Is the Dodge Hornet faster than the Hellcat?

No. In straight-line speed, the Dodge Hellcat is far quicker than the Hornet. The Hornet is a compact SUV with respectable pace for its class, but it cannot match the Hellcat’s blistering acceleration or top speed.

Powertrains and performance numbers

The following side-by-side spec snapshot highlights the engines, output, and performance figures most relevant to speed.

• Dodge Hornet (2.0L turbo I-4): about 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque; all-wheel drive available; 0–60 mph around 6.4–6.5 seconds; top speed about 140–149 mph.


• Dodge Hornet (2.4L I-4 Tigershark): around 285 hp and 317 lb-ft; all-wheel drive; 0–60 around 6.0–6.5 seconds; top speed around 150–156 mph.

In practice, the Hornet’s acceleration is brisk for a compact SUV, but it sits well behind the speed benchmarks set by the Hellcat. Official figures vary by drivetrain and testing method, but the gap remains substantial.

Hellcat: pure muscle and blistering pace

The following summarizes the Hellcat’s core performance benchmarks, which sit at the extreme end of production-car speed.

• Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (6.2L Hemi V8, 707 hp/650 lb-ft): 0–60 mph around 3.4 seconds; top speed around 199 mph; rear-wheel drive with an 8-speed automatic.


• Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye (797 hp): 0–60 mph around 3.4 seconds; top speed around 199–203 mph; typically RWD with an 8-speed automatic.

Those numbers place the Hellcat in a different league for straight-line performance, underscoring the gulf between a dedicated V8 muscle car and a modern performance-oriented SUV.

Real-world driving and track considerations

Beyond the spec sheets, real-world results depend on traction, tires, weather, and driver input. The Hornet’s available all-wheel drive helps with daily usability and confident launches, but it cannot overcome the power deficit against the Hellcat on a straight drag or a high-speed track. The Hellcat’s purpose-built performance platform, heavyweight torque, and high-revving V8 translate to far quicker acceleration and higher top speeds when conditions are favorable.

What this means for buyers

For speed enthusiasts prioritizing raw acceleration and top speed, the Hellcat remains the clear choice. If a buyer seeks practicality, daily usability, and a more efficient, family-friendly vehicle with occasional spirited acceleration, the Hornet delivers style, efficiency, and versatility without aiming to dethrone the performance boutique of the Hellcat.

Summary

The Dodge Hornet is not faster than the Hellcat. The Hornet’s two turbocharged four-cylinders offer solid, real-world pace for an SUV, with 0–60 times typically around 6 seconds and top speeds near 140–156 mph. The Hellcat, powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, achieves 0–60 times around 3.4 seconds and tops out around 199 mph (with the Redeye variant reaching similar or higher figures), illustrating a substantial gap in straight-line performance. The choice between them comes down to whether you want practical daily performance or extreme speed and track capability.

What does a Dodge Hornet compare to?

The Dodge Hornet's main competitors are compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Hyundai Tucson. Other rivals include the Toyota RAV4, Kia Seltos, and Chevrolet Equinox. For buyers also considering performance-oriented or hybrid models, other competitors are the Alfa Romeo Tonale (also based on the Hornet's architecture) and the Kia Niro (for plug-in hybrid options).
 
This video compares the Dodge Hornet to the Mazda CX-5: 59sRaiti's RidesYouTube · Mar 14, 2023
Primary competitors

• Mazda CX-5: Often compared for its sporty driving dynamics. 
• Honda CR-V: A major competitor in the compact SUV market. 
• Nissan Rogue: Another key rival, especially in terms of fuel economy. 
• Hyundai Tucson: A strong competitor with a competitive starting price. 
• Toyota RAV4: Competes with the Hornet in both gasoline and plug-in hybrid versions. 
• Kia Seltos: A competitor that offers a similar size and price point. 

This video compares the Dodge Hornet R/T with the Kia Sportage PHEV: 1mRaiti's RidesYouTube · Apr 12, 2024
Other competitors to consider

• Chevrolet Equinox: A direct competitor with a lower starting price. 
• Ford Escape ST-Line: A competitor that starts at a lower price point. 
• Alfa Romeo Tonale: Shares its platform with the Hornet. 
• Kia Niro: Competes with the Hornet's plug-in hybrid option. 
• Jeep Compass: Shares the same architecture and engines as the Hornet GT but has a lower starting price. 

Is the Dodge Hornet the fastest SUV?

THE MOST POWERFUL CUV OUT THERE 1
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.

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 Dodge is faster than the Hellcat?

The Demon 170. With the most power in the Dodge Challenger Demon vs. Hellcat battle, the Demon 170 is, quite obviously, the fastest model here.