2024 Dodge Hornet GT Plus Review

This week I am looking at a pretty cool compact performance SUV, the 2024 Dodge Hornet GT Plus. There is not a ton of competition in this segment, and only the Kona N is anywhere near the price point of this one.  I see hints of the Alfa Romeos I have reviewed in the past.

Exterior   

I like the look of the Hornet GT with LED lights in the front and rear, a very aggressive front end, a vented hood for extracting heat, 20” wheels, Brembo brakes, a rear spoiler, and I love how the rear fenders have a slight flare to them.

I am disappointed there is not dual exhaust to give it a little rumble, you’d sort of expect that given the sporty appearance, but I don’t think the Italians are big into that.

Performance

Under that vented hood lies a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine putting out 268-horses and 295 pound-feet of torque.  It is mated to a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission and the GT comes only in all-wheel drive.  I will admit I was a little shocked at the lack of paddle shifters on the steering wheel, but you can shift it manually from the console gear shifter, but it’s just not the same as paddle shifters.

Interior   

Moving to the inside, you are greeted by bolstered Alcantara heated, but not cooled, power seats.  They are comfortable, primarily black but with red accents, red stitching on the edges, and a red Dodge logo on the headrests.

Hit the start button and a configurable 12.3” gauge cluster comes to life.  It is colorful and easy to read.  You get a digital speedometer and traffic sign recognition.  Red stitching runs across the dash and into the soft-touch door panels.

Mid-dash is a 10.25” infotainment screen that handles the Harmon Kardon sound system, navigation, Bluetooth, the vehicle settings, the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, and houses the backup camera.  There are also performance pages there that feature auxiliary gauges.

On the center stack is the start button, the button to turn off start/stop, a cell phone charger, USB and USB-C ports, volume control for the stereo, a couple of cup holders, and the electronic emergency brake switch.  Everything is easy to reach for the driver.

Cargo room is spacious, and the tailgate is power.  Without putting the second-row seats down, you have 27-cubic feet of cargo, and additional room under that.  If you fold the back seats down, cargo area is 55-cubic feet.

Equipment

This SUV comes well equipped with remote start, a power liftgate, memory seats, all power, and automatic climate-controlled air conditioning, and a power sunroof.  Options include the Tech package, which gives you parking assist, and the self-driving system for $2,245. 

It also has the $3,990 Blacktop & Track pack which gets you the Alcantara seats, red brake calipers, dual mode suspension, the flat-bottomed heated steering wheel, Hornet badges, aluminum pedals, red brake calipers, power seats with power lumbar support, and beautiful 20” wheels.

Safety 

On the safety side, you get active driving assist, adaptive cruise control, surround view camera, drowsy driver detection, blind spot warning, and front and rear parking sensors.

MSRP and MPG

MSRP is $44,825 as you see it, and fuel economy is rated at 21 city, 29 highway, and 24 overall.

Ride and Drive

This Hornet is impressive for the money and acceleration is great, steering feedback is fantastic, and handling with all-wheel drive feels good.  I love the Sport mode button on the steering wheel but be warned, that gives it a very harsh ride on city streets.  The Hornet has the Auto Hold system, one of my favorite features.

Verdict

If you want a quick, sharp-looking compact SUV that will turn heads, this may well be one to consider.