Sting of Style: The Pros and Cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet

• Sporty, characterful compact SUV with a strong plug-in hybrid option and bold styling are the pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet.
• Cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet include smaller rear/cargo space and mixed interior material quality
• Experience the pros and cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet at Lawton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.

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The 2025 Dodge Hornet brings a dose of muscle-car attitude to the compact SUV world. It’s quick off the line, sharp to drive, and styled to stand out in a crowded parking lot. At the same time, it’s practical enough to handle errands, school runs, or a weekend getaway. All without feeling like you’ve traded fun for functionality. The real question is: can a compact SUV really deliver both excitement and everyday usefulness?

Dodge Hornet Overview

The Dodge Hornet isn’t just another compact SUV. It’s built to bring some excitement back to everyday driving. The gas-powered GT packs plenty of punch with its turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive. If efficiency with a side of muscle is more your style, the plug-in hybrid R/T delivers extra horsepower along with instant torque from its electric motor. This combo gives you quick launches and quieter city cruising. Inside, you’ll find enough cargo space for weekend getaways or a solid grocery run. However, it’s a bit cozier than some of its competitors. The Hornet is Dodge’s way of saying, you don’t have to sacrifice fun for practicality.

What’s new for 2025

For 2025 Dodge refined trim packaging and emphasized the hybrid R/T’s performance credentials. This includes the brand’s PowerShot boost option and slightly extended electric range claims in marketing materials. The 2025 Dodge Hornet PHEV is highlighted as a competitive plug-in in the segment with an EPA-ish electric-only range in the low 30s of miles. That equals a total driving range around the mid 300s when the gas engine is included. But there are specific pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet that need to be established. Just like there are specific cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet.

Pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet

Below we list out what we think are the best pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet. However, we highly recommend that you come visit us in person to experience and decide for yourself what the pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet are.

Sporty Performance and Acceleration

The 2025 Dodge Hornet is built to feel lively. The GT’s 2.0-liter turbo delivers strong midrange torque and quick throttle response for everyday passing. The R/T PHEV uses electric torque to make launches feel immediate. One of the pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet is the estimated 0 to 60 time. It comes in the mid 5-second range for the R/T when configured with the PowerShot boost. The suspension and steering are tuned to favor driver engagement rather than soft compliance. This means the 2025 Dodge Hornet rewards an active driver with confident turn-in and minimal body roll compared with many comfort-focused compact SUVs.

Competitive Pricing and Standard Equipment

Dodge positions the 2025 Hornet to undercut many premium rivals while still bundling an attractive kit. The base GT sits near the low- to mid-$30,000 range depending on market deals. This is one of the pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet that makes this sporty 268-horsepower compact SUV more accessible. Standard features across trims include a large infotainment display with wireless smartphone integration and an all-wheel-drive setup that many competitors reserve for higher trim. That value orientation is part of its appeal for buyers who want performance without paying luxury-brand premiums.

Plug-In Hybrid Option for Efficiency and Power

The 2025 Dodge Hornet R/T’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is one of its most interesting strengths. It has a battery sized to deliver roughly 32 to 33 miles of electric-only driving per charge. This is one of the pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet because daily commutes can be handled mostly on electricity. It cuts fuel use and enables brisk electric-assisted acceleration when you want it. When the battery is depleted, the R/T behaves like a capable hybrid with combined fuel-economy numbers that improve over the gas-only model. Even better, buyers who want the feel of a quick crossover plus real-world EV-capable commuting, take a look at the 2025 Dodge Hornet PHEV.

Distinctive Design and Driver Engagement

Stylistically the Dodge Hornet does not hide. This is thanks to the aggressive proportions, bold face treatment, and interior cues that tilt toward the driver. All of which support a more emotional ownership experience than bland mainstream crossovers. That’s why this is one of the pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet! The cabin layout is clearly aimed at engagement, with controls and ergonomics favoring an involved driver.

Cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet

Although we hate to admit it, there are some cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet that you need to consider before buying one.

Limited Rear Seat and Cargo Space

The 2025 Dodge Hornet has a compact packaging and sporty silhouette that come at the cost of interior room in the back. Rear legroom and headroom can feel tighter than class leaders. Also, trunk volumes are commonly around 27 cubic feet behind the second row. This places the 2025 Dodge Hornet below roomy rivals. Families or tall passengers who regularly ride in the rear seats will notice the difference on longer trips. In other words, if you’re really tall, this is one of the cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet for you.

Interior Quality and Layout Quirks

While the 2025 Dodge Hornet cabin scores points for sporty styling and driver-focused ergonomics, some owners note inconsistent material choices. Specific cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet are that a few layout decisions feel unconventional. That is until you get used to them. This might not be a big deal to some. But for buyers who want a uniformly premium cabin or very intuitive control layout out of the box, the interior can be a compromise. 

Mediocre Fuel Economy for Non-Hybrid Versions

If you choose the gas-only 2025 Dodge Hornet, the fuel-economy numbers are competitive with sport-tuned compacts. Non-hybrid models post combined numbers in the mid-20s mpg range in EPA-equivalent reporting. This is one of the cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet because it trails behind the many hybridized rivals that now dominate the segment.

Is the 2025 Dodge Hornet worth it?

Short answer: it depends on what you prioritize. If the things we listed as pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet haven’t convinced you, below we compare the Hornet to a couple typical compact-SUV choices to further help you decide.

The Honda CR-V prioritizes space, comfort, and proven fuel economy. A 2025 CR-V starts around the low $30,000s. It offers class-leading cargo room near 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Additionally, it has a very competitive hybrid combined mpg figures in the high 30s. The CR-V beats the Hornet on efficiency, though it will not be as sporty to drive.

The Kia Sportage is a strong value play, with roomy cargo and a variety of powertrains including efficient hybrids and plug-in hybrids. If you want space, modern tech, and a reassuring warranty package, a Sportage is worth weighing. However, if you want sharper throttle response and a more aggressive brand personality, the Dodge Hornet holds the edge.

The 2025 Dodge Hornet is worth it when your priority list begins with engaging performance, bold styling, and the availability of a legit plug-in hybrid. Specifically one that gives you short-range electric commuting plus tangible on-demand power. It is less compelling if your checklist centers on roomy rear seats and top fuel-efficiency for non-hybrid ownership. The pros of the 2025 Dodge Hornet is that it trades space and best-in-class hybrid economy for personality and acceleration. Some cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet is that it’s more about PHEV performance than pure interior refinement or cargo versatility.

Experience the Pros and Cons of the 2025 Dodge Hornet At Lawton CJDR

Want a compact SUV that feels alive and has a serious plug-in hybrid option? The 2025 Dodge Hornet is one of the few in its class that delivers that specific mix. Its strengths are performance, distinctive styling, and a value-oriented base price with solid equipment. Its tradeoffs are smaller rear and cargo room, mixed interior refinement, and early-owner tech and reliability questions.

If you are ready to ride in style, the experts at Lawton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram are ready to help! We will help you find the perfect 2025 Dodge Hornet for you! Our Lawton cars for sale inventory includes the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Hornet, Dodge Durango, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram Chassis Cab, Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Compass, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Reach out to our Lawton car dealership to schedule a test drive today.

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Address

215 SE Interstate Dr., Lawton, OK 73501

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