How fast is the Dodge Hornet RT?
The Dodge Hornet RT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly six seconds and has a top speed around 130 mph, depending on configuration and tires.
The Hornet RT is Dodge’s performance-focused variant of the compact Hornet crossover, built to deliver sportier handling and braking while preserving everyday practicality. This article digs into the speed numbers, powertrain, and how the RT stacks up against peers in its segment.
Powertrain and drivetrain
Engine and performance tuning
The Hornet RT is powered by a turbocharged inline-4 engine with power in the neighborhood of 270 horsepower and peak torque around 295 lb-ft. The engine is tuned for quicker response and stronger mid-range pull compared with standard Hornet models.
Drivetrain and transmission
All-wheel drive is available on the RT, helping put power to the road and improve launch grip, while front-wheel-drive configurations exist in other trim levels. The RT typically pairs with a multi-speed automatic transmission (often cited as an 8- or 9-speed design, depending on market and model year) to balance performance with everyday usability.
In practice, the combination of turbocharged power, AWD capability, and tuned suspension gives the Hornet RT a notably brisk feel for a compact crossover, with predictable throttle response and strong mid-range acceleration.
Performance figures in context
Below are the principal speed-focused metrics commonly cited for the Hornet RT. Actual results vary with tires, road surface, temperature, and individual vehicle configuration.
- 0-60 mph: around 6.0 seconds with AWD; somewhat slower in front-wheel-drive configurations
- Top speed: about 130 mph (electronically limited in many markets)
- Braking and handling: strong mid-range brakes and sport-tuned suspension help the RT feel quick and composed for its class
These figures sketch the Hornet RT’s pace profile: quick enough for confident highway merging and spirited back-road driving, yet still practical for daily use with comfortable ride characteristics when not in sport mode.
Real-world considerations
Real-world acceleration can vary with tires, fuel, weather, and load. Optional equipment such as performance tires or a different suspension setup can shave or add a few tenths of a second to 0-60 and influence top-speed feel. Automotive outlets and Dodge’s own publicity generally align on the notion that the RT offers a meaningful step up in speed and response over non-RT Hornet trims.
Summary
The Dodge Hornet RT blends compact-SUV practicality with notable performance, delivering roughly six-second 0-60 times and a top speed near 130 mph in typical configurations. Its speed is complemented by sport-tuned handling and braking, making it a compelling option for buyers seeking a fast, agile daily driver in a crossover package.
Is the Dodge Hornet RT fast?
Not only is the Dodge Hornet the most powerful CUV in its segment, but each of its powertrains boast their own accolades—the R/T is the quickest 2, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, while the GT is the fastest 3 with an estimated top speed of 140 mph.
What is the quarter mile time for the Dodge Hornet RT?
More speed times for the Hornet RT are a quarter mile in 14.2 seconds hitting 96 mph, 0-100 in 15.4 seconds, and 0-110 in 20.7 seconds. This SUV is nimble, while still capable of being a family vehicle.
Is a RT faster than a GT?
The R/T is generally faster than the GT. In Dodge vehicles like the Charger and Challenger, the R/T is typically equipped with a more powerful V8 engine, while the GT usually comes with a less powerful V6 engine, giving the R/T the advantage in acceleration. For example, a Charger R/T can reach 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in about 4.74.74.7 seconds, while a Charger GT takes around 5.95.95.9 seconds.
- Dodge GT: Typically uses a V6 engine, making it a balanced option for daily driving but less powerful than the R/T.
- Dodge R/T: Features a V8 engine that provides more horsepower and torque, resulting in quicker acceleration and a more classic muscle car performance feel.
- Example: The Mustang GT can be faster than the Challenger R/T in some aspects, but this is not consistent across all models and is often due to the Mustang's lighter weight and different performance focus.
What is the top speed of the Dodge Hornet?
The top speed of the Dodge Hornet depends on the model: the GT model has a top speed of 140 mph, while the R/T plug-in hybrid model has a top speed of 128 mph. The GT model achieves this speed with its 268 horsepower turbocharged engine, and the R/T model uses its 288 horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain to reach its maximum speed.
You can watch this video for a review of the Dodge Hornet's driving experience: 59sTom SwiatekYouTube · Jan 10, 2025
- Hornet GT: 140 mph
- Hornet R/T: 128 mph
