Drew Doring, with CARandDRIVER saidBorrowing much of its platform, styling, and interior from the handsome Alfa Romeo Tonale, the 2024 Hornet gives the Dodge brand a much-needed entrant in the white-hot compact SUV arena. A 268-hp turbocharged four-cylinder drives all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. A plug-in hybrid model is also offered, but we review that model separately. Compared to other compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, the Hornet's cabin is a little snug, with less room for passengers and cargo. Where the Hornet beats its competition, though, is in its spunky on-road demeanor. Dodge has also equipped every model with a generous list of standard features that includes a digital gauge display, the company's most up-to-date infotainment interface, and a host of driver-assistance features including automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
The base GT comes with plenty of desirable standard features, including a large 10.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch aluminum wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control. We would splurge on the Cold Weather Group package, that this GT includes, which adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start.
The GT Blacktop Package featured on the GT adds 18-inch x 7.5 inch Abyss finish aluminum wheels with 225-55R 18 inch tires, gloss black painted mirror caps and body side moldings, a dark Hornet Badge as well as a dark GT badge.