Dodge positions the Hornet as a performance-oriented choice in the small CUV market segment. They say that the Hornet GT is the fastest and most powerful gas-powered compact utility vehicle. To their credit, it does make 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. They say that things such as “Koni shocks, Brembo four-piston brake calipers, [and] dynamic torque vectoring” (of what?) are available.
I dare to ask the question – so what?
Enthusiasts, which I do consider myself, are often all for performance, but numbers and options are never the end of it. You can add all those things to any car but if the bones are not there, it will still be a dud. And it’s a damn shame, because this brand has a history of performance vehicles of all sizes and types. This just isn’t one of them.
From its exterior looks to the insides, to the space, it just feels like everything could have been done better on this car. But don’t take my word for it, please see and drive the Hyundai Tucson, Subaru CrossTrek or Forester, and even the Nissan Rouge. Yes, they will be slower and less powerful, but so what?
Decades from now, no will lust for a ’24 Hornet GT like they do for a Horizon GLH or a Neon SRT. For a counterpoint review, see what Will said about the Hornet.
Specs:
- Horsepower: 268 (premium fuel)
- Torque: 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm)
- Transmission: 9-speed auto
- MPG City/Hwy/Comb: 21/29/24
- 0 – 60 mph: 6.5 sec.
- Length: 178” (4,528mm)
- Height: 63.8” (1,620mm)
- Wheelbase: 103.8” (2,636mm)
- Trunk volume: 27 cu.-ft. (765 L)
- Trunk volume rear seats folded: 54.7 cu.-ft. (1,550 L)
- Fuel tank capacity: 13.5 gal (51 L)
- Weight: 3,715lbs (1,600kg)
- Payload: 1,245lbs. (565kg)
- Towing capacity: 2,000lbs. (907kg)
By Kamil Kaluski
East Coast Editor.
Races crappy cars and has an unhealthy obsession with Eastern Bloc cars.
Current fleet: Ford Bronco, Lexus GX 470, and a Buick Regal crapcan racecar.