5 Reasons to Love the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus – Max Speed Unleashed

The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus is like that one friend who's always the life of the party and can also outrun everyone in a footrace. Dodge has packed this compact SUV with everything you could need to make driving as fun as possible while not skimping on practicality. With a hybrid powertrain and an eye-catching design the Hornet is ready to sting (pun intended).

Now what really makes car enthusiasts buzzing is the maximum speed this beast can reach. You’re probably wondering how fast this hybrid bad boy can go and if it’s worth all the hype. Let’s break it down in a way that won’t feel like you’re reading an encyclopedia because life’s too short for boring car reviews.

Power and Speed – How Fast Can the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus Really Go?

If you're here for speed figures let's cut to the chase: the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus comes equipped with a hybrid setup that cranks out some serious power. Combining a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor this setup delivers a whopping 288 horsepower. Yeah you read that right. For an SUV of this size that’s a lot of oomph.

The 0-60 Time – Does It Live Up to the Dodge Name?

If you’re the type who loves watching the world blur as you hit the gas you'll appreciate that the 0 to 60 mph sprint in the Hornet R/T Plus happens in 6.1 seconds. For a hybrid compact SUV those numbers are impressive. It's quick enough to merge onto highways without breaking a sweat and get you that coveted “first off the line” moment at the red light.

• Horsepower: 288 HP
• Torque: 383 lb-ft of torque (plenty for overtaking slower traffic)
• Top Speed: 128 mph (not bad for a small hybrid)

For an eco-friendly option you get to have your cake and eat it too. Who said hybrids have to be boring?

What About the Driving Experience? Is It Fun?

Of course speed isn't everything. Driving dynamics matter too. If you're spending more time in the car than at home it better be fun to drive. So how does the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus hold up?

Handling and Suspension

The Hornet comes with a dual-mode suspension setup which includes a dynamic setting. In simple terms this makes the Hornet feel more like a sportscar when you're tearing down winding roads but still keeps it comfy enough for daily commutes. The torque vectoring system helps keep you planted during aggressive cornering so it's not like you'll be fishtailing into someone's flowerbed. Dodge wanted this Hornet to feel nimble and agile, and it delivers.

But here’s the thing. No car is perfect right? One of my buddies Alex Collantes who test drove the Hornet said “Man it handles like a dream but sometimes the steering feels a bit too light especially at higher speeds. It’s like driving a go-kart but with 288 horsepower.” Not the worst complaint honestly but something to keep in mind if you're used to a heavier steering feel.

The Hybrid Powertrain – Save Fuel While Going Fast

This wouldn't be a proper hybrid review without talking about fuel economy. The 2024 Hornet R/T Plus manages to be both fast and fuel-efficient. On electric power alone you can cruise around for up to 30 miles. Combine that with the gasoline engine and you’ll get up to 77 MPGe.

Fuel Savings – Is It Worth It?

For those who care about saving money at the pump and still getting a fast car the Hornet’s hybrid system is a win. It's not a Prius but come on it’s way more fun than one. The electric motor gives you instant torque (that feeling when you hit the gas and it goes) and the gas engine takes over for longer trips so you're not constantly searching for a charging station.

• Electric Range: 30 miles (not bad for short trips)
• Combined MPG: 37 mpg (for when you’re in hybrid mode)

Though let’s not pretend it’s all sunshine and roses. If you live in an area without many charging stations it could be a bit of a headache to keep your Hornet juiced up. Dodge might’ve gone for a little too much hybrid without considering people who live in rural areas. Alex said “I love that I can save on gas but dude finding a charging station in my town is like hunting for Bigfoot.”

Interior and Tech – What’s Inside the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus?

Now let's talk tech and interior because let’s face it in 2024 we care just as much about screens and connectivity as we do about speed. The Dodge Hornet does not disappoint.

Screen Size and Features

First off you get a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Uconnect 5. It’s intuitive easy to use and quick to respond. There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can ditch the cables. And for all the audiophiles out there the Hornet R/T Plus offers a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Is the Infotainment System User-Friendly?

For the most part yes. However like many infotainment systems it’s not without its quirks. The interface can be a bit laggy sometimes especially when transitioning between different functions like going from maps to music. But hey that's a small tradeoff when you get such a rich suite of tech features. It's all about balance right?

Comfort and Space – Can It Fit the Whole Family?

Surprisingly yes. While the Dodge Hornet R/T Plus may be a compact SUV it's still roomy enough to comfortably seat five adults. The seats are plush supportive and wrapped in leather so even on long trips you won’t feel like your lower back is begging for mercy.

There’s also decent cargo space at 27 cubic feet behind the second row which expands to 54.7 cubic feet when you fold the seats down. Plenty of space for groceries gym bags and your questionable IKEA furniture purchases.

Pros and Cons – The Good the Bad and the Speedy

Pros:

1. Quick acceleration for a hybrid – 6.1 seconds to 60 mph.
2. Fuel-efficient with 30 miles of electric-only range.
3. Loaded with tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
4. Spacious for a compact SUV – good for families or road trips.
5. Handles corners like a champ thanks to the dual-mode suspension.

Cons:

1. Charging stations are a hassle to find in rural areas.
2. The infotainment system can sometimes be slow to respond.
3. Some might find the steering too light especially at higher speeds.
4. A top speed of 128 mph is impressive but let's be real most of us aren’t hitting that on the daily commute unless you live on the Autobahn.

Price and Trims – How Much Does the Hornet R/T Plus Cost?

We’ve covered all the fun stuff now let's talk about the price. The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus starts at around $43,995. If you want the extra tech goodies like the premium sound system or sunroof you’re looking at around $47,500. But even at its base price you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. Plus the hybrid savings on gas over time make it a solid deal.

Final Verdict – Should You Buy the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus?

So is the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus worth it? In short yes. It’s a speedy fuel-efficient tech-savvy SUV that’s actually fun to drive. If you’re looking for something that combines speed style and a green thumb without sacrificing performance the Hornet R/T Plus should be at the top of your list.

But don't take my word for it. Alex Collantes said it best “The Hornet gives you the best of both worlds. You get the speed and the hybrid tech but also a car that’s practical enough for everyday use. Plus it looks good doing it. Honestly I’ve never driven a hybrid this fun before.”

So what are you waiting for? If you need a compact SUV with a hybrid punch the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus is ready to sting.