Dodge, a brand synonymous with power and muscle, steps into the compact crossover arena with the 2024 Hornet. While Dodge’s history includes earlier entries in this segment, the Hornet marks a significant shift, blending the brand’s performance DNA with the practicality of a modern SUV. As the era of the classic Challenger and Charger concludes, the 2024 Dodge Hornet emerges, aiming to inject Dodge’s spirited performance into a market segment defined by efficiency and versatility.
Leading this charge is the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T, a plug-in hybrid model that promises an impressive all-electric range of 32 miles. But the Hornet R/T is not just about efficiency; it’s engineered to deliver exhilarating performance. Boasting a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 5.6 seconds, this PHEV crossover carves out a unique space in its class. To understand how the new Dodge Hornet R/T stacks up, we put it head-to-head against a key competitor, the Kia Sportage PHEV, over a week-long test. Join us as we delve into an eight-category comparison to determine which PHEV crossover comes out on top and if the Dodge Hornet R/T’s quick 0-60 time translates to an overall superior driving experience.
Pricing and Features
The entry into plug-in hybrid technology comes at a premium. The 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV starts at $39,490, while the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T begins at $41,400. This price difference reflects an approximate $8,000 to $10,000 increase over their respective non-PHEV counterparts. For buyers primarily focused on cost savings through electric driving, the added expense for the PHEV models might only be justified by a significant appreciation for the enhanced performance, including the Dodge Hornet R/T’s brisk 0-60 acceleration.
In terms of features for the price, the Kia Sportage PHEV offers a more comprehensive package. Despite its lower starting price, it includes several standard features that are optional extras on the Dodge, such as a panoramic moonroof, a power liftgate, and built-in GPS navigation. While the Hornet R/T counters with standard adaptive cruise control and a heated steering wheel, which are optional on the Sportage, the Kia presents a stronger value proposition, especially considering its lower starting MSRP. Our test Kia Sportage PHEV totaled $44,680, whereas our Dodge Hornet R/T test vehicle reached $52,305 without even featuring a sunroof, highlighting the Sportage’s better feature-to-price ratio.
Winner: Kia Sportage PHEV
Range and Mileage
The Dodge Hornet R/T offers an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 33 miles on a full charge. This range is designed to cover the daily commutes of many drivers, potentially allowing for predominantly electric driving. However, once the electric range is depleted, the Hornet R/T achieves a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg, which is merely average for a non-hybrid compact crossover. While this is an improvement over the gas-only Hornet’s 24 mpg, our real-world testing yielded 28 mpg for the R/T PHEV and 27 mpg for the gas-only Hornet GT. Our observed all-electric range for the Hornet R/T averaged 31.8 miles, slightly under the EPA estimate.
The Kia Sportage PHEV edges out the Hornet R/T in efficiency metrics. It boasts a slightly better electric range of 34 miles and a superior EPA rating of 35 mpg once operating as a conventional hybrid. Notably, in similar testing conditions during early summer, the Hyundai Tucson PHEV, which shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Sportage PHEV, demonstrated electric ranges exceeding 40 miles. However, during our Sportage PHEV test in 40-degree weather, the engine frequently engaged to power the heater, impacting our goal of all-electric short trips. In contrast, the Hornet R/T primarily utilized its gasoline engine for bursts of acceleration, preserving electric-only driving in milder conditions. Given these nuances, we consider this category a tie, acknowledging the slight edge of the Sportage in EPA ratings but noting the Hornet R/T’s performance-oriented electric usage.
Winner: Tie
Exterior Design
The Dodge Hornet’s design origins trace back to Italy, sharing its production line with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. These two SUVs share a nearly identical silhouette, differentiated primarily by wheel designs and front fascia. The Hornet’s design is arguably well-executed: sporty yet restrained, appearing compact without sacrificing road presence. It favors smooth lines over aggressive angles, and its sculpted rear and continuous taillight design subtly echo the Porsche Macan, lending it a touch of premium appeal.
Conversely, the Kia Sportage, fully redesigned in the previous year, adopts a more assertive and extroverted design language. It is dimensionally larger than the Hornet and leverages this size to command attention. Kia enhances the Sportage with distinctive details, including “boomerang” LED daytime running lights flanking prominent diamond-shaped headlights, a subtle flare above the rear wheel arches, a sharply styled tailgate, and a rear windshield wiper neatly concealed beneath a roof spoiler. The Sportage PHEV is exclusively offered in the “X-Line” trim, which incorporates more rugged, off-road-inspired bumper designs. The choice between the understatedly sporty Hornet and the boldly styled Sportage ultimately comes down to personal aesthetic preference.
Winner: Tie
Interior Design
The Dodge Hornet R/T’s performance-oriented character is carried through to its interior design. The dashboard is vertically split, and the volume control is relocated to the center console, creating a minimalist, sportscar-like cockpit feel. A 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen maintains a contemporary tech interface. Reflecting its Alfa Romeo Tonale sibling, the Hornet’s interior material quality is notably high. However, ergonomic issues detract from the overall experience. Operating the front seat heaters via touchscreen controls can be finicky. The wireless smartphone charger suffered from frequent disconnections, intermittently interrupting the display to show connection status. Furthermore, the trip computer displayed erratic fuel economy figures at the end of drives, contrasting with its more reliable long-term average calculation, and various driver-assistance systems issued temporary warnings during our test week.
The Kia Sportage interior prioritizes user-friendliness and simplicity. While it has a unique control scheme where audio and climate functions share buttons and knobs, requiring mode switching, overall, the controls are intuitive and function reliably. Despite some basic plastic elements, the cabin ambiance is upscale and stylish. A seamless panoramic display integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and the use of varied textures and colors prevents visual monotony.
Winner: Kia Sportage PHEV
Passenger and Cargo Accommodations
The Kia Sportage’s larger dimensions translate directly to more generous cabin space. Both front and rear occupants enjoy ample room, and the cargo area provides a substantial 34.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats expands this to 65.5 cubic feet. The Sportage PHEV also offers a 2,000-pound towing capacity, adding to its practicality.
In comparison, the Dodge Hornet R/T offers a more intimate cabin. While it comfortably accommodates adults in all seating positions, it feels less spacious overall. The center console storage is less capacious than the Kia’s, and the cargo area measures just 22.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 50.5 cubic feet when folded. This is less than many subcompact crossovers, let alone compact models. We even had to remove the rigid cargo cover to fit suitcases. While towing capacity matches the Sportage PHEV, the Kia clearly excels in overall passenger and cargo utility.
Winner: Kia Sportage PHEV
Acceleration
Up to this point, the comparison has covered pragmatic aspects like interior layouts, fuel economy, and passenger space. Now, we turn to the more exciting domain of performance, where the Dodge Hornet R/T truly distinguishes itself.
The Dodge Hornet R/T delivers 288 horsepower and a substantial 383 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Kia Sportage PHEV’s 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. This power advantage translates to a remarkable 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.6 seconds for the Dodge Hornet R/T. This figure is up to 2 seconds quicker than the Kia, which, while adequately peppy, lacks the Hornet’s outright eagerness. The Hornet R/T includes a “Power Shot” mode, intended to maximize power for sprints, but in our experience and in instrumented tests, its impact was negligible. Beyond mere figures, the Hornet R/T feels inherently energetic, always ready to accelerate with enthusiasm. In contrast, the Sportage PHEV performs competently but without the same sense of driving pleasure. The Dodge Hornet R/T’s superior 0-60 time and overall power make it the clear winner in this category for drivers prioritizing performance.
Winner: Dodge Hornet R/T
Ride and Handling
The Dodge Hornet R/T’s engaging driving dynamics extend to its ride and handling characteristics. While it feels slightly less nimble than the non-hybrid Hornet (due to the added weight of the battery), the R/T variant remains among the most agile SUVs in its class. Its finely tuned suspension and communicative, firm steering provide the Hornet R/T with an exhilarating eagerness when cornering. The inclusion of high-end adjustable dampers further enhances its dynamic capabilities, allowing on-the-fly adjustments for either enhanced comfort or sharper handling. This is not just another compact SUV; the Hornet R/T offers a driving experience reminiscent of a luxury sport sedan, albeit with a higher driving position.
The Kia Sportage PHEV offers a pleasant driving experience as well. Its naturally weighted steering makes it easy to maneuver, and it never feels unwieldy. The ride quality is composed and quiet. For drivers prioritizing comfort and ease of driving over spirited performance, the Sportage PHEV would likely be preferable. However, by delivering a fun-to-drive character without sacrificing everyday comfort, the Dodge Hornet R/T secures another win in our comparison, particularly for those valuing a more engaging driving experience and appreciating its quick 0-60 sprint.
Winner: Dodge Hornet R/T
Safety
Both the Dodge Hornet R/T and the Kia Sportage PHEV are equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, and both are anticipated to perform well in crash tests. However, at the time of this review, only the Kia Sportage PHEV has undergone and completed crash testing.
The Kia Sportage PHEV has earned the highest safety accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The previous year’s model also received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While the 2024 model is functionally identical to the 2023 version, it has not yet received a NHTSA rating as of this writing. Based on its demonstrated safety performance, the Kia Sportage PHEV wins this category for now, pending official safety ratings for the Dodge Hornet R/T.
Winner: Kia Sportage PHEV
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T is poised to be the ideal compact SUV for a specific type of buyer. It is a fuel-efficient hybrid that amplifies its appeal with sporty performance and distinctive styling. In a market saturated with conventional crossovers, it presents a bold and refreshing alternative. For those who might typically overlook hybrid vehicles, the Hornet R/T, with its impressive 0-60 time and dynamic driving experience, could be a compelling conversion.
However, for buyers who prioritize the traditional strengths of compact crossovers—namely, spaciousness, comfort, refinement, value, fuel efficiency, and overall ease of use—the 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV emerges as the more compelling choice. While improvements could be made, such as refining the engine’s electric operation in colder conditions and streamlining the dual-function controls, the Sportage PHEV stands out as the more well-rounded and broadly appealing option. Ultimately, if a thrilling 0-60 mph experience in a plug-in hybrid SUV is a top priority, the Dodge Hornet R/T is the clear winner in delivering that exhilarating performance.
Winner: Kia Sportage PHEV
