The 2025 Dodge Hornet marks a significant milestone in Dodge’s storied history, stepping into the electrified performance arena as the brand’s first electrified vehicle. This compact utility vehicle (CUV) continues to make waves in a competitive market, embodying Dodge’s signature blend of aggressive styling and class-leading performance, offered through a diverse multi-energy powertrain lineup and a host of exclusive performance features. The Hornet R/T, Dodge’s debut performance hybrid, serves as an accessible entry point into the revered Dodge Brotherhood of Muscle, delivering unparalleled power in its class with 288 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Boasting a 32-mile all-electric range from its 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery, it achieves a remarkable 77 MPGe and a 360-mile total range.
The Dodge Hornet GT stands as the quickest and most potent gas-powered CUV in the industry. Powered by the Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder, the GT model produces a segment-leading 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
As the “Head of Hive,” the 2025 Dodge Hornet R/T packs an extra punch with the class-exclusive PowerShot feature. This on-demand system unleashes a 30-horsepower surge, propelling the R/T from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The Dodge Hornet GT is no slouch either, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds in Sport Mode.
Beyond raw power, the 2025 Dodge Hornet boasts best-in-class and class-exclusive dynamic driving features. Equipped with Koni shocks, Brembo four-piston brake calipers, and dynamic torque vectoring, along with standard all-wheel drive on both R/T and GT models, the Hornet is engineered for driving enthusiasts who crave a CUV that embodies the true Dodge spirit in look, feel, and sound.
What’s New for the 2025 Dodge Hornet?
For the 2025 model year, Dodge has enhanced the Hornet GT and GT Plus models by offering steering wheel paddle shifters as part of the Track Pack option, providing a more engaging driving experience. Furthermore, the Hornet now qualifies for the optional one-day session at the Radford Racing School, the official high-performance driving school of Dodge//SRT, allowing owners to further hone their driving skills in a performance environment.
Dodge Hornet: Performance Highlights
The 2025 Dodge Hornet distinguishes itself with best-in-class performance delivered through two distinct models, each with a dedicated powertrain and standard all-wheel drive:
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Dodge Hornet R/T Performance Hybrid: As Dodge’s first foray into electrified performance, the Hornet R/T is the most powerful utility vehicle in its segment. It produces 288 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque and provides a 32-mile all-electric range thanks to its 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery.
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Dodge Hornet GT: Fueled by the Hurricane4 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, the Hornet GT boasts the most powerful gas engine in the compact SUV segment, delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
A key differentiator of the Dodge Hornet is the uniform availability of features and packages across both GT and R/T models. With the exception of powertrain-specific performance enhancements, all content options are accessible for both models, allowing for extensive customization. The Dodge Hornet also benefits from North American-specific calibrations for steering, suspension, and transmission, fine-tuning the driving dynamics for the target market.
Standard features across the 2025 Dodge Hornet R/T and GT models include a technologically advanced and user-friendly cockpit, featuring:
- 12.3-inch digital TFT cluster
- 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 radio
- Dual-zone HVAC
- Level 1 Advanced Driver Assist Systems
2025 Dodge Hornet R/T: Electrified Performance Leadership
The 2025 Dodge Hornet R/T, the “Head of Hive,” takes electrification to the performance arena with a suite of unique features:
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Class-Exclusive PowerShot: The on-demand PowerShot feature provides a 30-horsepower burst for maximum acceleration. Activating via steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and pedal kickdown, PowerShot shaves 1.5 seconds off the 0-60 mph time, achieving it in just 5.6 seconds. This system utilizes power from the battery and electric motor to deliver 15 seconds of boost, with a 15-second cooldown for repeated use. Real-time feedback is provided to the driver through a PowerShot symbol in the instrument cluster, and the system intelligently checks battery charge and temperature levels before activation.
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Versatile Driving Modes: The Hornet R/T offers Sport Mode and three hybrid driving modes:
- Hybrid Mode: Prioritizes electric power to maximize efficiency by seamlessly blending conventional engine and e-Motor operation, minimizing fuel consumption until a minimum battery level is reached.
- Electric Mode: Provides all-electric, zero-emission driving, automatically transitioning to hybrid mode when the battery depletes or when additional power is demanded.
- E-Save Mode: Favors the conventional engine to conserve battery charge, offering Passive (maintains charge) and Active (recharges battery) options.
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Sport Mode Dynamics: Sport Mode in the R/T is performance-tuned, activated via a dedicated center console button. It sharpens throttle response, optimizes shift schedules, engages the hybrid system for maximum power and torque, and firms up steering feel.
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Regenerative Braking and e-Coasting: The Hornet R/T incorporates energy-saving technologies. Regenerative braking recovers kinetic energy during deceleration, storing it in the battery. E-Coasting, activated upon throttle release, enhances energy recovery and shortens stopping distances.
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Standard Performance Features: The R/T model comes standard with 18-inch Graphite Grey wheels, Dodge-branded Brembo front fixed calipers, dual exhaust, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, reinforcing its performance credentials.
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Intelligent All-Wheel Drive: The R/T’s all-wheel-drive system dynamically distributes power between the 1.3-liter engine driving the front axle and the electric motor powering the rear wheels, ensuring optimal traction and control in all conditions.
2025 Dodge Hornet GT: Gas-Powered Performance Leader
The 2025 Dodge Hornet GT asserts its dominance as the industry’s fastest and most powerful gas-powered CUV.
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Sport Mode Engagement: The GT features a driver-selectable Sport Mode, easily accessible via a steering wheel button. Sport Mode sharpens throttle response, optimizes shift points, unlocks full engine power and torque, and tightens steering feel. When equipped with the optional Dual Stage Valve shocks, Sport Mode also stiffens the suspension for enhanced handling.
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Quick Acceleration: Sport Mode allows the Hornet GT to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 6.5 seconds.
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Standard All-Wheel Drive: Like the R/T, the Hornet GT comes standard with all-wheel drive for confident performance in varied driving conditions.
Customization and Packages
The 2025 Dodge Hornet offers three distinct packages available for both R/T and GT models, allowing owners to personalize their vehicle to their specific style and performance needs:
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Blacktop Package: Emphasizing a stealthy and aggressive aesthetic, the Blacktop Package includes 18-inch Abyss alloy wheels, Gloss Black badging and mirror caps, and Gloss Black-painted daylight opening (DLO) molding, creating a “murder Hornet” visual theme.
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Track Pack: Designed for maximum performance, the Track Pack upgrades the Hornet with 20-inch Abyss wheels, Dual Stage Valve suspension, Alcantara sport seats, aluminum interior accents and pedals, and eye-catching red brake calipers.
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Tech Pack: Focusing on advanced technology and driver assistance, the Tech Pack includes Highway Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, front-park sensors, ParkView 360 camera, and Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, enhancing both safety and convenience.
For enhanced luxury and comfort, Plus models are available for both the R/T and GT:
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R/T Plus: Elevates the interior with full leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a hands-free power liftgate.
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GT Plus: Builds upon the R/T Plus features, adding eight-way power driver and passenger seats, driver memory settings (three profiles), wireless charging, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start system, and auto-dimming mirrors, in addition to the features found in the R/T Plus.
Powertrain Details
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Dodge Hornet R/T Powertrain: The R/T is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged all-aluminum engine, part of the Stellantis Global Small Engine (GSE) family. This engine features exclusive third-generation MultiAir technology, which optimizes combustion efficiency by precisely controlling valve lift and timing. An electric induction motor drives the rear axle, delivering 1,844 lb.-ft. (2,500 Nm) of torque from 0 rpm. A 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with refrigerant gas cooling, optimizes power delivery and battery temperature. A starter generator aids in dynamic response and battery recharging. A high-power inverter and 7.4-kW charging module enable a full battery charge in approximately 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger. The R/T system is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
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Dodge Hornet GT Powertrain: The GT is powered by the Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine featuring direct fuel injection and engine stop-start technology. It delivers 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque while maintaining low emissions. The engine is mated to a fully electronic nine-speed transmission.
Muscular Dodge Design DNA
The Dodge Hornet injects muscular Dodge DNA into the CUV segment with distinctive styling cues:
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Performance Hood: The hood features integrated heat extractors, contributing to a performance-oriented appearance.
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Aggressive Front Fascia: The front incorporates a “mail slot”-style grille opening sculpted into the fascia, reinforcing the horizontal brow of the upper grille and headlamp graphics for a serious and assertive demeanor.
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Signature Lighting: LED reflector headlamps and illuminated daytime running lamps (DRL) provide a focused and unmistakable lighting signature.
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Integrated Bodyside Design: Matte black molded-in-color lower cladding and valances integrate into the muscular lines of the bodyside. The Hornet R/T features unique Abyss-painted lower cladding and a rear valance with integrated dual exhaust ports.
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Vehicle-Width Taillamp: A vehicle-width taillamp with a center illuminated Dodge Rhombi logo marks a first for a Dodge vehicle.
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Hornet Badging: Unique exterior Hornet badging on the fender celebrates the model’s revival and joins the iconic Dodge badging lineup.
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Driver-Focused Interior: The interior follows Dodge’s driver-centric design philosophy. Center stack controls and display screens are subtly angled towards the driver, placing them at the center of the driving experience.
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Premium Interior Accents: The instrument panel features a wrapped and stitched mid-bolster that extends across the cabin, creating a sense of spaciousness and visual width. Red stitching accents flow throughout the black interior, enhancing the sporty feel. The ignition control is prominently positioned on the accent-painted console.
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Performance Steering Wheel: Additional performance controls are readily accessible via a button on the flat-bottom steering wheel, allowing drivers to switch between Sport and Standard drive modes on the GT, and hybrid driving modes on the R/T, maintaining driver engagement.
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Premium Seating Options: Class-exclusive Alcantara seats with an embroidered Dodge Rhombi logo are available with the Track Pack. Racing-inspired Alcantara seats feature unique “red crust” accents. Leather seating is standard on the R/T Plus and GT Plus, with optional red leather seats for those seeking a bolder interior aesthetic.
Driving Dynamics: Engineered for Performance
The Dodge Hornet disrupts the mainstream CUV segment with a swarm of class-exclusive and best-in-class performance features that optimize driving dynamics:
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Class-Exclusive Koni Shocks: Frequency selective damping Koni shocks, standard on R/T and GT, enhance handling and ride comfort.
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Class-Exclusive Brembo Brakes: Brembo four-piston front fixed calipers, the only front fixed calipers in the segment and standard on R/T (available on GT), deliver exceptional braking power.
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Class-Exclusive Brake-by-Wire: Brake-by-wire Intelligent Braking System technology, standard on R/T, provides consistent performance and pedal feel across various driving conditions.
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Class-Exclusive Dual-Stage Suspension: Available dual-stage-valve suspension (Track Pack option for R/T and GT) allows for driver-selectable suspension damping, customizable on the fly.
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Best-in-Class Suspension: Best-in-class front and rear fully independent suspension, standard on both models, features optimized front MacPherson geometry and a unique rear 3-link Chapman suspension.
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Best-in-Class Torque Vectoring: Best-in-class dynamic torque vectoring, standard on R/T and GT, delivers torque with electronic precision and functions as an electronic limited-slip differential in Sport Mode.
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Enhanced Body Stiffness and Weight Distribution: Enhanced body stiffness improves rigidity and cornering confidence. Best-in-class weight distribution on the Hornet R/T optimizes balance for torque delivery and handling.
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Lateral G-Force: The Hornet achieves best-in-class maximum lateral g-force numbers of 0.90 for the R/T and 0.87 for the GT, demonstrating its exceptional handling capabilities.
Technologically Advanced User Experience
The Dodge Hornet delivers a technologically advanced user experience while maintaining a driver-centric focus:
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Best-in-Class Displays: A best-in-class standard 12.3-inch digital cockpit cluster screen and a standard 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system central display provide a combined 22.5 inches of in-vehicle screen space.
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Customizable Digital Cockpit: The 12.3-inch digital cockpit cluster displays three customizable information zones, allowing drivers to personalize the crisp and clear graphics. Options include an “Evolved” theme that maximizes the center display area, performance Sport Mode gauges, and hybrid drive mode displays for the R/T.
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Uconnect 5 System: The standard Uconnect 5 infotainment system is Android-based, intuitive, and user-friendly. Features include:
- Customizable home screen layouts, profiles, and preferences.
- Simultaneous connection for two phones.
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Amazon Alexa in-vehicle interaction for functions like controlling smart home devices or vehicle features.
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Harman Kardon Premium Audio: A best-in-class Harman Kardon premium sound system, standard on GT Plus and R/T Plus, features 14 speakers powered by 465 watts for an immersive audio experience.
Advanced Safety and Security Features
The Hornet incorporates advanced technology to offer a range of innovative safety features, many new to the Dodge brand. Standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include:
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Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects pedestrians or cyclists, providing warnings and potentially bringing the vehicle to a full stop to mitigate collisions.
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Lane Support System: Provides visual and haptic warnings for lane drifting and offers automatic counter steering.
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Blind-spot Detection with Rear Cross Path Detection: Alerts drivers to vehicles in blind spots and crossing behind the vehicle.
Three levels of parking assistance are available, with acoustic and visual warnings displayed on the 10.25-inch screen. Standard features include rear parking sensors and a high-definition backup camera. The Tech Pack adds further parking assistance capabilities.
Level 2 autonomous driving features, optional with the Tech Pack, enhance safety and convenience:
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Intelligent Speed Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition: Detects speed limits and allows for one-click speed adjustments.
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Driver Attention Alert: Detects driver fatigue and provides visual and acoustic warnings.
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Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC): Maintains speed and distance, with stop-and-go traffic support.
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Lateral Control/Lane Support System: Combines Lane Control and Traffic Jam Assist to keep the vehicle centered in the lane.
Direct Connection Performance Parts
Dodge’s Direct Connection parts portfolio will expand to include performance products exclusively developed for the Dodge Hornet, offering factory-backed performance upgrades.
The Dodge Hornet R/T and GT GLH Concepts pay tribute to the high-performance Dodge Omni GLH (Goes Like Hell) from the 1980s and showcase potential performance enhancements with Direct Connection parts.
Direct Connection content featured on the Hornet GT GLH concepts includes:
- Stage kits for stackable performance upgrades for the GT model.
- Suspension lowering kit for improved handling.
- Unrestricted dual exhaust with black chrome tips.
- Exclusive Direction Connection GLH 20-inch wheels and graphics.
- Black-painted lower trim with exhaust cutout rear fascia.
Direct Connection parts will be available through Dodge Power Brokers dealers, maintaining vehicle warranty when installed by authorized dealers.
Model Lineup and Available Colors
For 2025, the Dodge Hornet lineup includes four models:
- GT
- GT Plus
- R/T
- R/T Plus
Available Exterior Colors:
- Acapulco Gold
- Blu Bayou
- Blue Steele
- Gray Cray
- Hot Tamale
- Q Ball
- 8 Ball
Available Interior Colors:
- Black cloth/leatherette seats
- Black leather seats
- Red leather seats
- Black Alcantara seats with red accents
For more detailed information, photography, and videography of the 2025 Dodge Hornet, please visit the Dodge Hornet newsroom.
Dodge//SRT: Performance Heritage and Electrified Future
For 110 years, Dodge has embodied the spirit of performance. As America’s performance brand, Dodge continues to deliver unrivaled power and driving excitement across its lineup. Moving towards an electrified future, Dodge is leading the charge with vehicles like the next-generation Dodge Charger, including the all-electric 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack, the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car. Dodge remains committed to pure performance with models like the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat and the best-in-class standard performance Dodge Hornet.
Dodge is part of Stellantis, a leading global automaker. For more information on Stellantis, please visit www.stellantis.com.
Stay connected with Dodge//SRT and company news:
Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Dodge brand: www.dodge.com
Direct Connection: www.DCPerformance.com
DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge and @StellantisNA
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