Okay, so I’ve been seeing a lot of buzz about the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T, and as a bit of a gearhead, I had to check it out myself. I mean, a compact SUV with some actual muscle? Sign me up!
Getting My Hands on One
First things first, I needed to actually drive one. I hit up my local Dodge dealership – you know, the one with the giant inflatable gorilla on the roof? – and managed to snag a test drive. They had a couple of R/Ts on the lot, but I went for the one in “Hot Tamale” red. Because, why not?
The First Impression
Walking up to it, the Hornet definitely looks the part. It’s got that aggressive Dodge styling, with the hood scoops and the mean-looking headlights. It’s not huge, which I like, it’s easy to park, and I could even see myself in the city.
Inside the Cockpit
Hopping in, the interior is pretty decent. The seats are comfortable, with good bolstering to keep you in place during, uh, “spirited” driving. The dashboard is what they use, all digital, and the infotainment system is responsive. It’s got all the usual stuff – Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a decent sound system. Nothing mind-blowing, but it all works as it should.
Time to Drive!
This is where the fun begins. The R/T has a plug-in hybrid powertrain, so you get that instant electric torque off the line. It’s surprisingly quick! Dodge claims a 0-60 time of around 5.6 seconds, and I believe it. It felt fast.
I took it on some back roads to really test it out. The handling is pretty sharp for an SUV. It’s no sports car, but it feels planted and confident in the corners. The all-wheel-drive system helps with that, too. You can even choose, the “Sport” mode, stiffen things up a bit, and it’s even more fun to drive around.
- Engine: It’s got a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an electric motor.
- Power: Combined, they put out around 288 horsepower.
- Electric Range: You get about 30 miles of pure electric driving, which is handy for short trips.
The Verdict?
After spending a good few hours with the Hornet R/T, I gotta say, I’m impressed. It’s a fun, practical, and surprisingly quick little SUV. It’s not perfect – the rear seats are a little cramped, and the price is a bit steep – but it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for something with a bit of a performance edge.
I am considering whether I should change to it.
