Summary
- Writing a car review is time-consuming, focusing on being informative and entertaining while maintaining objectivity and respect for the reader’s time
- Dodge Hornet R/T was overlooked due to being annoying and expensive despite being unique
- The car has sporty driving capabilities but issues with handling and traction management
- Interior of the car feels upscale but lacks space and modern tech features
- The Dodge Hornet R/T is considered a bad deal at its price point compared to other SUVs from different brands
Article
The Dodge Hornet R/T was a vehicle that slipped through the cracks in the automotive market, being ignored and considered a solid dud. The author, after weeks of clarity and comparison with other vehicles, realized that the Hornet was annoying and overpriced. With a starting price of $52,035, the vehicle featured a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 15.5 kWh battery, and AWD capabilities. The author found the driving experience to be frustrating, especially in EV mode, due to the lack of traction management and the constant need for the engine to kick in.
The Dodge Hornet R/T was built on an old, heavily modified platform, similar to other Fiat and Jeep crossovers, but managed to feel different in terms of driving dynamics. It had a unique setup with the rear-mounted e-Axle that provided additional power to the rear wheels. The Hornet performed well in sport mode, exhibiting a sporty feel reminiscent of Fiat’s Abarth models. However, the author found it annoying to live with due to issues like random engine start-ups and lack of traction control, making it challenging to drive in certain conditions.
In terms of efficiency, the Dodge Hornet R/T had a 15.5 kWh battery pack that provided 32 miles of electric range. The vehicle achieved 36.4 miles on a test loop, with an average of 3.03 miles per kWh. The engine delivered 29 MPG mixed when out of EV range, with the author managing to beat that number with an average of 31 mpg mixed. The Hornet R/T could be charged in 2.5 hours with a Level 2 charger, making it convenient for daily charging needs.
The interior of the Dodge Hornet R/T borrowed elements from its upscale sibling, the Alfa Romeo Tonale, but lacked some premium touches. The vehicle’s touchpoints were nice, but the interior felt narrow compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The tech features were limited, with basic safety systems only available as part of an optional package. The U Connect system worked well but had a small screen with somewhat challenging icon use.
At a starting price of $42,995 for the R/T model, the Dodge Hornet R/T was considered overpriced due to the additional costs of optional features and packages. The vehicle required several add-ons like the Blacktop and track packages, along with the tech package, to enhance its features, driving up the cost significantly. The author found the Hornet R/T to be a bad deal compared to other SUVs in the market at a similar price point, making it a poor choice for buyers looking for value.
In conclusion, the Dodge Hornet R/T was seen as an annoying and overpriced vehicle in the automotive market. Despite its unique driving dynamics and decent efficiency, the vehicle struggled to offer value for its high cost. With competitors offering better features and performance at a similar price point, the Hornet R/T faced challenges in attracting buyers. The author noted that discounts on the vehicle were prevalent, indicating that it was not a popular choice among consumers. Ultimately, the Dodge Hornet R/T was deemed a frustrating purchase due to its shortcomings and high price.
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