Are all Dodge Hornets hybrid?
Yes. All Dodge Hornets currently sold in North America are plug-in hybrids; there is no gasoline-only version in production today. The Hornet’s design combines a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery to deliver both electric driving capability and strong overall performance.
Launched for the 2023 model year, the Hornet marks Dodge’s first foray into hybrid powertrains in its modern lineup. Built on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet’s hybrid system is designed to offer a blend of efficiency and performance, with electric-only driving at lower speeds and seamless integration with the gasoline engine for higher-speed driving.
Origins and powertrain
The Dodge Hornet is engineered around a plug-in hybrid system that pairs a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. It shares the Tonale-derived architecture, aligning Dodge’s compact SUV with a European-inspired hybrid setup that emphasizes both efficiency and performance. Availability and outputs can vary by trim, but all current North American Hornet models use this hybrid configuration.
Before listing the key details, here is an overview of what defines the Hornet’s powertrain and how it behaves in everyday driving.
- Hybrid setup: Plug-in hybrid system pairing a gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering all-wheel drive capability on most trims.
- Battery and electric range: A dedicated rechargeable pack powers the electric motor, enabling a meaningful amount of pure electric driving—typically in the tens of miles, with exact figures depending on the trim and driving conditions.
- Performance: Combined power output sits in a range that rivals compact-SUV performance, providing responsive acceleration and confident highway passing when the gas engine and electric motor work together.
- Charging and efficiency: The system can be charged from a standard outlet or a Level 2 charger, allowing electric-only running for daily errands and reduced fuel use overall; actual efficiency varies with driving style and conditions.
In practice, the Hornet’s hybrid powertrain is designed to deliver a balanced ownership experience: daily electric driving for short trips, plus the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer journeys or when higher sustained power is required. The exact numbers—such as the electric range, total horsepower, and charging times—vary by model year and trim, so prospective buyers should consult the latest Dodge specifications for precise figures.
Non-hybrid variants? What to know for buyers
As of 2025, there is no gasoline-only Dodge Hornet model offered in the U.S. or Canada. Dodge positions the Hornet solely as a plug-in hybrid, focusing on the benefits of electric driving combined with the flexibility of a hybrid powertrain. This means buyers seeking a Hornet will encounter a hybrid setup across the entire lineup, with charging opportunities that help maximize efficiency and reduce fuel consumption on typical daily routes.
For buyers evaluating the Hornet, key considerations include how much you value electric-only driving in daily commuting, how you plan to recharge (home charging versus public charging), and how the hybrid performance suits your preferred driving dynamics. Always verify the specific trim’s powertrain details and EPA estimates from Dodge’s official materials or a dealer to ensure you’re choosing the configuration that best fits your needs.
Summary
In short, the Dodge Hornet currently sold in North America is a plug-in hybrid across all trims. It leverages a Tonale-derived hybrid system to provide electric driving capability, improved efficiency, and strong overall performance. If you’re curious about hybrid specifics—such as electric range, charging times, or horsepower—check the latest official Dodge specifications for the exact figures by model year and trim.
Are Dodge Hornets only electric?
The Dodge Hornet R/T has three driving modes that allow the driver to control whether to use electricity, gas or a combination of the two. Hybrid Mode automatically manages both gas and electric power. Electric Mode uses only the battery power, while eSave Mode leverages gas power and reserves the battery charge.
Is the Dodge Hornet a hybrid?
Yes, the Dodge Hornet is a hybrid, but only in its R/T trim, which is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). It combines a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be plugged in to charge, offering both all-electric and hybrid driving modes.
This video provides an overview of the Dodge Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid: 59sEV-365YouTube · Jan 17, 2025
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): The R/T trim is a PHEV, meaning it has a rechargeable battery that can be charged by plugging it in.
- Electric-only range: The Hornet R/T can drive on all-electric power for an EPA-estimated 32 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in.
- Combined power: When the battery is depleted, the vehicle seamlessly switches to a traditional hybrid mode, using both the electric motor and the 1.3L turbocharged gas engine.
- Driving modes: The Hornet R/T has different drive modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save, which allow the driver to choose between prioritizing electric or gas power.
Do Dodge Hornets take gas?
Dodge Hornet MPG Ratings
The 2025 Dodge Hornet PHEV variants are paired with an 11.2-gallon gas tank, and premium unleaded fuel is also recommended. Unlike the 2.0-liter engine, the PHEV powertrain is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
What is special about the Dodge Hornet?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is built to feel lively. The GT's 2.0-liter turbo delivers strong midrange torque and quick throttle response for everyday passing. The R/T PHEV uses electric torque to make launches feel immediate. One of the pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet is the estimated 0 to 60 time.
