Dodge Hornet R/T Awarded in 2023 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems

Dodge Hornet R/T Plug-In Hybrid Parked Front 3/4 View in a Garage

Rairdon’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Kirkland is proud to tell you that the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid has won the 2023 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award. 

This is the seventh consecutive year a Stellantis product has been included among this prestigious list of winners, and this year, it was earned by the first electrified product under the Dodge brand. This year’s award for the 1.3-liter turbo I-4 PHEV follows up a double win in 2022, where the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 plug-in hybrid in the Jeep® Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe and the all-new Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 in the Grand Wagoneer by Jeep received trophies. Stellantis models have accounted for 23 winners in the 30-year history of the award.

Dodge Hornet R/T Plug-In Hybrid Engine Close-Up

A Deft Combination of Gas and Electricity 

The Hornet R/T powertrain combines the model’s 1.3-liter turbocharged I-4 engine with two electric motors to deliver a system output of 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The motors are supplied energy by a 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and can move the model on its own at regular operating speeds for an estimated 30 miles. That is more than or covers much of many people’s commute or daily driving routine.

A notable and distinctly Dodge part of the Hornet R/T system is the PowerShot performance feature that will provide a boost of 30 horsepower for about 15 seconds.  That will reduce 0 to 60 mph times by 1.5 seconds and significantly shorten passing times.  It also makes the Hornet R/T  the quickest and most powerful utility vehicle in its very crowded segment.

“This powertrain is a joy to drive in most situations, from punching up PowerShot on a launch to silent EV motoring on local errands,” said Bob Gritzinger, WardsAuto editor-in-chief and a Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems judge. “It’s quick when you want it, mellow when you’re just cruising.”

Dodge Hornet R/T Plug-In Hybrid Charging Port Close-Up Plugged In

All Part of a Large Plan

Battery Electric Vehicles and electrified propulsion systems like the Hornet R/T’s play a vital role in Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan to cut its global carbon footprint by 50% by 2030, as well as lead the industry by achieving net carbon zero by 2038. The plan forecasts reaching a 100% passenger car BEV sales mix in Europe and a 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. The early 2024 arrival of the all-electric Ram ProMaster van and the Fiat 500e will be the first Stellantis BEVs in North America.

“Driving fun won’t ever go out of style, and the 1.3-liter turbo PHEV that powers the Dodge Hornet R/T, as well as other very successful models around the world, opens a new chapter for performance,” said Micky Bly, Stellantis head of global propulsion systems. “Our global electrification strategy is in full execution mode and with it comes new levels of capability and performance, all geared toward powering class-leading products that deliver on our ambition for clean, safe and affordable mobility.”

Thanks mainly to the plug-in hybrid Pacifica multiple Jeep models, Stellantis has become the best-selling automaker in the U.S. for PHEVs, an achievement the Hornet R/T will undoubtedly advance.  

Dodge Hornet R/T Plug-In Hybrid Parked Rear 3/4 View in a Park

Dodge’s newest nameplate, the Hornet, is a bold player in the popular compact crossover category with the highest standard power and extraordinary efficiency.  The Hornet model line is a must-see for your shopping list if you are considering a compact crossover. We have a great selection in the Rairdon’s of Kirkland inventory, most of which, as of this writing, are the award-winning Hornet R/T models.