Selecting the Dodge Hornet R/T gets you the most powerful and efficient powertrain. The R/T trim has a 1.3L turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine underneath the hood. Mounted to the rear axle is an electric induction motor powered by a rechargeable electric vehicle battery pack, making it a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. While the turbocharged engine provides power to the front wheels, the electric motor powers the rear, providing all-wheel drive confidence. The electric power enhances the performance of the Hornet by giving it 184 lb-ft of torque instantly from a dead stop. In total, the system gives the Hornet 383 lb-ft of torque, with 184 of that available immediately upon pressing the gas pedal, and 285-plus horsepower. The PHEV system is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Hornet R/T adds the PowerShot feature, which can be activated by pressing the gas pedal and pulling both paddle shifters at the same time. PowerShot gives drivers a burst of 25 additional horsepower for fifteen seconds, shaving a full second off the 0-60 time to just 6.1 seconds. After a 15-second cooldown period, the PowerShot feature can be used again. Additionally, with the electric power, Hornet R/T drivers can choose between Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save drive modes. E-Save mode disables the electric motor, running solely on gas power to maintain or increase the battery’s state of charge through regenerative braking. 

Under the hood of the Dodge Hornet GT is Dodge’s Hurricane 4 engine. The Hurricane 4 is a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger for forced air induction. This engine also uses direct fuel injection and engine stop-start (ESS) technology. This gives Hornet GT drivers more than 265 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Hurricane 4’s turbocharger is equipped with an electric-actuated waste gate to enhance the engine’s torque responsiveness and overall performance. Meanwhile, the temperature of the turbocharging unit, intake air, and throttle body is lowered by a water-to-air intercooler. This improves the engine's durability and lowers emissions. While the GT has a default drive mode, Sport mode can be selected at the push of a button. This unleashes enhanced performance by unlocking the engine's full power and torque potential, optimized shift timing, a tighter steering feel, and a sharper throttle to push the Hornet from 0-60 in just 6.5 seconds. The engine is mated to an all-wheel drive system powered by a nine-speed automatic transmission.