The Dodge Hornet is back, and it’s buzzing louder than ever for 2025. Representing a significant milestone in Dodge’s century-long journey of performance innovation, the Hornet marks the brand’s electrifying foray into the future while staying true to its muscle car DNA. This isn’t just another compact utility vehicle (CUV); the 2025 Dodge Hornet is engineered to disrupt, injecting Dodge’s signature muscular styling and best-in-class standard performance into a rapidly growing segment. With a multi-energy powertrain lineup and a host of exclusive performance features, the Hornet is designed to attract a new generation of enthusiasts to the Brotherhood of Muscle. Leading the charge is the 2025 Dodge Hornet R/T performance hybrid, Dodge’s first-ever electrified performance vehicle, offering a potent combination of power and efficiency. Alongside it, the Dodge Hornet GT stands as the industry’s fastest and most powerful gas-powered compact utility vehicle. Together, they redefine what a CUV can be.
Dodge Hornet R/T: The Electrified “Head of Hive”
The 2025 Dodge Hornet R/T isn’t just dipping its toes into electrification; it’s diving in headfirst, claiming the title of the most powerful utility vehicle in its class. Boasting an impressive 288 horsepower and a staggering 383 lb.-ft. of torque, the Hornet R/T performance hybrid delivers exhilarating performance while embracing electric efficiency. At the heart of the R/T is a sophisticated powertrain featuring a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine working in harmony with an electric motor. This dynamic duo draws power from a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery, providing a remarkable 32 miles of all-electric range. For those mindful of fuel consumption, the Hornet R/T achieves a noteworthy 77 MPGe and offers a total driving range of 360 miles, making it as practical as it is powerful.
But the Hornet R/T offers more than just hybrid efficiency; it packs a class-exclusive punch with its on-demand PowerShot feature. This innovative system unleashes a burst of 30 additional horsepower, propelling the Hornet R/T from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.6 seconds. PowerShot is activated by simply pulling both steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and performing a pedal kickdown, providing a thrilling surge of acceleration on demand. The system intelligently monitors battery charge and temperature levels to ensure optimal performance and driver feedback is provided through a PowerShot symbol in the instrument cluster.
Beyond PowerShot, the Hornet R/T offers a suite of driving modes to tailor the experience to any situation. Sport Mode sharpens throttle response, optimizes shift schedules, and maximizes the hybrid system’s power for peak performance. For everyday driving, drivers can choose from three hybrid driving modes:
- Hybrid Mode: Balances engine and electric motor for maximum efficiency, prioritizing electric power until a minimum battery level is reached.
- Electric Mode: Enables all-electric, zero-emission driving, seamlessly switching to hybrid mode when the battery is depleted or when extra power is needed.
- E-Save Mode: Prioritizes the conventional engine to conserve battery charge, with options to passively maintain or actively recharge the battery.
Further enhancing efficiency, the Hornet R/T incorporates regenerative braking and e-Coasting functions. Regenerative braking recovers kinetic energy during deceleration, storing it back in the battery, while e-Coasting, activated when the throttle is released, allows for shorter stopping distances and additional energy recovery. Standard features on the R/T model underscore its performance focus, including 18-inch Graphite Grey wheels, Dodge-branded Brembo front fixed calipers for superior braking, a sporty dual exhaust, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for engaging driving dynamics. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system of the Hornet R/T seamlessly 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 various driving conditions.
Dodge Hornet GT: Unleashing Gas-Powered Fury
For those who prefer pure gasoline power, the 2025 Dodge Hornet GT delivers in spades, claiming its spot as the industry’s fastest and most powerful gas-powered CUV. Fueled by the potent Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder marvel, the Hornet GT unleashes 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. This robust engine provides exhilarating acceleration and confident performance for drivers seeking a thrilling experience behind the wheel. In Sport Mode, the Hornet GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, solidifying its position at the top of its class.
Like the R/T, the Hornet GT comes standard with all-wheel drive, ensuring confident handling and traction in diverse weather conditions. Sport Mode, easily accessible via a dedicated button on the steering wheel, unlocks the GT’s full potential by sharpening throttle response, optimizing shift schedules for the nine-speed automatic transmission, and providing a more engaging steering feel. For 2025, the Dodge Hornet GT and GT Plus models now offer available steering wheel paddle shifters as part of the Track Pack option, further enhancing driver engagement and control.
Shared DNA: Features and Packages Across the Hornet Lineup
Dodge understands that performance enthusiasts appreciate customization, and the 2025 Hornet lineup delivers with a wide array of features and packages available across both the R/T and GT models. Beyond the distinct powertrains, the Hornet R/T and GT share a common foundation of premium features and customizable options, allowing drivers to personalize their vehicle to match their individual style and needs. Key standard features for both models include a cutting-edge 12.3-inch digital TFT cluster that provides a customizable and informative driver display, and a user-friendly 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering seamless connectivity and entertainment. Dual-zone HVAC ensures optimal comfort for both driver and passengers, while a suite of L1 Advanced Driver Assist Systems enhances safety and convenience.
To further personalize the Hornet, Dodge offers three distinct packages available for both the R/T and GT models:
- Blacktop Package: Transforms the Hornet into a “murder Hornet” with a blacked-out aesthetic, featuring 18-inch Abyss alloy wheels, Gloss Black badging and mirror caps, and Gloss Black-painted daylight opening (DLO) molding.
- Track Pack: Designed for ultimate performance, the Track Pack upgrades the Hornet with 20-inch Abyss wheels, Dual Stage Valve suspension for enhanced handling, Alcantara sport seats for superior comfort and support, aluminum interior accents and pedals for a sporty feel, and eye-catching red brake calipers.
- Tech Pack: Integrates advanced technology and safety features, including Highway Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, front-park sensors, ParkView 360 camera, and Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist.
For those seeking an even higher level of luxury and convenience, Plus models are available for both the R/T and GT. The R/T Plus elevates the interior with full leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a hands-free power liftgate. The GT Plus mirrors these features and adds an eight-way power driver and passenger seat with driver memory settings, wireless charging, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start system, and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Adding to the performance pedigree, the 2025 Dodge Hornet now qualifies for the optional one-day session at Radford Racing School, the official high-performance driving school of Dodge//SRT, allowing owners to hone their driving skills in a professional environment.
Dodge Design and Cutting-Edge Technology
The 2025 Dodge Hornet proudly wears its muscular Dodge DNA, translating the brand’s iconic design language to the CUV segment. The hood features integrated heat extractors, hinting at the performance within, while the front fascia incorporates a distinctive “mail slot”-style grille opening, reinforcing the horizontal brow of the upper grille and headlamp graphics for an aggressive and purposeful stance. Signature LED headlamps and daytime running lamps provide unmistakable illumination, while the vehicle-width taillamp with a center illuminated Dodge Rhombi logo marks a first for a Dodge vehicle, creating a striking rear visual signature. A unique exterior Hornet badge on the fender celebrates the revival of this iconic nameplate.
Inside, the Hornet’s performance-inspired interior is driver-focused, with center stack controls and display screens subtly oriented towards the driver. The instrument panel features a wrapped and stitched mid-bolster, adding visual width and a premium feel. Red stitching accents flow throughout the black interior, highlighting the mid-bolster, seats, and armrest. The ignition control is prominently positioned on the center console, while performance controls, including buttons for Sport and hybrid driving modes, are placed on the flat-bottom steering wheel for easy access. Available premium interior touches include class-exclusive Alcantara seats with an embroidered Dodge Rhombi logo and racing-inspired Alcantara seats with unique “red crust” accents. Leather seating is standard on Plus models, with optional red leather seats for those seeking a bolder interior statement.
Technologically advanced, the Hornet boasts a best-in-class standard 12.3-inch digital cockpit cluster screen and a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system, providing a combined 22.5 inches of in-vehicle display space. The digital cockpit cluster is highly customizable, allowing drivers to select from various display themes and information zones, including performance gauges and hybrid driving mode displays for the R/T. The Uconnect 5 system is intuitive and feature-rich, offering customizable home screens, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual phone connectivity, and Amazon Alexa in-vehicle interaction. An available Harman Kardon premium sound system with 14 speakers and 465 watts delivers immersive audio.
Driving Dynamics and Safety: Performance with Confidence
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is engineered to deliver exceptional driving dynamics, disrupting the mainstream CUV segment with a swarm of class-exclusive and best-in-class performance features. Class-exclusive Koni frequency selective damping shocks improve handling and ride comfort, while class-exclusive Brembo four-piston front fixed calipers provide superior braking power. The R/T model further benefits from a class-exclusive brake-by-wire Intelligent Braking System. An available class-exclusive dual-stage-valve suspension, part of the Track Pack, allows drivers to customize suspension damping for an even more tailored driving experience. Best-in-class front and rear fully independent suspension and best-in-class dynamic torque vectoring further enhance handling and control. The Hornet’s enhanced body stiffness and best-in-class weight distribution on the R/T contribute to confident cornering and optimal balance. These performance features translate to real-world driving benefits, with the Hornet achieving best-in-class maximum lateral g-force numbers.
Safety is also a priority in the Dodge Hornet, with a comprehensive suite of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These include automatic emergency braking, Lane Support System, and Blind-spot Detection with Rear Cross Path detection. Available parking assistance features and optional Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities through the Tech Pack, including Intelligent Speed Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, further enhance safety and convenience.
Direct Connection Performance Parts and GLH Heritage
For enthusiasts seeking even more performance, the Dodge brand’s Direct Connection parts portfolio will expand to include performance products exclusively developed for the Dodge Hornet. These factory-backed performance upgrades will be available through Dodge Power Brokers dealers, maintaining the vehicle warranty when installed by a Power Brokers dealer. The Dodge Hornet R/T and GT GLH Concepts pay homage to the high-performance Dodge Omni GLH (Goes Like Hell) from the 1980s and showcase the potential performance enhancements achievable with Direct Connection parts. Direct Connection content featured on the Hornet GT GLH concepts includes a stage kit, suspension lowering kit, unrestricted dual exhaust, exclusive wheels and graphics, and black-painted lower trim.
The 2025 Dodge Hornet: Re-Defining the CUV
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is not just entering the CUV segment; it’s injecting it with a potent dose of Dodge DNA. With its powerful engine options, class-leading performance features, muscular design, and advanced technology, the Hornet is poised to disrupt the status quo and appeal to a new generation of drivers who demand both versatility and exhilarating performance. Whether you choose the electrified power of the R/T or the gas-fueled fury of the GT, the 2025 Dodge Hornet delivers a driving experience that is unmistakably Dodge. Explore the 2025 Dodge Hornet and discover how it’s redefining the performance CUV.
