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 sport crossover and has already started winning awards for its superb powertrain. In its first year on sale, it has already won a top award for its fantastic 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 Dodge Hornet R/T is a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) with a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine producing 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 crossover to drive more than 30 miles on a single electric charge. The R/T introduced a new technology called PowerShot performance. This feature gives the Hornet a 30 horsepower boost and delivers instant electric torque. According to Dodge, this will take off 1.5 seconds from the already quick 0-60 mph time. The system works by boosting the power and acceleration by way of 15-second bursts from the battery system and electric motor. 

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?

WardsAuto has been an automotive trade magazine since 1924. They are best known for their 10 Best Engines awards that started in 1994. Testing only new vehicles with a base price of less than $65,000, WardsAuto testers drive each car for two months and score each model based on regular, 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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