Dodge Hornet R/T’s PHEV Engine Named On Wards 10-Best Engines

In a remarkable feat, the innovative performance plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) propulsion system powering the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T has clinched the prestigious 2023 Wards 10-Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award. This marks the seventh consecutive year that a Stellantis product has secured a spot on this esteemed list of winners.

The distinguished powertrain seamlessly integrates a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, resulting in an impressive system output of 288 horsepower and a formidable 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Facilitating an electric range of over 30 miles, a 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack stands at the heart of this engineering marvel.

What sets the Hornet R/T apart from the rest of the Stellantis vehicles that also use this powertrain, is its groundbreaking PowerShot performance feature, which injects an additional 30 horsepower, delivering instantaneous torque. Through 15-second bursts of extra power deployed by the battery and electric motor, PowerShot shaves an impressive 1.5 seconds off the standard 0 to 60 mph times, establishing it as the swiftest and most potent utility vehicle in its segment.

“This powertrain is a joy to drive in most situations, from punching up PowerShot on a launch to silent EV motoring on local errands,” said Bob Gritzinger, WardsAuto Editor-In-Chief and a Wards 10-Best Engines & Propulsion Systems judge. “It’s quick when you want it, mellow when you’re just cruising.”

Micky Bly, Stellantis head of global propulsion systems, expressed enthusiasm for the performance capabilities of the turbo 1.3-liter PHEV, heralding it as a new chapter for performance. “Our global electrification strategy is in full execution mode and with it comes new levels of capability and performance, all geared toward powering class-leading products that deliver on our ambition for clean, safe and affordable mobility,” Bly stated.

The success of Stellantis’ PHEV models has been resounding, with total North American PHEV sales more than doubling in the first half of 2023 to reach an impressive 66,000 units. This accomplishment has solidified Stellantis’ position as the best-selling automaker of PHEVs in the U.S.

This year’s achievement for the turbo 1.3-liter PHEV builds on Stellantis’ double win in 2022, where the turbo 2.0-liter PHEV in the Jeep® Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models, along with the cutting-edge twin-turbocharged Hurricane H.O. inline-six-cylinder in the Grand Wagoneer, recieved recognition.

Throughout the 30-year history of the Wards 10-Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award, Chrysler Group-produced engines and systems have garnered an impressive 23 victories, reaffirming the company’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.