How fast will a Dodge Hornet go?
The Dodge Hornet’s pace is brisk for a compact crossover: roughly 0-60 mph in about 6.0–6.5 seconds and a top speed near 130–140 mph, depending on trim and drivetrain.
Powertrain and engineering basics
The numbers behind the Hornet’s speed come from its standard powertrain lineup and available drivetrains. Here is what motivates its acceleration and top speed.
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- Power: about 268 horsepower
- Torque: about 295 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain options: front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on trim
These figures reflect the typical performance envelope for the Hornet across its standard configurations and reflect Dodge’s positioning of the model as a quick, practical compact crossover.
Acceleration and top speed
To understand how fast the Hornet can go, consider its official and typical real-world performance figures. The following numbers summarize what most buyers can expect from the standard Hornet variant.
- 0-60 mph: approximately 6.0–6.5 seconds with the 2.0L turbo and AWD (slightly slower in some FWD configurations)
- Top speed: around 130–140 mph, depending on tires, gearing, and market specifications
Notes: Time and top speed can vary by model year, trim, wheel/tire choices, and weather conditions. Factory-turnished numbers may differ slightly from independent testing depending on the test setup.
Variants and future updates
As Dodge updates the Hornet lineup, new powertrains or performance packages could shift these figures. If a higher-output variant or hybrid option becomes available, 0-60 times and top speed could improve or change due to electric torque assist or additional horsepower.
Practical takeaways
For everyday driving, the Hornet delivers confident acceleration for its class, solid highway passing power, and the security of available all-wheel drive. It’s designed to balance daily usability with brisk on-road performance, rather than to rival dedicated sports cars.
Summary
The Dodge Hornet offers competitive speed for a compact crossover. With a 2.0-liter turbo delivering about 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, typical figures place 0-60 mph in roughly 6.0–6.5 seconds and top speeds around 130–140 mph. Exact numbers vary by trim, drivetrain, tires, and model year, and Dodge may introduce higher-performance variants in the future.
Is the Dodge Hornet fast?
Yes, the Dodge Hornet is fast, especially for its class, with the R/T plug-in hybrid model accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, and the GT model in 6.5 seconds. The Hornet is often described as a "muscle car of crossovers" and has a top speed of up to 140 mph for the GT, with the R/T reaching 128 mph.
This video shows the acceleration of the Dodge Hornet GT model: 56sTFLnowYouTube · Sep 6, 2024
Performance by model
This video compares the acceleration of the Dodge Hornet GT model with other vehicles in its class: 58sHemmingsYouTube · Oct 15, 2024
- Dodge Hornet R/T:
- 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 128 mph
- Key Feature: This is the quickest version, thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.
- Dodge Hornet GT:
- 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 140 mph
- Key Feature: Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Why it's considered fast
- The Hornet is designed to be sporty and offers quick acceleration compared to other vehicles in the compact SUV segment.
- The R/T version is one of the fastest plug-in hybrid crossovers available.
- The GT model is considered one of the fastest in its segment, sometimes referred to as the "muscle car of crossovers".
This video reviews the performance and handling of the Dodge Hornet R/T model: 53sTom SwiatekYouTube · Jan 10, 2025
What is so special about the Dodge Hornet?
1. Impressive Performance and Reliability. The Dodge Hornet performance and reliability are key highlights that make this SUV a leader in its class. Featuring a dual mode suspension, the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T offers enhanced driving dynamics, improving both handling and comfort.
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 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.
