What transmission does the Dodge Hornet have?
The Dodge Hornet uses a nine-speed automatic transmission in all current configurations, including the plug-in hybrid variant.
Overview of the Hornet’s drivetrain
The Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover built on a platform shared with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Dodge pairs this setup with a modern automatic transmission to balance performance and efficiency, and offers all‑wheel-drive capability on several trims. A manual gearbox is not offered in the Hornet lineup.
Transmission specifics by variant
Below is a concise breakdown of how the transmission is configured across the Hornet lineup.
- Gasoline Hornet: Nine-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive on base models and all-wheel drive available on higher trims.
- Plug-in hybrid Hornet: Nine-speed automatic transmission; electric motor augments the gasoline engine for enhanced performance, with all-wheel-drive capability as part of the hybrid system.
The main takeaway is that Dodge has standardized on a nine-speed automatic across the Hornet family, with drivetrain options that vary by trim but no manual option is offered.
Why a nine-speed automatic?
Manufacturers often choose a nine-speed automatic to deliver quick response, smooth shifts, and improved efficiency across a wide range of speeds. For a compact crossover like the Hornet, this transmission helps maximize on‑road performance while maintaining practical daily usability.
Driving impressions and reliability
Owners can expect responsive acceleration from the turbocharged gasoline engine and seamless integration of the electric motor in the plug-in hybrid, thanks in part to the consistent automatic transmission pairing.
Summary: The Dodge Hornet uses a nine-speed automatic transmission in all variants, with available all-wheel-drive on many trims and no manual option. The hybrid variant combines this transmission with an electric motor for improved efficiency and performance, while the gasoline version emphasizes turbocharged response and practical day-to-day usability.
What kind of transmission does a Dodge Hornet have?
nine-speed automatic transmission
With up to 268 horsepower, up to 295 pound-feet of torque and a nine-speed automatic transmission featuring standard all-wheel drive, it'll have you reveling in the sheer fun of the drive.
Is a Dodge Hornet faster than a Hellcat?
No, the Dodge Hornet is not faster than the Hellcat; the Hellcat is significantly faster due to its powerful supercharged V8 engine, while the Hornet is a practical, sporty crossover designed for everyday use. The Hellcat has a 0-60 mph time of around 3.4 seconds and a top speed of approximately 200 mph, whereas the Hornet has a 0-60 mph time of about 6.5 seconds and a much lower top speed.
| Feature | Dodge Hellcat | Dodge Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | ~3.4 seconds | ~6.1–6.5 seconds (GT) / ~5.6 seconds (R/T with PowerShot) |
| Horsepower | 717–807 hp | 268 hp (GT) / 288 hp (R/T) |
| Top Speed | ~200 mph | ~140 mph (GT) / ~128 mph (R/T) |
| Engine | Supercharged V8 | 2.0L Turbo I-4 (GT) / 1.3L Turbo I-4 + Electric Motor (R/T) |
| Primary Purpose | High-performance, enthusiast vehicle | Sporty, practical crossover for daily use |
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Is the Dodge Hornet an Alfa Romeo?
No, the Dodge Hornet is not an Alfa Romeo, but it is a badge-engineered version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Both vehicles share the same platform, components, and are built in the same Italian factory, but they have different branding and styling. The Tonale is positioned as the more luxurious and refined sibling, while the Hornet is styled and marketed as a more aggressive, performance-oriented vehicle.
- Shared platform: Both the Dodge Hornet and the Alfa Romeo Tonale are built on the Stellantis Small Wide 4x4 LWB platform.
- Shared parts: They share many components and body panels, but have different branding and styling.
- Different styling: The Hornet has a different exterior and interior look that is meant to be more aggressive, while the Tonale is more sleek and sophisticated.
- Different powertrains: The Hornet has a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in its base model, while the Tonale is offered as a hybrid. The Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid shares its powertrain with the Tonale plug-in hybrid.
- Different market positioning: The Hornet is priced to be more accessible, while the Tonale is positioned as a more premium, luxury-oriented vehicle.
What is so special about the Dodge Hornet?
The Dodge Hornet is significant because it is Dodge's first all-new model in over a decade, marking its entry into the popular compact SUV segment with a performance-oriented and tech-heavy vehicle. The Hornet is also important for its role in helping Dodge meet future fuel economy standards through its available plug-in hybrid (R/T) model, potentially generating credits that can fund other performance vehicles in the future.
Market entry and performance
- Entry into a new segment: The Hornet represents Dodge's first major new model since the Journey crossover and is designed to compete in the popular compact SUV market.
- Performance focus: It retains Dodge's performance identity with a powerful 2.0L turbo engine in the GT and a potent plug-in hybrid powertrain in the R/T model, making the R/T the most powerful CUV in its segment.
- Agile handling: The vehicle is built with a focus on performance-oriented components like a sporty suspension and agile handling, aiming to provide a "sports car" feel in an SUV body.
Technology and future-proofing
- Hybrid technology: The R/T hybrid model is crucial for Dodge's future, offering a way to achieve higher fuel efficiency and meet upcoming EPA requirements.
- Fuel economy credits: The success of the hybrid model could generate fuel economy credits, which might give Dodge the flexibility to develop other, less-efficient performance vehicles in the future.
- Modern interior: It includes a modern, tech-forward interior with large screens and advanced infotainment features to attract a new generation of buyers.
A nod to heritage
- Revival of a historic name: The Hornet nameplate is a revival of an iconic name from the past, connecting Dodge's heritage with its new direction.
- Modern design: The new vehicle merges this heritage with a sleek and modern design that features Dodge's signature aggressive styling.
