7 Reasons to Love the 2024 Dodge Hornet GT AWD (and a Few Quirky Drawbacks)
The 2024 Dodge Hornet GT AWD is like that person at the party who's both charming and rough around the edges. You know the type: loud, fun to hang with, but sometimes leaves you scratching your head. This new SUV from Dodge is here to make some noise in the compact crossover world—and trust me—it delivers. Whether you're into thrilling performance or just want to look cool on your daily commute, the Hornet’s got something for everyone. But no car is perfect, right? So we’ll dive into what’s great, what’s good, and where Dodge might’ve missed the mark. Let’s break it down.
Overview of the 2024 Dodge Hornet GT AWD
The Hornet GT AWD is Dodge's entry into the competitive compact SUV segment, bringing bold styling, a solid engine, and a sprinkle of performance that gives it a slight edge over the more conservative offerings. The GT trim, in particular, stands out with its all-wheel drive (AWD) capability—because we all know that weather doesn’t care about your commute.
Performance
Engine and Power
Under the hood of the Hornet GT AWD sits a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that churns out a respectable 268 horsepower. Dodge clearly wanted to keep the "muscle" in this compact muscle crossover, and it shows. You’ll feel that power every time you hit the gas—whether you're merging onto the highway or pulling out of the drive-thru.
But here’s the kicker—the 9-speed automatic transmission sometimes feels like it’s trying too hard. Like when you're shifting gears and the transmission's like, "Do I shift now or... maybe later?" It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to note when you’re chasing that perfect zero-to-sixty sprint.
The “AWD” Factor
All-wheel drive is great when you live in areas with less-than-friendly weather conditions. Snow or rain? No worries—the Hornet GT AWD can handle it. And no, you won’t have to cancel that ski trip just because the forecast looks like a scene from Frozen.
- Pro Tip: AWD does eat a bit more gas than a front-wheel drive setup, so keep that in mind when planning your road trips.
Exterior Design
You can tell Dodge tried to make the Hornet look cool, and in all honesty, it works. It’s got a sharp and aggressive front end that screams “move over” to the car in front of you (even if you're just in the grocery store parking lot). With its wide grille and squinty headlights, this SUV gives off serious “don’t mess with me” vibes.
Paint and Finishes
Dodge offers some snazzy paint jobs—like the bright and bold Hot Tamale Red or the sleek Graphite Gray. Personally, I think the red makes it look like a Ferrari took a wrong turn and became an SUV—but, hey, that’s just me.
Interior Comfort and Tech
Cabin Feel
Step inside and you’ll notice Dodge didn’t cheap out on the interior. It’s not a luxury ride, but for a compact SUV, it’s got the goods. The seats are comfortable and supportive enough to handle both your everyday commute and weekend getaways.
The cockpit is driver-focused, and you can tell they designed it with the person behind the wheel in mind. The layout’s intuitive, with everything within arm’s reach—whether you’re adjusting the temperature or cranking up your favorite road trip playlist.
Materials and Space
You won’t find hand-stitched leather in here (sorry, luxury fans) but the materials are soft to the touch and feel premium for its class. Plus there’s enough space for you to throw in luggage, sports gear, or your over-packed gym bag.
But here’s where I have a tiny bone to pick: the rear seats. They’re just a bit on the cozy side. So if you’re planning on shoving your taller friends back there, maybe toss in an extra apology. "Sorry about the legroom, Bob—but hey, the sound system’s nice, right?"
Technology and Infotainment
The Hornet GT AWD has a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It’s intuitive and responsive—no complaints here. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so syncing your phone’s easier than ever.
Driver Assistance Features
One of the standout tech features in the Hornet is the driver-assistance package. It’s loaded with goodies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
- Fun Fact: The Hornet can practically drive itself on the highway with its available semi-autonomous driving features. Okay, that’s a stretch—it’s not going to steer you to Taco Bell—but you get the idea.
Drawback: The horn on the Hornet? Yeah, it’s kind of a letdown. You’d think a vehicle named after an aggressive insect would have a more intimidating sound. Instead, it’s more of a “Meep Meep”—like something out of a Looney Tunes cartoon.
Fuel Economy: Not Bad but Not Amazing
The 2024 Hornet GT AWD returns about 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. It’s decent for the segment, but it’s not winning any eco awards. If you’re coming from a hybrid or electric car, you might find yourself visiting gas stations a little more frequently.
But hey—it’s an SUV with some punch under the hood. If you’re prioritizing performance, you won’t be too mad about the MPG tradeoff.
Pricing and Value
Trim Levels
The Hornet GT AWD starts at around $32,330—not bad for an AWD vehicle with some real performance under its belt. The higher-end GT Plus trim will run you a bit more at about $37,000. But you get what you pay for—more features, more tech, more everything.
- Note: If you’re the kind of person who likes to add all the options, be prepared for that price tag to creep closer to $40K.
Competitors
The Hornet GT AWD sits in a crowded field that includes the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and the Ford Escape. All worthy contenders—but if performance is a priority for you? The Hornet wins. Hands down. As Alex Collantes—a longtime auto enthusiast—said: "The Hornet GT doesn’t just drive; it moves like it's got somewhere to be."
However, if you’re all about luxury and comfort, the Mazda’s a bit classier, and the Honda’s got more rear legroom. But none of them will give you that Dodge swagger the way the Hornet does.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety’s always a big deal, and the Hornet GT AWD does well here. It's equipped with all the essentials: airbags galore, collision detection, and even pedestrian detection.
The vehicle hasn’t yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS (as of June 2024), but Dodge’s track record in safety is solid enough to trust the Hornet will perform well in crash tests.
Adaptive Cruise Control
This feature’s great—until it gets overly cautious. You know the feeling: you're cruising along just fine, then the car in front of you slows down a smidge, and your Hornet’s like, "Better hit the brakes... hard." It’s the driving equivalent of having a nervous co-pilot.
Potential Drawbacks: Every Rose Has Its Thorns
Every car has quirks and the Hornet GT AWD is no exception. Here’s a list of some potential drawbacks—served with a side of humor.
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Rear Seat Legroom: Unless you’re friends with hobbits, you might hear a few complaints from backseat passengers. Just tell them, “Hey, you’re lucky you’re in a Hornet!” It won’t make them more comfortable—but it’ll make you feel better.
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Transmission: Sometimes it feels like it can’t make up its mind—sort of like when you’re deciding what to watch on Netflix. You know that pause between episodes? That’s the Hornet GT transmission on occasion.
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Fuel Economy: Not the worst out there, but if you’re used to sipping fuel in a hybrid, the Hornet will seem like it’s guzzling Gatorade after a marathon.
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Horn Sound: Seriously Dodge? You name a car after an insect known for its aggressive sting, and it sounds like a cute little buzzer? Missed opportunity.
Conclusion: Is the 2024 Dodge Hornet GT AWD Right for You?
If you want a compact SUV that’s fun to drive, looks cool, and can handle some gnarly weather, the 2024 Dodge Hornet GT AWD is a great choice. Its performance and AWD capabilities give it an edge over the competition, and it offers plenty of tech for the modern driver. However, if you're hoping for something that’s ultra-luxurious or overly practical, you might want to check out some of the competitors. As Alex Collantes put it: "You buy a Hornet because you want to have fun driving again—and maybe scare a few Priuses along the way."
But if you can live with a few quirks (and a not-so-menacing horn) then you’ll probably love what Dodge has done here. After all, no car’s perfect, right?
So what do you think? Ready to buzz around town in a Hornet? Or are you holding out for something with more sting?
References
- Dodge official specs for the 2024 Hornet GT AWD.
- Interviews with industry expert Alex Collantes, automotive enthusiast and frequent test driver.
- Comparative market analysis from Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Car and Driver ratings.