Is the new Dodge Hornet electric or gas?
The Dodge Hornet, as launched, is gasoline-powered in its initial form. It uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with an automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive; there is no official plug-in or fully electric Hornet in the current lineup.
To understand the question in context, Dodge positioned the Hornet as a compact crossover built on a platform shared with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. The focus at launch was on performance and accessibility in a gasoline-powered package, with electrification expectations swirling around the broader Dodge lineup but not yet realized in a dedicated Hornet variant.
Current powertrain and performance
Before listing the key propulsion details, here is a concise overview of what powers the Hornet today and how it is configured.
- Turbocharged gasoline engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering about 270 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
- Drivetrain options: All-wheel drive is available on higher trims, with front-wheel drive offered on others.
- Fuel and emissions: The Hornet relies on a conventional internal-combustion engine, with no electric motor powering the drivetrain in the base configuration.
- Variants: The lineup centers on gasoline propulsion in the initial launch phase; no official plug-in hybrid or fully electric Hornet variant has been released.
In summary, the Hornet’s current offerings emphasize a gasoline-powered setup with performance-oriented tuning and AWD optional on select trims.
Electrification plans and context
Understanding where the Hornet sits in the broader push toward electrification helps place the question in perspective. While Stellantis has signaled a move toward electrified propulsion across its brands, including Dodge, there has not been an official confirmation of a Hornet-specific plug-in hybrid or electric model as of now. The Alfa Romeo Tonale, a closely related model in the same family, does offer electrified variants, illustrating the path Dodge could follow in the future.
To outline the landscape, consider the following points about electrification strategy and the Hornet’s stance within it.
- Tonale as a reference point: The Tonale offers plug-in hybrid options that utilize a battery-electric propulsion mindset, showing that electrification is feasible within the family. The Hornet, however, has not adopted a similar powertrain in its current form.
- Official stance on Hornet electrification: Dodge has not announced a Hornet-specific PHEV or BEV model, though the brand’s broader electrification strategy leaves room for future variants based on the same platform.
- Future prospects: Enthusiasm for electrified performance in Dodge’s lineup persists, but buyers should await formal announcements for any Hornet-specific electrified option.
Ultimately, while the brand is moving toward electrification overall, the current Hornet is gasoline-powered, with electrified variants not yet confirmed for this model.
Summary
In short, the new Dodge Hornet, in its present form, is a gasoline-powered compact crossover featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and available all-wheel drive. There is no official electric or plug-in hybrid Hornet variant announced at this time. Dodge’s broader electrification plans suggest future possibilities for the lineup, but buyers seeking a true electric Hornet should monitor official announcements for any new model variants.
