The term “platform sharing” often raises eyebrows among automotive enthusiasts, sparking debates about vehicle originality and performance. However, history is replete with examples where platform sharing has been the bedrock for some truly exceptional cars. On the other hand, “badge engineering,” while serving a similar purpose of cost efficiency, often carries a less favorable connotation, suggesting minimal effort in differentiating models. Recently, I spent a week thoroughly examining the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus, and my experience revealed a vehicle that exists in the intriguing space between these two concepts.
Platform sharing is a long-established practice in the automotive industry. Going back to 1984, Chrysler ingeniously transformed its humble K-Car platform into the immensely popular Dodge Caravan minivan. Ford’s Aerostar and Explorer SUVs owe their origins to the Ranger pickup truck platform. Even today, Toyota leverages a common platform for vehicles as diverse as the Camry sedan, Sienna minivan, and Lexus RX crossover. Owners of the “WK2” Jeep Grand Cherokee might be interested to know it shares its platform with the W166 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.
In each of these instances, the platform provides crucial “hard points”—fixed structural elements that dictate the mounting positions of body panels and interior components. While aspects like wheelbase, track width, and ride height can be adjusted, manufacturers can effectively adapt a single platform for a variety of vehicle types, maximizing efficiency and resource utilization.
Badge engineering, in contrast, takes a more streamlined approach. It involves producing a single vehicle design, making superficial modifications, and then marketing it under different brand names. American automakers have a notable history with this practice. Fortune magazine famously criticized General Motors’ A-Bodies in the 1980s as a prime example. Chrysler rebadged the Neon as both a Dodge and a Plymouth. Ford subtly altered body panels on the Taurus to create the Mercury Sable. Even in contemporary times, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ sports cars are quintessential examples of badge engineering.
Certainly, badge engineering may involve minor alterations like suspension tuning, paint options, and wheel designs, and occasionally, even engine variations. However, the core principle remains a faster, more cost-effective route compared to extensive platform sharing adaptations. Both strategies ultimately aim to distribute vehicle development costs, optimize sales volumes, and enhance profitability for manufacturers.
Decoding the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus
To truly comprehend the 2024 Dodge Hornet, particularly the R/T Plus model, it’s crucial to first understand its close relative, the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Alfa Romeo’s brand identity in the U.S. market centers on performance, distinctive Italian styling, and a degree of attainable luxury. Their Giulia sedan and Stelvio crossover are undeniably appealing vehicles, yet their market reach is somewhat limited by their positioning and price points. The Italian marque, part of the Stellantis automotive group that also owns Dodge, recognized the need for a smaller, more accessible model. This need gave rise to the Tonale.
While the complete development narrative of the Tonale remains behind corporate doors, it’s plausible that a Dodge variant was considered from the project’s inception. Publicly, the Tonale was introduced and marketed as a standalone Alfa Romeo model for a considerable period. Then, in what seemed like a relatively late strategic decision, Dodge unveiled the Hornet.
The 2024 Dodge Hornet, in essence, is fundamentally an Alfa Romeo Tonale. It shares virtually all of its body panels, with the most noticeable exterior distinction being a redesigned front fascia that aligns with Dodge’s signature styling. Stepping inside, the interior layout is nearly identical, with the most minor change being the swapped positions of the drive mode selector and start/stop button on the center console. Powertrain options, suspension systems, and technology features are largely carried over from the Tonale.
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus: Core Specifications and Features
While every Alfa Romeo Tonale model incorporates a plug-in hybrid powertrain, Dodge strategically broadened the Hornet lineup by offering the GT trim with a conventional turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This move significantly lowers the entry price point for the Hornet, starting at a more accessible $31,400. However, the 2024 Dodge Hornet I evaluated was the top-tier R/T Plus model. This configuration meant it was equipped with the Tonale’s advanced plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a 15.5 kWh battery pack. This PHEV setup delivers a combined output of 288 horsepower and a substantial 383 lb-ft of torque. Dodge estimates the Hornet R/T can achieve an all-electric driving range of up to 30 miles on a full charge.
The “all-wheel drive” capability is intelligently managed, with the gasoline engine powering the front wheels and an electric motor driving the rear axle. Front-wheel power is channeled through a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission and an open differential. The latter becomes noticeable, particularly in Sport mode when utilizing the PowerShot feature (activated by pulling both paddle shifters for a temporary 30-horsepower boost) and applying full throttle, which can induce torque steer under hard acceleration.
Engaging PowerShot mode enables the Hornet R/T to achieve a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 5.6 seconds, a figure Dodge claims is the quickest among PHEVs in its competitive class.
The suspension system of the Hornet R/T Plus mirrors that of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, featuring Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) dampers on the base Hornet GT, and optional two-stage adaptive dampers on the R/T models. My test vehicle was equipped with the Blacktop and Track Pack Bundle, which included these adaptive dampers, along with striking 20-inch wheels, premium Alcantara seats, and various aesthetic enhancements. High-performance Brembo four-piston front brake calipers are standard equipment on the R/T trim, ensuring confident stopping power.
Inside the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus, the cabin provides a comfortable and well-appointed environment. The seats offer adequate bolstering, providing support without feeling overly restrictive. The three-spoke steering wheel, with a satisfying thickness, partially conceals the substantial metal shift paddles—a signature Alfa Romeo design cue. The gear selector maintains a traditional “PRNDL” layout on the center console, prioritizing user familiarity.
Stellantis’ Uconnect 5 infotainment system takes center stage, proving to be functional and user-friendly, although it occasionally exhibits slight delays in responsiveness. It’s paired with a Harman/Kardon sound system that delivers acceptable audio quality. My Hornet R/T Plus test vehicle featured a fully digital instrument cluster, presenting a wealth of driving information in a clear and customizable format without feeling overwhelming.
The as-tested price for this Dodge-branded, Alfa Romeo-designed compact crossover reached a considerable $54,000. However, it’s worth noting that local dealerships often offer incentives, and the plug-in R/T models may qualify for significant tax credits (at least $6,000 through Chrysler Capital on leases), potentially mitigating the initial price impact. Despite these potential savings, a fully equipped Hornet R/T Plus remains a relatively expensive vehicle in its segment.
Behind the Wheel: Driving Dynamics of the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus
If you were to experience the Dodge Hornet R/T Plus blindfolded, you might genuinely believe you were in an Alfa Romeo Tonale. The startup chime and virtually every audible cue within the Hornet are identical to its Italian counterpart. Unsurprisingly, the driving experience mirrors the Tonale as well.
When operating in electric-only mode with a full charge, the Hornet R/T Plus demonstrates ample agility for urban driving. It feels sufficiently responsive at city speeds and performs adequately on highways until demanding passing maneuvers are required. At higher speeds, the electric motor’s 121 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque output become more apparent against the Hornet’s 4,140-pound curb weight. However, a deep press of the accelerator pedal engages the turbocharged three-cylinder engine, seamlessly integrating the gasoline power source. With both power units working in tandem, the Hornet R/T Plus delivers genuinely brisk acceleration for its class.
In hybrid operating mode, abundant power is readily available across the rev range. The two power sources collaborate effectively, although aggressive acceleration from a standstill in Sport mode can induce noticeable torque steer through the front wheels. When underway, the paddle shifters respond promptly, although engine power noticeably plateaus before reaching the redline, a characteristic likely attributable to the small turbocharger optimized for low-end responsiveness in city driving scenarios.
If you’re inclined to push the Hornet R/T Plus through corners, it exhibits commendable grip and handles cornering forces with respectable composure. The steering, while slightly lighter than my personal preference, offers a quick turn-in response—a hallmark of Alfa Romeo engineering. Body roll is well-controlled, and the adaptive dampers deliver a generally comfortable ride quality in both city and highway driving conditions.
Braking performance is also well-executed, with a pedal feel that inspires confidence throughout its travel, from the initial bite to full engagement. Interestingly, engaging Sport mode increases the level of regenerative braking, enhancing energy recuperation and potentially extending electric driving range.
The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T is a competent and well-rounded crossover, but it doesn’t particularly encourage spirited driving. It lacks a certain degree of dynamic engagement or emotional connection that some drivers seek in a performance-oriented vehicle.
The Critical Importance of the Hornet for Dodge
The Dodge brand currently faces a pivotal moment. The Charger and Challenger, iconic models that have defined Dodge for decades, are nearing the end of their production runs. The Durango SUV, while still in production, is also approaching the end of its lifecycle, having outlived its platform counterparts, the WK2 Jeep Grand Cherokee and W166 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. The Grand Caravan minivan ceased production in 2020. Ram trucks, while technically under the Stellantis umbrella, operate somewhat independently due to past corporate restructuring decisions, a nuance that remains somewhat unclear to many consumers.
A new generation of the Charger is on the horizon, but in the interim, the Hornet carries significant weight as a crucial model for the Dodge brand within the Stellantis portfolio. I believe the Hornet R/T Plus is an appealing crossover in many respects, but its market success hinges critically on competitive pricing. Based on window sticker prices, my fully-loaded Hornet R/T Plus test vehicle was positioned within a close price range—approximately $3,000—of its Alfa Romeo Tonale sibling. However, factoring in available incentives can widen this price gap. Looking at the gasoline-powered Hornet GT, the price difference becomes substantial, and the strategic rationale behind the Hornet’s badge-engineered nature becomes more apparent.
Enthusiasts might initially dismiss the Hornet R/T Plus, and from a purist’s perspective, their skepticism might be understandable. However, focusing solely on such nuances doesn’t necessarily translate to mass-market car sales. The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus is a well-executed compact crossover that offers a slightly sportier edge compared to models like the Toyota Corolla Cross. It projects a more assertive image—through marketing and design cues—than competitors such as the Kia Seltos. Furthermore, it incorporates a comprehensive suite of modern technology features, ranging from advanced driver assistance systems to a user-friendly infotainment interface, all of which feel contemporary and thoughtfully integrated.
For the vast majority of crossover buyers, these attributes are likely to be more than sufficient. The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus presents a compelling package that balances performance, technology, and practicality in a competitive segment.
