What’s New for the 2024 Dodge Hornet and How Does It Compete With Its Rivals?
Compact SUVs are popular among American drivers, but they don't exactly have a reputation for being fun to drive. Most models are more interested in being practical and versatile, not powerful or thrilling. But as your friendly neighborhood Dodge dealer, we here at Providence Autos Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram are here to let you know that you can have both with the Dodge Hornet. The Hornet is a subcompact SUV that pairs a practical exterior with a powerful engine, so you can run your errands throughout the week and let loose with thrilling joyrides on the weekends. On top of that, it also boasts a bold exterior and an affordable starting price.
The Hornet is a new SUV model that made its debut for the 2023 model year. The 2024 model is showing no signs of a sophomore slump-while there are only a few changes, it's still going strong with all of the great features that helped it make such a splash when it first hit the scene. Let's take a quick look at what's new and then dive into all of the great features that the Hornet continues to bring to the table.
What's New for 2024?
The Hornet may have the heart of a muscle car, but it's still a practical SUV. It has plenty of features that are designed to make getting around town and loading up cargo comfortable and convenient. In that vein, the GT Plus is getting a standard hands-free power liftgate for the 2024 model year. This lets you access the cargo area in a snap, even if your arms are full, so you can load the Hornet up and get it back on the road ASAP.
The Hornet comes standard with helpful safety tech like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, a Lane Support System, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Path Alert, and rear parking sensors. If you want even more features, you can add on the Tech Pack to get Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist, Front Park Sensors, Drowsy Driver Detection, and a 360-Degree Surround View Camera.
Some of the Best Performance in Its Segment
The thing that really sets the Hornet apart from the crowded field of small SUVs is its outstanding performance. Its engine may sound similar to the competition; if you just call it "a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine," you could use that same phrase to describe the Volkswagen Tiguan's powertrain. There are plenty of others that are very similar, like the 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder that powers the Chevy Equinox or the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that powers the Hyundai Tucson. But when you look at the power stats for all Tiguan's models, the difference becomes much more stark.
The Tiguan produces 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, able to go from 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds; the Tucson's 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque bring it from 0-60 in an even slower 8.8 seconds, and the Equinox gets 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 time of 8 seconds. The Hornet blows all those figures out of the water, putting 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque at your disposal, allowing it to zip from 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds. That kind of strength makes a real difference when you're hoping for a drive that's actually fun and not just a way to get from here to there.
The Hornet's performance goes deeper than just its engine. The SUV's standard all-wheel drive system gives you great traction in all kinds of weather and road conditions. It also has steering, suspension, and a nine-speed fully automatic transmission that has been calibrated specifically for the Hornet to give it the best driving dynamics possible. And for moments when you're really feeling the need for speed, you can trigger Sport Mode by hitting a dedicated button built into the steering wheel for easy access, which sharpens the throttle, optimizes the shift schedule, tightens the feel of the steering, stiffens the suspension, and unlocks the full power and torque so you can unleash your full potential.
A Well-Appointed, Sporty Interior
Step inside the Hornet, and you'll find a driver-centric cockpit that pairs comfort and convenience features with a bold attitude that makes you feel like you're behind the wheel of a race car. A 10.25-inch color touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge display come standard so that you can see all your stats at a glance. You can also use wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to hook up your phone and use all your favorite apps through the Hornet's interface. All the displays are tipped toward the driver, making you feel like the center of everything when you're behind the wheel.
The black interior has bold red contrast stitching on the seats, dashboard, bolster, and other areas to give the whole cabin a sporty feel. The steering wheel has a flat bottom in true racing fashion and prominently displays the Sport Mode button so you can access it when you want it. Even features like the air vents and door handles are crafted to look sleek and fit in with the overall athletic vibe, so nothing looks out of place.
Get Even More With the GT Plus
The Hornet GT comes standard with plenty of great features, from the powerful engine to the state-of-the-art infotainment system. But if you want to get even more comfort, convenience, and style onboard, then you can upgrade to the GT Plus trim. This gets you full leather seating surfaces that come standard in black with red accents. You also have the option to upgrade to red leather seats for an even bolder look. Up front, those seats will be heated and ventilated for comfort in any weather, and eight-way power adjustable so you and your front passenger can get your positions just right. You can even save that position and get it back immediately after loaning your Hornet to a friend or leaving it in the hands of a valet with the driver seat memory system.
There's also a sunroof to let in more natural light, a premium Harmon Kardon sound system to enhance your music, a wireless charging pad to keep your devices powered up, a heated steering wheel to help you beat the chill on winter mornings, and a remote start system that lets you get the cabin to a comfortable temperature before you step inside.
Now It's Time to Experience the Dodge Hornet for Yourself
These highlights don't come close to covering everything that the Hornet has to offer. There are more tech features available, multiple packages that let you customize your Hornet to suit your particular needs, and exterior styling touches that will undoubtedly enhance your daily drive. If you want to learn more about the Hornet and find a model that's perfect for you, come and visit us at Providence Autos Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We can answer all of your questions, show you the Hornet up close, and even let you get behind the wheel for a test drive. Visit us today, and let us show you everything the Dodge Hornet has to offer.