Fitting with the brand's muscle car image, Dodge is positioning the small Hornet as a performance-oriented sporty compact SUV. It shares components with the new Alfa Romeo Tonale, itself based on the Jeep Compass. The base GT packs a 268-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic. The 2024 added R/T plug-in hybrid nets 288-hp combined, powered by a 1.3-liter turbo four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic that works in conjunction with its electric drive. It has a 32-mile electric-only range before transitioning to regular hybrid operation. Both versions have standard AWD. AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard. For 2025, paddle shifters became available on the GT and GT Plus trims as part of the Track Pack option.