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Dodge’s Smallest SUV Should Be Much More Popular

By Barnell Anderson

The North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show / Anadolu/GettyImages
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People know Dodge for producing some of the best muscle and sports cars of all time. However, the automaker has been struggling to move units of the 2023 and 2024 Dodge Hornet. It’s one of the top small SUVs, but dealerships have a large inventory that no one seems to want. Sadly, it falls far behind rival 2023 and 2024 Honda HR-V models. 

Here’s why the Dodge Hornet should be more popular. 

The 2024 Dodge Hornet is struggling in sales

According to Good Car Bad Car, the Dodge Hornet only sold 9,324 units in 2023, and about 7,418 people bought it in 2024. By comparison, one of its closest rivals, the Honda H-RV, is much more popular as it sold 122,206 models in 2023 and has already moved over 65,000 units in 2024. 

Readers should note that the Dodge Hornet has a much shorter history than the Honda HR-V, as it only went on sale in 2023. However, the lack of interest in what many call one of the top small SUVs is alarming. This is especially the case, as Dodge has been struggling as a whole in recent years.

This is one of the best small SUVs for performance

One reason people should give the 2024 Dodge Hornet more of a chance is its performance. According to Edmunds, it comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. It has a maximum output of 268 horsepower and a torque of 295 lb-ft. It’s an all-wheel drive model that uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

However, those seeking more power have another option in the Hornet’s hybrid form. This is one of the top small SUVs as it uses a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine combined with two electric motors to make 288 horsepower. Its torque is 383 lb-ft. 

Regarding speed, the non-hybrid versions of the 2024 Dodge Hornet can get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 6.5 seconds. However, the R/T trims only need 5.6 seconds. This is also one of the top small SUVs due to fuel economy. The hybrid versions get a combined average of 77 MPG in electric/hybrid mode. 

This is one of the top small SUVs for its interior

The 2024 Dodge Hornet also deserves more attention for its interior technology. All trims include a 10.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. It also has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This model also works with Amazon Alexa. 

Overall, there’s much to love about the Dodge Hornet. It doesn’t really fit the automaker’s brand identity, but it’s still a solid vehicle. The Hornet starts at $31,400.