Balancing Power and Efficiency: The 2025 Dodge Hornet Engine Lineup Explained

The 2025 Dodge Hornet offers Carmel drivers a choice between turbocharged power or hybrid efficiency. This compact SUV has the muscle car attitude that Dodge built its name on, while still providing good gas mileage and greener driving options. If you’re ready to find your perfect match, this guide walks you through both engine options — from the powerful Hurricane4 turbo to the electricity-sipping plug-in hybrid — to help you see which one fits your lifestyle best.

Why the 2025 Dodge Hornet Is Perfect for Putnam County Drivers

Putnam County’s snow-slicked winter roads and rush hour madness on I-84 are no match for the 2025 Hornet. Every Hornet comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) standard, giving you confident traction whether you’re battling ice on Route 6 or need extra grip on a rainy morning drive.

Size-wise, the Hornet works brilliantly for our mix of town and country driving. It sits between categories — bigger than tiny SUVs such as the Hyundai KONA or Mazda CX-30 but more nimble than bulkier options such as the Honda CR-V. This middle-ground approach means you’ve got room for groceries and gear without struggling to park at Carmel City Center. The hybrid R/T is great for running errands around town on pure electricity, then switching to gas power for weekend trips to the Catskills or family visits upstate.

What Engine Options Are Available for the 2025 Hornet?

The 2025 Hornet splits into two distinct power camps, each aimed at different driving styles. GT and GT Plus models are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that outputs 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This Hurricane4 engine offers quick throttle response and steady power delivery as you press the pedal.

Choose one of the R/T models and you’ll find hybrid magic happening. These combine a smaller 1.3-liter turbo gas engine with an electric motor for a combined 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Use the R/T’s unique PowerShot system to give you an extra 30 hp burst for 15 seconds when you need to scoot past slower traffic or pass someone uphill anywhere in the Hudson Valley.

Comparing Trims and Their Performance Attributes

Let’s break down what you get at each price point. The 2025 Dodge Hornet’s pricing starts at $31,400 for the base GT, which gives you 17-inch wheels, cloth and synthetic leather seats, and all the safety tech you’d expect. Standard features include a 10.25-inch digital display and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Choose the $36,695 GT Plus and you’ll add leather heated and cooled front seats, a power sunroof, wireless phone charging, and a booming 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The hybrid R/T starts at $41,400 with most GT Plus goodies included. The R/T Plus tops the range at nearly $46,745. For this price increase, you get bigger 18-inch wheels, beefier Brembo brakes for better stopping, and of course, that plug-in hybrid system. The R/T Plus combines all the hybrid tech with the luxury touches from the GT Plus. Dodge designed these models to suit a wide range of drivers.

Dodge Hornet GT Specs

The GT’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine hits 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. This power matters when you’re trying to merge onto the highway from those short on-ramps or need to pass slower cars on two-lane stretches of Route 301. Gas mileage is decent at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with a 13.5-gallon tank.

Dodge Hornet R/T Specs

The R/T’s plug-in system transforms the Hornet. The R/T hybrid finishes a 0-to-60 mph sprint in just 5.6 seconds thanks to its electric motor providing an instant boost from a standstill. With up to 32 miles of all-electric range, it can handle daily routines on battery alone. Once depleted, the gas engine automatically kicks in, providing a total range of up to 360 miles. You can run local errands without burning gas, then have a full range for longer trips. A Level 2 charger tops up the battery in around two and a half hours.

Transmission and Drivetrain Options

Each Hornet gets a transmission matched specifically to its engine — no one-size-fits-all approach here. GT models are paired with a nine-speed automatic that handles shifting duties, sending power to all four wheels standard. This transmission provides smoother power delivery and better gas mileage on those longer drives around New York.

The R/T uses a six-speed automatic instead. It uses fewer gears because this transmission was designed to work with the hybrid system, managing both gas and electric power sources smoothly. The R/T eAWD system uses independently powered front and rear axles. This offers a more balanced feel when navigating through Putnam County’s hills and curves.

Handling, Braking, and Ride Quality

Both Hornet versions use a segment-exclusive Koni frequency-selective damping suspension. This keeps things comfortable on twisty roads without punishing you over rough patches. The R/T’s near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution helps improve ride control.

Brakes match each model’s needs perfectly. GT models feature Brembo brakes that deliver confident stopping to keep you safer on the road. The R/T models upgrade to stronger Brembo brakes with four-piston fixed aluminum front calipers. The Track Pack adds 20-inch black wheels, red brake calipers, Alcantara seats, adjustable suspension, and a sport steering wheel.

Your Perfect Hornet Awaits in Carmel, New York

The 2025 Hornet’s two-engine approach matches any Putnam County driver. Choose a GT for turbo fun or an R/T for hybrid versatility. Both come standard with AWD and modern stop/start technology to reduce emissions and save gas in traffic. This mix of performance, efficiency, and utility makes the Hornet perfect for Carmel living. Want to feel these engines yourself? Visit Meadowland of Carmel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram or contact us, and we’ll help you find which Hornet gives you the right mix of power and efficiency for your life. Check out our new vehicle specials to find great deals.

Images from dodge.com

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