‘Extra fun to drive’ SUV has subtle flaws that make it a ‘tough sell’ – you can buy a 3-row car elsewhere for the same price

The small SUV segment is a crowded field, filled with dozens of really strong competitors. The smallest flaws can be the deciding factor in a buyer’s thousands of dollars worth of decisions.

I drove the Dodge Hornet R/T Plus for five days. In my review, I discovered several small design flaws that would have kept me away from the $48,000 base price.

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The Hornet is a fun car to drive, especially when loaded.

The cute-ute is quick around corners and can stop quickly.

It’s quite powerful and combines immediate electric acceleration with the burly masculinity of a gasoline engine in the plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

• This story is part of a series of tests carried out by Ben Shimkus, engine reporter for The US Sun.

But it also has consistent design flaws that I found confusing.

For example, my tester came with a panoramic sunroof—one of my favorite features now offered on a growing number of new cars.

The Hornet’s sloping roofline detracts from the beauty of the feature.

The windshield cuts toward the driver at a deep angle—the seam between the windshield and sunroof is placed right at the top of the driver’s peripheral vision.

In turn, anyone in the front seat can barely see the sky.

I’m also a big music slinger.

I often reach for the volume button to quickly turn down the music when I enter a residential area.

The Hornet’s volume knob is located on the passenger side of the center console. From the driver’s point of view, it is hidden by the car’s large gear selector.

Lastly, the engine can sometimes be noisy.

Noise is typically a necessary component of Dodge cars and can be exhilarating in a sporty vehicle.

However, this volume worsens when the car generates energy for the hybrid battery.

Instead of the pleasant exhaust note common in the Dodge Hemis, it produces a loud, low-pitched noise as it sends power from the gas engine to the battery.

Dodge Hornet R/T Plus review

Ben Shimkus, automotive journalist for The US Sun, tested the Hornet. Here are his thoughts:

Pros:

• Exciting driving dynamics: Rapid acceleration and a tight turning circle exude athletic prowess.
• Space: Considerable trunk and ample rear legroom for adults or children
• High-tech: Well-designed infotainment screen with a lot of useful technology – including police alert alarms
• Fun design: combines the beautiful body structure of Alfa Romeo with just the right touch of Dodge. Remains curvy but muscular.
• Cool Seats: The red stitched seats are exceptionally fun.

Cons:

• Gas intake: The Hornet is less efficient than its highway-oriented competitors.
• Noisy: This has to be the loudest battery generator sound I’ve ever heard in a hybrid.
• Some odd touches: Sunroof and oddly placed volume buttons take some getting used to.

Still, the car is reaching a customer segment that may feel excluded from the more refined small SUV market.

Dodge turns fun sporty styling into a family-friendly SUV, with plenty of second-row room for kids.

In an uninspiring vehicle segment focused on low prices and inoffensive design, the Hornet definitely stands out.

But if Dodge drivers are looking for a rugged, family-oriented driver – why wouldn’t they opt for the three-row Durango with an MSRP that’s $10,000 less than the updated Hornet?