Dodge Hornet R/T's Hybrid Powertrain Clinches Spot on Wards' 2023 Top 10 List

The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T has broken new ground as Dodge's inaugural electrified performance vehicle, and its powertrain has already gained recognition, earning a place on the 2023 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list. This marks the seventh year in a row that a Stellantis-engineered system has achieved this honor.

Under the hood, the Hornet R/T's advanced powertrain is a blend of a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and dual electric motors, together generating an impressive 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the vehicle offers an electric-only range exceeding 52 kilometers.

But that’s not all; the Hornet R/T introduces a unique feature called PowerShot. This mechanism enhances the vehicle’s performance by temporarily boosting output by 30 horsepower, essentially cutting 1.5 seconds from the usual 0-60 mph sprint time. It achieves this by harnessing 15-second spurts of extra juice from the battery and electric motors, thereby setting a new benchmark for speed and power in its vehicle class.

WardsAuto editor-in-chief Bob Gritzinger, who also served as a judge for the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems, noted the system’s versatile nature, citing its effectiveness in various driving scenarios—from swift acceleration with the PowerShot feature to quieter, emission-free local drives.

The accolade for the Hornet R/T follows a broader trend within Stellantis, which has committed to reducing its global carbon footprint by 50% by 2030, and reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2038. The Dodge Hornet R/T's innovative powertrain plays an integral role in this mission, offering a compelling mix of performance and sustainability.

The recognition from Wards signifies not just an award, but a confirmation of the capabilities of modern hybrid systems to deliver power without sacrificing environmental responsibility. It also further establishes Stellantis as a leader in the PHEV market, where their sales in North America have more than doubled in the first half of 2023 alone.