Picking the right Dodge Hornet trim matters more than it might seem - the gap between the base GT and the top R/T PHEV spans over $10,000 and includes fundamentally different powertrains, not just feature lists. Nassau County buyers commuting from Westbury to Hicksville have different priorities than those running Hempstead Turnpike daily, and the Hornet’s three trims are designed with all of them in mind.
Bottom Line: The GT delivers sharp value for daily driving, the GT Plus adds meaningful comfort and tech upgrades for moderate-budget buyers, and the R/T PHEV is the standout choice for Nassau County commuters who want to cut fuel costs without committing to a fully electric vehicle.
- GT starts at approximately $31,000: 268 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter, FWD standard, Uconnect 10.25-inch touchscreen
- GT Plus at approximately $34,000: adds DC fast-charge prep, heated steering wheel, premium audio, and advanced safety tech
- R/T PHEV at approximately $41,500: 288 combined hp, 32-mile electric range, standard AWD, potential federal tax credit eligibility
GT: The Hornet’s Value-Focused Starting Point
The Dodge Hornet GT is built around a sharp entry price and a powertrain that punches above its class. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque - numbers that give the Hornet genuine quickness in a segment that usually settles for adequate performance.
Front-wheel drive is standard on the GT, though AWD is available as an option for Nassau County buyers who want better wet-weather traction on Route 110 or the Meadowbrook Parkway during rainy commutes. The 9-speed automatic transmission handles shifts smoothly and is calibrated for both efficiency and responsiveness.
Standard equipment on the GT covers the essentials well: the Uconnect 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, keyless entry with push-button start, and a rearview camera. Lane departure warning and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking are included at the base level.
Cargo space on the Hornet GT measures 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats - a strong number for the compact crossover class that easily handles grocery runs, gym bags, and the kind of gear Nassau County daily drivers carry. The 61.5 cubic feet with seats folded rivals some larger crossovers.
For Mineola, Carle Place, and Westbury commuters who want a stylish, quick compact crossover at a reasonable price and are not interested in electrification, the GT delivers an honest value without unnecessary compromises.
GT Plus: Meaningful Upgrades Without the PHEV Premium
The GT Plus adds approximately $3,000-$3,500 to the GT’s starting price and delivers upgrades that many Nassau County buyers will actually use every day. This is not a trim level defined by flashy features - the additions are practical ones aimed at making the daily driving experience measurably better.
Key additions on the GT Plus:
- DC fast-charge port preparation (for R/T PHEV buyers cross-shopping who prefer to stay with the GT Plus)
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel - genuinely useful for Nassau County winters
- Premium Alpine audio with 10 speakers
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
The safety tech upgrade alone justifies consideration of the GT Plus over the base GT for many buyers. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function substantially reduces driver fatigue during Nassau County’s stop-and-go commutes on the LIE and Meadowbrook Parkway.
The GT Plus also gets sportier appearance elements including gloss-black exterior accents and unique interior trim details. For buyers in Garden City, Uniondale, and Hempstead who want a sharp-looking crossover and are choosing between the GT and GT Plus, the real question is whether the heated seats and driver assist package are worth $3,000 to them - for most winter commuters, the answer is yes.
"The GT Plus is often the sweet spot for Nassau County buyers. You get the heated seats, the blind-spot monitoring, and the premium audio - features that make the Hornet feel like a more expensive vehicle every single day."
General Manager, Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram
Browse current Dodge Hornet inventory at Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram or check Garden City Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram to see GT and GT Plus availability across Nassau County.
R/T PHEV: The Nassau County Commuter’s Case for Electrification
The R/T PHEV is a fundamentally different vehicle from the GT and GT Plus - not just a spec upgrade, but a different powertrain strategy. A 1.3-liter turbocharged engine pairs with a 90-kW electric motor for a combined 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, making it the quickest Hornet in the lineup.
Standard AWD comes with the R/T PHEV because the electric motor drives the rear axle while the gasoline engine handles the front. This layout delivers genuine all-wheel traction with no mechanical connection between axles - useful for Nassau County’s slippery winter conditions and wet parkway on-ramps.
The 32-mile electric range is the number that matters most for commuters between Hempstead and Mineola, or between Westbury and Hicksville. A Nassau County average commute of 20-25 miles round-trip means many R/T PHEV owners can run purely on electricity for their workweek driving and reserve gasoline for weekends and longer trips.
Charging options for Nassau County: Level 1 charging from a standard 120-volt household outlet takes approximately 5 hours for a full charge. A Level 2 240-volt home charger reduces that to approximately 2 hours. Public charging infrastructure in Nassau County has expanded significantly - stations are available in Mineola, Garden City, and Hempstead.
Full Trim Comparison Scorecard
| Feature | GT | GT Plus | R/T PHEV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | ~$31,000 | ~$34,000 | ~$41,500 |
| Powertrain | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 1.3L Turbo + Electric Motor |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 268 hp | 288 hp combined |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft combined |
| Drive | FWD (AWD opt.) | FWD (AWD opt.) | AWD standard |
| Electric Range | None | None | ~32 miles |
| Heated Seats | No | Yes | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitor | No | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Audio | No | Alpine 10-spk | Alpine 10-spk |
| Adaptive Cruise | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tax Credit Eligible | No | No | Potential federal credit |
The R/T PHEV’s potential federal tax credit eligibility can reduce the price gap with the GT significantly - consult a tax professional to confirm your specific eligibility based on income and purchase structure.
For buyers deciding between the PHEV and gas-only trims, our Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV vs. GT comparison breaks down the fuel savings math in detail. And if you want to see how the Hornet compares against the Jeep Compass and VW Taos, read our Nassau County compact crossover comparison.
NHTSA crash test ratings and safety information for the Dodge Hornet are available at https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between Dodge Hornet GT and R/T PHEV? The R/T PHEV typically starts approximately $10,000-$11,000 above the GT’s base price. Federal tax credit eligibility for the PHEV can reduce this gap, but eligibility depends on buyer income and how the purchase is structured.
Does the Dodge Hornet GT come with AWD? The GT is front-wheel drive standard. AWD is available as an option. The R/T PHEV comes with AWD as standard equipment because the electric motor drives the rear axle.
Is the Dodge Hornet GT Plus worth the upgrade over the base GT? For Nassau County commuters who use their vehicle daily, the GT Plus additions - heated seats, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control - provide real day-to-day value. The premium of roughly $3,000-$3,500 is well-justified for most buyers.
What is the Hornet R/T PHEV’s electric range? The R/T PHEV is rated for approximately 32 miles of electric-only driving. For details on real-world charging in Nassau County, see our Hornet PHEV charging guide.
Which Dodge Hornet trim is best for a Nassau County commuter? Commuters who drive 20-30 miles round-trip daily are ideal candidates for the R/T PHEV - they can cover most weekday driving on electricity alone. Buyers who commute longer distances or prefer a simpler ownership experience typically find the GT or GT Plus a better fit.
Can I see a Dodge Hornet in person at a VIP Automotive Group store? Yes - Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram in Jericho and Garden City Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram in Garden City both carry Hornet inventory. Merrick Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram in Merrick is also available for South Shore Nassau County buyers.
Ready to see it in person? Visit any of our VIP Automotive Group locations: