How the Hornet & Durango Solidify Dodge's Presence in the SUV Arena
February 13 2024 - support@wikimotive.com
A blue 2024 Dodge Durango is shown towing an orange 1970 Dodge Challenger. If there’s one thing we know about the Dodge brand, it’s that this automaker is able to effortlessly cater to its drivers in a way no other brand can. The most unique aspect about Dodge is that there are only a select few vehicles in its lineup, and yet these vehicles are some of the most powerful and impressive on the road. You may consider Dodge as a performance brand known for its HEMI engines and muscle car designs, but the selection of SUVs brandishing the Dodge logo is anything but ordinary. If you’re looking for an SUV, Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram—your local Dodge dealer-wants to help you find the model that'll impact your travels in all the right ways. With the Hornet and Durango in this arsenal, you’ll quickly realize that Dodge creates quite the competition in an ever-growing SUV segment...

A Multitude of Options

You don’t need a sea of options for drivers to determine exactly what they’re looking for to make their ride better; for Dodge, it's as simple as producing two SUVs designed for every traveler. For those searching for a small SUV that’s easy to drive and highly efficient, the subcompact Hornet may be right up your alley. As the most powerful SUV in its segment, the Hornet offers considerable excitement for the drive, with a number of thrilling engines to breathe new life into your daily commute. Take its 1.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, for example, which is mated with a 15.5-kWh battery. This lively powertrain offers 288 hp and some highly exceptional fuel efficiency, able to get up to 77 MPGe on the open road. You’ll also find that its base 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder is also impressive, propelling you forward with 268 horses and getting up to 29 MPG on the highway in all-wheel drive. If you’re in the market for a small-size traveler, the Hornet is it, allowing you to choose the powertrain that corresponds to your driving requirements. Some drivers need more space, though, which is where the three-row Durango comes in to save the day. Not only does the Durango offer more room for its occupants, but it also offers more powertrain options—including several energized V8s—to heighten the experience on the highway. Its fuel efficiency figures are rather incredible, with its 3.6L Pentastar V6 getting up to 26 MPG on the highway. In addition to plenty of powertrains to choose from, both the Hornet and Durango are available in a variety of trims, appealing to all types of drivers, from everyday travelers to speed-seeking thrill enthusiasts and everyone between. A blue 2024 Dodge Durango SRT is shown driving on a tree-lined road after leaving a Dodge dealer.

Prioritized Performance

Dodge is known for peak performance, and there’s no shortage of that inside both the Hornet and Durango. Depending on which model strikes your fancy, you’re able to create the most exhilarating ride possible. The Hornet’s inventory includes options like the GT, among the fastest CUVs in the industry, bursting from zero to sixty in just 6.5 seconds. Choosing the R/T gets you maximum power, putting those 288 horses to work to shoot forward from zero to sixty in 5.6 seconds. This plug-in hybrid isn’t just exceptionally powerful; it’s also immaculately efficient, with a 360-mile range, of which you can get 33 miles of all-electric travel. What’s even more exciting is the number of special packages available to enhance your Hornet like never before. Choose the Track Pack for sporty finishes and a specialized suspension system, or choose the Tech Pack for all the latest advanced tech and safety features to enhance the quality of your ride. Both the Hornet and Durango offer a number of outstanding trims to appeal to any driver imaginable. Take the Durango’s R/T trim, which features a phenomenal 5.7L HEMI V8, allowing it to achieve best-in-class maximum towing capacity. Whether you’re searching for a skilled adventure accomplice or an everyday travel companion, both the Hornet and Durango have available performance enhancements to meet your demands behind the wheel.

Remarkable Capabilities

Many drivers seek out SUVs due to the fact that they’re powerful yet easier to manage than pickup trucks, and the Hornet and Durango are no exception. The Durango is incredibly talented when it comes to towing, with advanced trailering features to add control and confidence to your ride. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 lbs via its available 6.2L Hellcat Supercharged V8, the Durango is the ideal partner for everything from weekend getaways to the campsite to home improvement projects. Plus, with its bold and durable build and its standard Trailer Sway Control, you won’t have any doubts when it comes to loading up your trailer and hitting the road. Don’t let the Hornet’s small stature fool you, as it’s ready to accommodate you with a 2,000-lb towing capacity, which is perfect for small campers and trailers. Both the Hornet and Durango can also be equipped with legendary all-wheel-drive capabilities (available in the Durango and standard in the Hornet), enhancing their functionality on various terrains. When you want maximum control on some of the harshest roads, the Durango doesn’t disappoint, with 52/48 weight distribution to maintain an accurate grip on the road, heightening your experience behind the wheel. The Hornet's PHEV variant features almost 50/50 weight distribution and lightweight components to accentuate its performance, while Dynamic Torque Vectoring maintains optimal stability by sending the perfect amount of power to its wheels to achieve an extraordinary ride.

Innovatively Convenient

Inside both the Hornet and Durango, you’ll find cabins configured to meet the needs of their drivers. For those who crave more space in their daily driver, the Durango won’t disappoint, with over fifty different seating configurations to cater to all of your passengers and gear. Speaking of gear, a 60/40 split-folding third row and a fold-and-tumble second row allow you to handle more cargo, delivering up to 85.1 cu.ft. of storage inside. With seating for up to seven, families and those traveling with more people are drawn to the Durango and the intense functionality it brings to the ride. Not to be outdone, the subcompact Hornet makes great use of its cabin space, allowing for up to 27 cu.ft. of gear to be stowed conveniently inside. You’ll also find under-floor storage, as well as split-folding rear seats to accommodate everything you’re bringing along with you for the upcoming journey. Both SUVs offer a driver-centric cockpit, prioritizing the tech you need behind the wheel. In fact, the 2024 Hornet offers the largest total standard screen size in its class: a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which provides you with wireless smartphone syncing, Amazon Alexa, and more. You’ll also find that the Durango offers an available 10.1-inch touchscreen, running the latest Uconnect 5 software to enhance your drive in every way. From cargo to connectivity, this Dodge duo delivers what drivers are looking for in a fully immersive ride. A light blue 2023 Dodge Hornet is shown from a high angle.

Revolutionize Your Ride

The Hornet and Durango have a lot going for them. From a variety of powertrain and trim options to high-end performance and unbelievable capabilities, these travelers make the most out of any drive imaginable. The versatility of these SUVs is unmatched, making them ideal for today’s busy travelers. Whether you’re in the market for a small-size commuter or a family-friendly hauler, the Dodge SUV lineup has a model that will impress you in all the right ways.