by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Lucas Kepner - 08/05/2024
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT AWD has had a rough time in the compact SUV market; while it blends performance, style, and practicality into a package that aims to redefine its segment, it is a pricey choice. Our test vehicle, painted in the optional Acapulco Gold exterior paint and equipped with black Alcantara seats accented with red stitching, exudes an air of sporty sophistication beyond what you would expect from a Dodge. Borrowing a lot from its Stellantis sibling, the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet is an interesting mix of luxury, performance, and sportiness for this segment, something unexpected from the brand known for shoving massive V8s into everything they make.
The Acapulco Gold exterior paint contrasts beautifully with the black accents provided by the GT Blacktop Package, including the gloss black grille, mirror caps, and distinctive 20-inch black alloy wheels. The overall aesthetic is refined aggression, a look that promises performance while maintaining an air of sophistication carried over from the Tonale.
From the front, the Hornet GT AWD makes a powerful statement with its bold grille design and sleek LED headlights. The sculpted hood hints at the performance capabilities underneath, while the muscular wheel arches house the sporty black wheels wrapped in performance tires. The side profile reveals a balanced design with a rising beltline and subtle character lines that add to its dynamic look. At the rear, the LED taillights, a subtle spoiler, and dual exhaust tips emphasize the SUV’s sporty credentials. Overall, the design is cohesive and compelling, making a strong impression whether parked or in motion.
Stepping inside the 2024 Dodge Hornet GT AWD, you are greeted by an interior that blends sportiness with luxury. The black Alcantara seats with red accents provide a striking contrast and immediately set the tone. These seats are visually appealing and offer excellent support and comfort, making long drives enjoyable. The red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and gear shifter adds a touch of flair, emphasizing the performance-oriented nature of this SUV.
The cabin is spacious and well-designed, with ample legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers. The driver-centric dashboard layout features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system. The customizable digital instrument cluster allows the driver to tailor the information displayed to their preferences. The Uconnect 5 system is one of the best in the industry, offering crisp graphics, quick response times, and a host of features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system.
Despite its sporty demeanor, the Hornet GT AWD doesn’t compromise on practicality. The interior is thoughtfully designed with plenty of storage compartments, including a spacious glovebox, door pockets, and a center console bin. The rear seats offer a 60/40 split-folding design, providing flexibility when you need to transport larger items. With the rear seats up, the cargo area offers ample space for daily needs, and folding them down expands the capacity significantly, making it easy to handle larger loads.
Under the hood, the 2024 Dodge Hornet GT AWD is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, delivering power smoothly and efficiently. The turbocharged engine provides a satisfying surge of power, propelling the Hornet GT from 0 to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds. The acceleration is brisk, and the engine delivers a throaty growl that enhances the driving experience.
The GT Blacktop+ Track Pack Bundle takes the driving dynamics of the Hornet GT AWD to the next level. This package includes adaptive dampers, upgraded brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension, transforming the compact SUV into a fun-to-drive machine. The adaptive dampers allow the driver to select different driving modes, ranging from comfort-oriented settings for everyday driving to more aggressive settings that sharpen the throttle response, steering, and suspension for spirited driving.
When the road opens up and driving becomes more spirited, the Hornet GT AWD truly comes alive. The sport-tuned suspension and adaptive dampers provide excellent body control, keeping the vehicle planted through corners. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback to the driver. The upgraded brakes provide strong and consistent stopping power, giving confidence when pushing the vehicle hard. The turbocharged engine’s power delivery is linear, with a satisfying exhaust note that adds to the driving experience.
Safety features are abundant in the Hornet GT AWD, with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems included as standard. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. These systems provide an extra layer of security, helping to prevent accidents and keep occupants safe.
The 2024 Dodge Hornet GT AWD is a standout in the compact SUV segment; with its performance and luxury focus, it seems like a strange move for the Dodge brand; while it is very good objectively, I don't know if consumers are ready to crossshop Dodge with BMW and Mercedes. The cheapest Dodge Hornet starts at $31,400, and our GT AWD model, as tested, comes in at $44,825, which is a lot for a vehicle that should be pitted against the Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V.
But the Hornet GT AWD isn't even the most expensive version of the Hornet you can buy; a Dodge Hornet R/T Plus eAWD with options comes in at $51,240 with destination and delivery. To put that in perspective, a Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic can be bought for around $48,000, and a BMW X2 starts at around $42,000. Also, the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce eAWD, the same vehicle, can be bought for about the same price, but you would be driving an Alfa Romeo instead of a Dodge. While the Hornet might be a lot of fun to drive and be the most upmarket compact Dodge ever made, I understand why it has been a hard sell in the crowded compact SUV market.
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