The Dodge Hornet comes in three distinct configurations - GT, GT Plus, and R/T PHEV - and they’re more different than most compact crossover trim ladders. The R/T PHEV isn’t just a feature upgrade: it’s a fundamentally different powertrain. Understanding what each trim includes helps Nassau County buyers avoid overpaying for hardware they don’t need or missing the features that matter most.
Bottom Line: The GT offers the best entry value with a punchy turbocharged engine; the GT Plus adds meaningful comfort features; the R/T PHEV delivers plug-in hybrid efficiency and more performance at a significant price step up.
- GT: 2.0L turbocharged I4, 268 hp, front-wheel drive standard - best value entry into the Hornet
- GT Plus: Same powertrain with upgraded tech and comfort features - the sweet spot for most buyers
- R/T PHEV: 1.3L turbo + electric motor, 288 hp combined, 32 miles EV range, AWD standard
Dodge Hornet GT: The Performance Entry Point
The GT trim delivers more performance than its price suggests. A 2.0L turbocharged inline-four makes 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque - numbers that beat most standard-issue compact crossovers in this price range. Front-wheel drive is standard on the GT, with all-wheel drive available as an option for Nassau County drivers who want extra traction in wet or winter conditions.
For a complete picture of the Hornet’s features, pricing, and how it compares against the broader compact crossover field, see our complete Dodge Hornet guide.
Standard GT features include an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 18-inch wheels. Dodge packed more equipment into the GT’s base price than competitors typically do at this level. Power seats, a wireless charger, and driver assistance technology including forward collision warning and lane departure warning all come standard.
The Hornet GT’s sport-tuned suspension is shared across all trims and gives the car a genuinely responsive handling character that earned it a dedicated following among Nassau County drivers who care how their commute vehicle drives - not just how it hauls groceries.
Interested in seeing the Hornet GT in person? Browse new Dodge Hornet inventory at Westbury Jeep or check current Hornet specials and offers for buyers in Jericho, Westbury, and across Nassau County.
GT Plus: The Comfort and Tech Upgrade
The GT Plus builds on the GT’s powertrain with meaningful equipment additions that improve the daily driving experience. The most significant upgrade is a panoramic sunroof - a feature typically found in vehicles costing $10,000 more. A larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 20-inch wheels, and a larger cargo area cover also come with the Plus package.
"The GT Plus is where most of our Westbury buyers land when they see what's included. The panoramic roof and upgraded tech features make it feel like a significantly more premium vehicle for a relatively small price step."
General Manager, Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram
Additional GT Plus features include a Harman Kardon premium audio system on some configurations, ventilated front seats, and an upgraded driver assistance package with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. For buyers who spend significant time commuting through Garden City, Mineola, or along the LIE, these features pay dividends in daily comfort.
GT vs. GT Plus vs. R/T PHEV Comparison
| Feature | GT | GT Plus | R/T PHEV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 2.0L Turbo I4 | ✓ 1.3T + Electric |
| System Power | 268 hp | 268 hp | ✓ 288 hp / 383 lb-ft |
| Drive Type | FWD (AWD opt.) | FWD (AWD opt.) | ✓ AWD Standard |
| EV Range | None | None | ✓ ~32 miles |
| Pano Sunroof | No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting MSRP | ✓ ~$31,000 | ~$35,000 | ~$45,000 |
R/T PHEV: A Different Kind of Hornet
The R/T PHEV shares a name and a body with the GT but operates on entirely different engineering. A 1.3L turbocharged four-cylinder pairs with an electric motor to produce 288 horsepower combined and 383 lb-ft of combined torque - the torque figure is what you feel most in daily driving. AWD is standard, making the R/T PHEV the most capable version of the Hornet in wet, snowy, or mixed-condition Long Island weather.
The R/T PHEV can travel approximately 32 miles on electric power alone, which covers the average Nassau County round-trip commute for many drivers without burning a drop of gas. Plugged in each night using a standard Level 2 home charger, the R/T PHEV functions as an EV for most commuting while offering full gas-electric range for longer drives to Hempstead, Mineola, or beyond.
The price step to the R/T PHEV is substantial - approximately $13,000-$15,000 over the GT. Federal tax credits and potential state incentives for PHEV vehicles can narrow that gap, though eligibility depends on your household income and tax situation. For a deeper look at whether the PHEV pays off for Nassau County commuters, see our Hornet R/T PHEV vs. GT comparison.
Use our tool below to estimate your monthly payment across trim levels:
Which Trim Level Is Right for You?
Most Nassau County buyers who don’t have a specific reason to go PHEV will find the GT Plus hits the best balance of features and value. The panoramic roof, upgraded audio, and blind spot monitoring elevate the driving experience meaningfully without the R/T’s significant price premium.
Choose the GT if you want the lowest entry price and plan to add AWD separately, or if you do most of your driving on highways where the Hornet’s turbo engine shines without PHEV complexity.
Choose the GT Plus if you want panoramic roof, upgraded tech, and premium audio - features that materially improve the daily experience for a moderate price increase.
Choose the R/T PHEV if your commute is under 32 miles round-trip, you have access to home charging, you want AWD standard, or you’re drawn to the performance advantage of 383 lb-ft of instant torque.
View used Hornet options at Westbury Jeep to compare trim levels at different price points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Dodge Hornet GT come standard with all-wheel drive? No. The GT and GT Plus come standard with front-wheel drive, with AWD available as an option. The R/T PHEV has AWD as standard equipment due to its electric rear motor configuration.
How does the GT Plus compare to the R/T PHEV for daily driving in Nassau County? The GT Plus is a comfortable, well-equipped crossover that handles daily Nassau County commuting and weekend driving without compromise. The R/T PHEV adds meaningful advantages for commuters who can charge at home - but if you can’t charge regularly, the PHEV’s fuel efficiency advantage largely disappears and the price premium becomes harder to justify.
What safety features come standard on all Hornet trims? All Hornet trims include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear park assist, and a backup camera. The GT Plus and R/T PHEV add blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as part of the upgraded driver assistance package.
Is the Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV eligible for federal tax credits? The R/T PHEV may be eligible for federal clean vehicle tax credits under current IRS guidelines, but eligibility depends on your adjusted gross income and whether the vehicle meets assembly and battery component requirements. Consult a tax professional and check current IRS guidance before factoring tax credits into your purchase decision.
Can you get a Dodge Hornet with performance upgrades from the factory? Yes. Dodge offers the Hornet R/T with the PowerShot feature, which provides a temporary 25-hp boost (for approximately 15 seconds) bringing peak output to 313 horsepower on demand. This feature is available on the R/T PHEV trim.
Browse current Dodge Hornet inventory at Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram in Jericho, serving Westbury, Hicksville, Carle Place, Mineola, and Hempstead. Contact our team if you have questions about trim availability or current offers.
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