2024 Dodge Hornet Shoppers Like 1 Trim More Than the Rest
After a long hiatus, the Dodge Hornet marks the American brand’s return to the compact SUV segment. When it came out for the 2023 model year, the Hornet was the first Dodge in this class since the Dodge Nitro was discontinued in 2012.
Drawing on the brand’s muscle car heritage, the Hornet is on the sportier side of the compact SUV class while still being practical and affordable. It even has a plug-in hybrid variant now available that improves performance and efficiency. The Hornet is essentially the Dodge version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which is the most affordable Alfa and also available as a plug-in hybrid.
The 2024 Dodge Hornet lineup has several variants to choose from, but there’s one trim that shoppers prefer.
What trim levels are available for the 2024 Dodge Hornet?
The 2024 Dodge Hornet lineup is divided into two powertrains. The GT models use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trims use a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor with a total output of 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. These are impressive performance specs for a compact SUV.
So, the GT and GT Plus trims are non-hybrid, and the R/T and R/T Plus models are hybrid. “Plus” indicates more features like a power sunroof, leather seats, heated and cooled front seats, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, a hands-free power liftgate, and more.
A few excellent standard features on every Dodge Hornet include all-wheel drive, LED headlights, a Uconnect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and the latest safety tech features.
What is the most popular trim of the 2024 Dodge Hornet?
According to Edmunds, the most popular trim of the 2024 Dodge Hornet is the GT Plus model. It’s not hard to see why. It comes well equipped with desirable features like leather seats and a premium audio system while keeping the starting price under $40k. The GT Plus trim has a starting MSRP of $35,735, while a hybrid-powered R/T model with similar features costs $45,935.
Is the GT Plus the best Hornet trim?
Critics are a bit mixed on which trim of the 2024 Dodge Hornet is the best buy. Car and Driver recommends the base GT model because it “comes with plenty of desirable standard features, including a large 10.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch aluminum wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control.” Meanwhile, Autotrader agrees with the average buyer and says the GT Plus model “offers plenty of luxury and performance while keeping the cost in the mid-$30,000 range.”
Which is right for you depends on your budget, whether you want a plug-in hybrid, and your appetite for performance. It doesn’t have the same fire in its belly as the Dodge muscle cars exiting the market, but the Hornet is a sporty little crossover SUV at an attractive price point.
