Does the Dodge Hornet have a V8?
No. The Dodge Hornet does not use a V8 engine. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 in its standard configuration, with a plug-in hybrid variant that uses a 1.3-liter turbocharged four paired with an electric motor. There is no V8 option in the current Hornet lineup.
What follows provides a detailed look at the Hornet’s powertrain options, how they perform, and why Dodge chose four-cylinder and hybrid configurations for this model rather than a traditional V8.
Engine options
The Hornet’s powertrain lineup centers on two main families. Below is a quick guide to what buyers can choose and how they differ.
- Standard 2.0L turbocharged inline-four: roughly 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque; paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive.
- Plug-in hybrid eHybrid: combines a 1.3L turbocharged inline-four with an electric motor for a total system output in the mid- to upper-200s horsepower; offers electric-assisted performance with the ability to drive on electric power for short trips.
These options cover the current Hornet lineup and show how Dodge prioritizes turbocharged efficiency and hybrid versatility over a V8 powertrain.
Standard 2.0L Turbo I-4
The base engine in most Hornet models is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. It delivers around 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. This setup emphasizes responsive acceleration and daily usability without a V8 engine.
Plug-in Hybrid eHybrid
The Hornet eHybrid pairs the 1.3-liter turbocharged four with an electric motor to yield a combined output in the mid- to upper-200s horsepower. It can operate in electric-assisted mode for short trips, offering improved fuel efficiency while preserving practical crossover performance. Availability and specifics can vary by market and model year.
Summary
The Dodge Hornet does not offer a V8 engine. Its two main powertrain options—a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 and a plug-in hybrid combining a 1.3L turbo with an electric motor—provide modern performance and efficiency without a V8, aligning with Dodge’s current strategy for this compact SUV.
What engine comes in a Dodge Hornet?
2.0 L Hurricane4 turbo I4
Is a Dodge Hornet faster than a Hellcat?
So, Which One's Faster? It's no contest. The Hellcat dominates the Hornet in every performance metric: 0–60:Hellcat ~3.4 seconds | Hornet ~6.5 seconds.
What's special about the Hornet 2.0 engine?
The Hornet 2.0 has a 184cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that is OBD2B compliant. Compared to the previous engine, this one makes 16.7bhp and 15.7Nm, which is a minscule drop. Moreover, the engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox with an assist and slip clutch.
Is a Dodge Hornet a V8?
IS THE DODGE HORNET A V8? It is not. The Dodge Hornet has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
