Does the new Dodge Hornet come with a V8?
No, the new Dodge Hornet does not come with a V8 engine. The Hornet is Dodge's latest compact crossover SUV, and it is powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rather than a larger V8 option.
Dodge Hornet Engine Options
The Dodge Hornet is available with two engine choices:
- A 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
- A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
Why No V8 Option?
Dodge has traditionally been known for its powerful V8 engines, especially in models like the Challenger and Charger. However, the Hornet is positioned as a more fuel-efficient and affordable compact crossover, so a V8 engine would not align with the target market or design goals for this vehicle.
Instead, Dodge has focused on providing turbocharged 4-cylinder engines that deliver a good balance of power and efficiency for the Hornet's intended use as a daily driver and family hauler.
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.
Does the Dodge Hornet have a V8?
It is not. The Dodge Hornet has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Why is Dodge not making V8 anymore?
Dodge is stopping the V8 because of stricter emissions regulations, the need for better fuel efficiency, and a strategic shift toward electric vehicles. Automakers like Dodge, under the parent company Stellantis, are phasing out V8s to comply with environmental standards and invest in cleaner technologies, even though it has been unpopular with some of their core customer base, according to this YouTube video.
This video explains the reasons behind the discontinuation of the Hemi V8 engine: 59sMarspeedYouTube · Mar 2, 2025
- Emissions and regulations: The primary driver is the need to meet increasingly strict global emissions standards. Stellantis has committed to not buying emissions credits, forcing a change in its engine lineup to comply with regulations, as discussed in this YouTube video.
- Fuel efficiency: Traditional V8s are not as fuel-efficient as newer engine designs, and rising fuel costs have made this a concern for consumers.
- Strategic shift to EVs: The decision is part of a larger strategy to transition the brand towards electric vehicles, which is seen as the future of the automotive industry. The company is investing heavily in this transition.
- Customer and sales impact: The discontinuation has been controversial, particularly in the American market, and has reportedly led to a significant drop in sales for some brands that removed the V8 engine from their lineup.
- Engine replacement: The V8s are being replaced by newer, more efficient engine options, such as the twin-turbo inline-six, and eventually, all-electric powertrains.
You can watch this video to learn why the Hemi V8 engine was discontinued and the impact on the company's sales: 1mMarspeedYouTube · Mar 29, 2025
What engine comes in the new Dodge Hornet?
All nonhybrid Hornets are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 268 horsepower and comes paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. During our initial test drive, we found the Hornet to be fairly perky, especially around town.
