Dodge Hornet buzzes in: Plug-in hybrid performance SUV “unlocks gateway to Dodge muscle”

Dodge says its new Hornet SUV will “unlock the gateway to Dodge muscle”, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering a healthy 212kW and 520Nm, as well as an all-electric driving range of almost 50 kilometres.

Think of the Hornet as the Alfa Romeo Tonale’s American cousin, with the compact SUV sharing much with the Italian model thanks to Dodge and Alfa’s shared Stellantis parent company.

But while the Alfa is all about Italian performance, the Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid is pitched as an almost muscle car, and is the Dodge brand’s first electrified vehicle.

It’s fitted with a 15.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which will provide a driving a range of “more than” 50kms – which isn’t bad in the PHEV space.

The power, which Dodge describes as “segment-leading”, comes from a combination of a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine, which combines with a 90kW rear-axle motor.

Also fun is the PowerShot function, which delivers an extra 18.5kW of power, and the full torque load, is high shaves a full second off the sprint to 100km/h time. The power boost lasts for 15 seconds, before the vehicle requires a 15-second rest.

The Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid is fitted with a 7.4-kW charging module, with zero-to-full charging taking 2.5 hours when using a 9.6kW charger.

There’s no word of an Australian launch through Stellantis locally yet, but keep those fingers crossed.