Dodge Hornet R/T Named To Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems for 2023

The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T has recently debuted as a brand-new vehicle and has already started winning awards for its amazing powertrain. In its first year on sale, it has already won a top award for its unique 1.3-liter PHEV engine. 

WardsAuto has awarded the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T with the coveted 2023 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award. 

Engine & Battery

The Hornet R/T models feature a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) system attached to a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine that produces 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 90kW electric motor attached to the rear axle. The Hornett also features a 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which allows the small, sporty crossover to travel more than 30 miles on a single electric charge. A feature called PowerShot performance is helping the R/T shave 1.5 seconds from its 0-60 mph time. PowerShot gives the Hornet a 30-horsepower power boost while also delivering instant torque from its electric motor. It provides the Hornet R/T 15-second bursts of power and acceleration from the battery system and electric motor when enabled. 

What The Testers Say

“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.”

Who Is WardsAuto?

Since it first became published in 1924, WardsAuto has been a well-known automotive trade magazine. WardsAuto has since become best known for its 10 Best Engines awards that started in 1994. Their expert testers drive each brand-new car costing less than $65,000 for two months straight and score each model based on standard, everyday driving scenarios with zero instrumented testing. Wards looks at power, torque, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), among other things. In 2020, due to the rise of electric vehicles, WardsAuto changed the award name to Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems.

“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.”

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