts excellent interior material quality. However, we encountered some ergonomic quirks. Activating the front seat heaters requires precise touchscreen inputs. The wireless smartphone charger frequently lost connection, disrupting charging and obscuring the screen with connection updates. The trip computer displayed wildly inaccurate real-time fuel efficiency figures, such as 12 mpg, at the end of drives, while maintaining a more reasonable long-term average. Furthermore, various driver-assistance systems intermittently triggered warning lights during our test week before returning to normal operation.
The Sportage adopts a simpler approach. It does have its own unique design choice: shared buttons and knobs for audio and climate controls, necessitating mode switching to adjust either the air conditioning or stereo volume. Otherwise, the Sportage’s interior is user-friendly and functions as expected. While some interior plastics are basic, the overall cabin ambiance is upscale and stylish. The seamlessly integrated 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen, along with a variety of textures and colors, prevent monotony.
Winner: Kia Sportage PHEV
Alt text: Interior shot of a 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV, focusing on the dashboard, infotainment screen, and steering wheel, highlighting the modern design.
Passenger and Cargo Space
The Sportage’s larger dimensions translate to a more spacious cabin compared to the Hornet. Adults can comfortably occupy both front and rear seats, and it offers a generous 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats expands cargo capacity to 65.5 cubic feet, and the Sportage PHEV also boasts a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.
The Hornet R/T offers a more compact interior. While adults can fit in all seating positions, space is less generous. The center console storage is smaller than the Kia’s, and cargo volume measures just 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded – less than many subcompact crossovers, let alone compact models. We even had to remove the rigid cargo cover to accommodate suitcases. While towing capacity matches the Sportage PHEV, the Kia clearly excels in overall practicality and functionality.
Winner: Kia Sportage PHEV
Alt text: Rear cargo area of a 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV with the liftgate open, demonstrating its spaciousness and practicality.
Acceleration and Performance
Up to this point, we’ve focused on practical aspects like interior layouts, fuel efficiency, and passenger room. Now, let’s delve into the exciting aspects, where the Dodge Hornet R/T truly distinguishes itself.
The Hornet R/T packs a potent punch with 288 horsepower and a substantial 383 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Sportage PHEV’s 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. This power advantage propels the Dodge Hornet R/T from 0 to 60 mph in a thrilling 5.6 seconds. This Dodge Hornet Rt 0-60 time is notably quicker, by as much as 2 seconds, compared to the Kia, which is peppy but not overtly sporty. The Hornet R/T features a selectable “Power Shot” mode, promising to unlock maximum power for sprints, but our subjective experience, corroborated by instrumented testing from other reviewers, suggests minimal real-world difference. Beyond the raw numbers, the Hornet R/T exudes an eager, energetic character, always ready to accelerate. In contrast, the Sportage performs its duties quietly and efficiently; it can accelerate when needed, but only the Dodge delivers genuine driving excitement. The dodge hornet rt 0-60 performance is a key differentiator.
Winner: Dodge Hornet R/T
Alt text: Front action shot of a 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T accelerating on a winding road, emphasizing its performance and agility.
Ride Quality and Handling
The Hornet’s engaging driving dynamics extend to its ride and handling characteristics. While we observed slightly less agility compared to the gas-only Hornet (due to the added weight of the electric battery), the R/T variant remains among the sharpest-handling SUVs in its class. Its finely tuned suspension and firm, responsive steering impart a thrilling eagerness when navigating curves. It also featured high-end adjustable dampers, allowing for on-the-fly suspension adjustments to prioritize either comfort or agility. This is not your typical mundane small SUV; it’s more akin to a luxury sports sedan with an elevated driving position.
The Sportage PHEV offers a pleasant driving experience as well. The steering feels natural and easy, and it never feels cumbersome. The ride is smooth and quiet. For drivers prioritizing comfort and ease of driving over spirited performance, the Kia might be preferred over the Dodge. However, by delivering driving fun without sacrificing comfort, the Hornet takes this category in our evaluation. The dodge hornet rt 0-60 performance translates to an overall more engaging driving experience.
Winner: Dodge Hornet R/T
Alt text: Side profile of a blue 2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV driving on a scenic road, highlighting its sleek design and road presence.
Safety Ratings
Both the Hornet R/T and Sportage PHEV come equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, and we anticipate both will perform admirably in crash tests. However, at the time of writing, only the Sportage has undergone official crash testing.
The Kia Sportage earned the coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the previous year’s model achieved a five-out-of-five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (While functionally identical to the 2023 model, the 2024 Sportage model year is yet to receive a NHTSA rating as of this writing.) Based on its proven safety performance, the Sportage claims victory in this category for now.
Winner: Kia Sportage PHEV
Alt text: Front view of a 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV in a city environment, emphasizing its modern styling and safety features.
Final Verdict
The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T presents itself as an ideal small SUV for a specific type of buyer. It’s a fuel-efficient hybrid that expands its appeal with sporty performance and distinctive styling. In a market saturated with conventional crossovers, it stands out as a bold and refreshing alternative. The impressive dodge hornet rt 0-60 time and engaging driving dynamics could sway even those skeptical of hybrid vehicles. It’s a plug-in hybrid that prioritizes driving pleasure alongside efficiency.
However, for those who already appreciate the traditional virtues of compact crossovers – spaciousness, comfort, smooth ride, value, fuel economy, and overall user-friendliness – the 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV emerges as the more compelling all-around choice. While we noted minor inconveniences with the engine’s tendency to engage and the shared audio/climate controls, it ultimately delivers a more well-rounded package with broader appeal. If you prioritize practicality and features over outright speed and sporty handling, the Sportage PHEV is the winner.
Winner: Kia Sportage PHEV
Alt text: Three-quarter rear view of a 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV parked, showcasing its rear design and overall vehicle profile.
