The Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV costs roughly $11,000 more than the base GT - and for Nassau County drivers, whether that premium pays back depends almost entirely on how far you commute and where you can charge. The math is clearer than most buyers expect once you run the real numbers for Long Island driving.
Bottom Line: The R/T PHEV pays back its premium over the GT in approximately 5-7 years for a Nassau County driver averaging 12,000 miles per year with home charging - and delivers stronger performance and standard AWD from day one.
- R/T PHEV: 288 combined hp, 383 lb-ft torque, 32-mile electric range, standard AWD, ~$41,500 starting
- GT: 268 hp, 295 lb-ft, gas only, FWD standard, ~$31,000 starting
- Long Island commuters averaging under 30 miles daily can cover most weekday driving on electricity alone
Performance: What the Power Difference Feels Like
The Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV and GT share a family resemblance, but they drive quite differently. The GT’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic - genuinely quick for a compact crossover, with 0-60 mph arriving around 6.5 seconds.
The R/T PHEV changes the equation with electric motor torque. The 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine pairs with a rear-mounted 90-kW electric motor for 288 combined horsepower and 383 lb-ft of combined torque. Electric motors deliver full torque instantly from zero rpm, which means the PHEV launches off the line faster and feels more responsive in Nassau County stop-and-go traffic than the raw hp numbers suggest.
Dodge quotes 0-60 mph for the R/T PHEV at approximately 6.1 seconds, but the more relevant real-world advantage is the torque-fill during everyday acceleration - merging onto the Meadowbrook Parkway or pulling away from a Hempstead Turnpike light feels noticeably stronger in the PHEV.
AWD is standard on the R/T PHEV because the electric motor drives the rear wheels while the gasoline engine powers the front. The GT can be optioned with AWD, but it costs extra and uses a conventional mechanical system. For Mineola and Garden City drivers who want all-season confidence without paying for optional AWD, the PHEV delivers that as part of the package.
The Fuel Savings Math for Long Island Drivers
Here is the actual financial calculation for a Nassau County driver doing 12,000 miles per year, roughly half highway and half local roads.
GT (gas only) fuel cost estimate:
- Combined MPG: approximately 29 mpg (EPA-rated 28 city/34 hwy)
- Annual fuel cost at $3.60/gallon average: approximately $1,490 per year
- 5-year fuel cost: approximately $7,450
R/T PHEV fuel cost estimate (with home charging):
- Daily commute under 32 miles covered by electricity 4 days out of 5
- Estimated 80% of annual miles driven on electricity (for short-commute drivers)
- Electricity cost at Long Island average of ~$0.22/kWh: approximately $400-$500 per year
- Remaining gas cost for longer trips: approximately $300-$400 per year
- Annual energy cost: approximately $700-$900 per year
- 5-year energy cost: approximately $3,500-$4,500
Estimated 5-year fuel savings: $3,000-$4,000 favoring the R/T PHEV for Nassau County drivers who charge at home and commute under 30 miles daily. Combined with the potential federal tax credit of up to $7,500 (consult a tax professional for eligibility), the effective price gap between PHEV and GT can close to $0 or better for qualified buyers.
"The buyers who get the best value from the R/T PHEV are the ones who have a place to charge at home or at work. For a Garden City commuter doing 20-25 miles each way, running on electricity most of the week and gas on weekends makes real financial sense."
General Manager, Garden City Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram
See current Hornet inventory at Garden City Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram or check Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram for additional Nassau County availability.
R/T PHEV vs. GT: Full Scorecard
| Category | R/T PHEV | GT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~$41,500 | ~$31,000 | GT |
| Horsepower | 288 hp combined | 268 hp | R/T PHEV |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft combined | 295 lb-ft | R/T PHEV |
| 0-60 mph | ~6.1 sec | ~6.5 sec | R/T PHEV |
| Drive System | AWD (standard) | FWD (AWD optional) | R/T PHEV |
| Electric Range | ~32 miles | None | R/T PHEV |
| Annual Energy Cost* | $700-$900 | $1,450-$1,550 | R/T PHEV |
| 5-Yr Fuel Savings* | $3,000-$4,000 saved | Baseline | R/T PHEV |
| Tax Credit Eligible | Potential up to $7,500 | No | R/T PHEV |
| Charging Required | Yes | No | GT |
| Ownership Simplicity | More complex | Simpler | GT |
*Energy cost estimates based on 12,000 miles/year, Nassau County electricity at $0.22/kWh, gasoline at $3.60/gallon.
Who Should Choose the GT Instead
Not every Long Island driver benefits from the PHEV. The GT makes the cleaner choice for buyers who do not have reliable home charging access - apartment dwellers in Hempstead or Garden City without a dedicated parking spot may find charging logistics more hassle than the fuel savings justify.
Buyers who frequently drive long distances - say, regular trips to eastern Long Island, upstate New York, or New Jersey - will spend most miles running on gasoline in the PHEV anyway, which narrows the fuel savings advantage considerably. For those drivers, the GT’s simpler ownership experience and lower purchase price often win the calculation.
The GT also appeals to buyers who want a capable, stylish compact crossover and simply do not want the added complexity of managing charge levels. The 268 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder is a genuinely strong engine that does not feel like a consolation prize.
Service simplicity is a real factor for some buyers. The R/T PHEV has more powertrain components than the GT - high-voltage battery pack, electric motor, additional power electronics - and while these systems are reliable, some buyers prefer the GT’s conventional drivetrain for long-term peace of mind.
Charging Reality for Nassau County PHEV Owners
The R/T PHEV’s 32-mile electric range delivers maximum value only when the battery is charged before each trip. Drivers who plug in every night at home extract the full efficiency benefit. Drivers who rely on occasional public charging capture only partial savings.
Level 1 charging at 120 volts - a standard household outlet - fully charges the Hornet PHEV battery in approximately 5 hours. For most Nassau County owners with overnight parking, plugging in before bed and waking to a full battery is a simple routine.
Level 2 charging at 240 volts cuts that to approximately 2 hours and makes mid-day top-offs practical for drivers near public charging stations. Nassau County public charging has expanded meaningfully in Mineola, Garden City, and Hempstead in recent years. See our Hornet PHEV charging guide for Nassau County for a detailed look at local charging options and costs.
For a broader look at how the R/T PHEV fits within the full Hornet lineup, read our Dodge Hornet trim levels guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge the Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV on Long Island? At the Long Island average electricity rate of approximately $0.22 per kWh, fully charging the Hornet PHEV’s 15.5 kWh usable battery costs approximately $3.40. That covers roughly 32 miles of electric driving compared to $4.00-$4.30 worth of gas for the same distance at current Long Island prices.
Does the Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV qualify for a federal tax credit? The R/T PHEV may be eligible for a federal clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500, but eligibility depends on buyer income, filing status, and whether the vehicle meets current battery and assembly requirements. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Is the Hornet R/T PHEV faster than the GT? Yes - the R/T PHEV reaches 60 mph approximately 0.4 seconds faster than the GT and delivers significantly more torque (383 lb-ft vs. 295 lb-ft). The electric motor’s instant torque delivery makes a noticeable difference in everyday acceleration.
What happens when the Hornet PHEV runs out of electric charge? The R/T PHEV operates as a conventional hybrid when the battery is depleted - the gasoline engine takes over as primary power, with some electric assist during acceleration. EPA-rated fuel economy in hybrid mode is approximately 29 MPGe combined.
Does the GT come with AWD? The GT is front-wheel drive standard. AWD is available as an option. The R/T PHEV includes AWD as standard because the electric motor drives the rear axle.
Can I compare Hornet trims in person at a VIP Automotive Group store? Garden City Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram in Garden City carries Hornet inventory and serves buyers from Mineola, Uniondale, and Hempstead. Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram in Jericho also stocks Hornet models for the Westbury, Hicksville, and Carle Place area.
Ready to see it in person? Visit any of our VIP Automotive Group locations: