The first engine option comes under the hood of the Hornet GT trim. It houses Dodge's new Hurricane 4, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine delivering 268 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The engine uses fuel-saving engine stop-start (ESS) technology and direct fuel injection for enhanced performance. The twin-scroll turbocharger used by the Hurricane 4 engine comes with an electric-actuated wastegate to increase torque responsiveness for enhanced overall performance. Meanwhile, a water-to-air intercooler regulates the temperature of the intake air, turbocharging unit, and throttle body to maintain optimal running temperatures. Linked to the engine is a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. The Hornet GT also comes standard with all-wheel drive to provide phenomenal control even when road conditions are less than ideal.

The Hornet GT comes with Sport mode, which allows for enhanced performance at the push of a button. The Sport mode button gives drivers enhanced performance with a 6.5-second 0-60 time by optimizing the shift timing, unlocking the engine's power and torque potential, creating a sharper throttle response, and tightening the steering feel. To give drivers more control over the Hornet GT's performance, sequential shifting is available in the form of paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel.

The Hornet R/T is the most powerful and efficient Hornet model. That's because it comes with a turbocharged 1.3L I-4 engine underneath the hood. Mounted to the rear axle, you'll find an electric drive module (EDM) providing the Hornet with 184 horsepower instantaneously. The electric motor is powered by a rechargeable battery pack, making the Hornet R/T a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. While the turbocharged engine powers the front wheels, the rear wheels are powered by the electric motor, working together to provide outstanding all-wheel drive performance. The Hornet R/T will provide a total of 383 lb-ft of torque and more than 285 horsepower. Delivering this power is a robust six-speed automatic transmission that offers sequential shifting with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Exclusive for the Hornet R/T is the PowerShot feature. Activated by pulling both paddle shifters and pressing the gas pedal at the same time, PowerShot gives a 15-second burst of 25 additional horsepower for increased performance at a launch or for quick acceleration. The PowerShot feature can be used again after a 15-second cooldown period. The Hornet R/T also comes with drive modes, allowing drivers to choose between E-Save, Electric, and Hybrid. While Hybrid is the default mode, mixing gas and electric power for maximum fuel efficiency, electric mode disables the gas engine, reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption to zero. The E-Save mode works the other way around and disables the electric motor, prioritizing gas power to preserve the EV battery. When in E-Save, drivers can choose Passive, which simply preserves battery power, or Active, which helps increase the battery's state of charge through regenerative braking.