The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Can’t Compare to the Toyota RAV4 Prime but Is a Solid PHEV
The Dodge Hornet’s initial announcement came to many as a surprise. Dodge announced the Hornet as a part of its “electrified muscle” announcement in 2022, and since then, it has garnered quite a bit of attention as Dodge’s first electrified mainstream vehicle. Now, the 2024 Dodge Hornet, specifically the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) R/T model, is looking to change the compact crossover marketplace by focusing on muscular styling, best-in-class performance, and a swath of class-exclusive performance features.
So, what exactly sets the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T apart from the competition? Does the Hornet offer features not found in any other vehicle in its saturated class? Here is everything you need to know about the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T and why it just falls short of the competition, like the Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Introducing the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T
The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T is the much anticipated plug-in hybrid model of the Dodge Hornet. While the Hornet has been on sale for the 2023 model year, consumers could only buy the gas-powered models. The R/T Hornet uses PHEV technology to take the Hornet to the next level in off-the-line performance. The Hornet R/T starts at $40,935 MSRP, according to Dodge, and for this price, consumers get a PHEV that produces around 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Regarding efficiency, drivers can expect the Hornet R/T to get about 77 MPGe and 360 total miles of range. This drivetrain also features an all-electric mode, which offers around 32 miles of zero-emissions driving.
The Dodge Hornet R/T is also full of technology on the inside of the cabin. Inside the Hornet R/T is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.25-inch Uconnect infotainment system, and dual-zone HVAC. Drivers even have a class-exclusive “PowerShot” feature, which gives the Hornet R/T a shot of even more power when performance is needed on demand.
The Hornet R/T is good, but the Toyota RAV4 Prime takes the crown
The Dodge Hornet R/T is truly an exciting vehicle and a welcome addition to the Dodge lineup. However, the RAV4 Prime is simply a much better PHEV for just a little more money. According to Edmunds, the RAV4 Prime starts at $43,090 MSRP. For that price, the RAV4 Prime offers one of the best all-electric ranges of any PHEV on the market today at 42 miles of all-electric range. Efficiency is also fantastic at 94 MPGe and a total range of around 580 miles in the city and 522 miles on the highway. The RAV4 Prime may not have the same PowerShot feature and performance-oriented attitude as the Hornet, but it still offers 302 horsepower and all-wheel drive.
Still, we don’t want to downplay the Dodge Hornet R/T. It is the perfect vehicle for Dodge and consumers new to the PHEV marketplace with aggressive but familiar styling, a powertrain that can run on traditional gas, and outstanding performance that uses hybrid technology to its advantage. If you are looking for your first PHEV, or if you are looking for an affordable performance-minded PHEV, look no further than the Dodge Hornet R/T. However, it is hard to pass up the industry standard Toyota RAV4 Prime.
