Power of the 2023 Dodge Hornet Hybrid

The Hornet lineup is led in both performance and efficiency by the R/T trim level. Underneath the performance hood is a 1.3-liter turbocharged all-aluminum inline four-cylinder engine that powers the front wheels. Powering the rear wheels is a 90-kilowatt electric motor powered by a 15.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup gives the Hornet 288 horsepower and up to 383 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the rear axle-mounted electric motor, 184 lb-ft of torque is sent immediately to the wheels, enhancing the performance of the Hornet R/T. Additionally, with the electric motor powering the rear wheels and the front wheels being driven by the turbocharged engine, the Hornet R/T provides all-wheel drive confidence. The PHEV powertrain of the Hornet R/T is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that drivers can control using steering wheel paddle shifters.

As with many other PHEVs, the Hornet R/T allows drivers to control the usage and optimize the vehicle’s power based on needs. This is done by selecting from the Hornet R/T’s drive modes, Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save. Hybrid seamlessly meshes gas and electric power, only using the turbocharged engine to supplement additional power requested by pressing the gas pedal. Meanwhile, Electric mode switches off the turbocharged engine, providing more than 30 miles of silent, emissions-free driving. Lastly, E-Save mode will power down the electric motors and battery pack, only using power from the turbocharged engine to preserve the battery. This can be used in either Passive or Active mode. Passive mode can be selected to simply save the battery for a later time. Meanwhile, Active will recharge the battery with regenerative braking.

While the Dodge Hornet R/T’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is great for fuel efficiency, Dodge didn’t sacrifice performance. In fact, they used electric power to their advantage. In addition to the instantaneous torque provided by the electric motor, the Hornet R/T also features the all-new PowerShot feature. Dodge created PowerShot to give the Hornet an extra boost when drivers need it. By pulling both paddle shifters and pressing the accelerator pedal at the same time, PowerShot will engage, and the Hornet will release a fifteen-second burst of an additional 25 horsepower to enhance performance. While active, a PowerShot light is illuminated on the instrument panel, letting you know. Using the PowerShot feature brings the Hornet’s 0-60 time down by a full second! Besides a fifteen-second cooldown period, PowerShot can be used as often as the driver would like.

The all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet is an exciting first chapter in the next generation of Dodge vehicles. We here at Susquehanna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram are excited to share it with you! Head over to the New Inventory page right here on our website to browse our current inventory to stay updated on our most recent Dodge arrivals. We also invite you to our showroom, where a friendly sales expert will happily answer any questions you may have about the Hornet and help you get your hands on one. However you choose to shop, we look forward to earning your business!