• You're one step from joining Dodge Hornet Forum – Latest News, Performance Mods & Owner Reviews.
    Create a free account to post, follow threads, and never miss an update.  Sign up free →

Thinking about a new Hornet

DJ max

Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2025
Messages
7
I'm eyeing a 2024 RT Plus Hornet for myself. It's compact, perfect for trips with my small dog and carrying some golf clubs. It checks all the boxes, but I'm worried about reliability. Would you take the plunge, or is this likely to cause headaches?
 
@DJ max Since the Hornet is a brand new model, it's really hard to get a long term read on its reliability. There's no real track record yet.
However, it's built on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale. While that might give some people pause, it also means it's not starting from scratch. Be aware that a new model year can sometimes have 'first-year jitters' with software or minor component issues, but that's common across all manufacturers
 
@DJ max Since the Hornet is a brand new model, it's really hard to get a long term read on its reliability. There's no real track record yet.
However, it's built on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale. While that might give some people pause, it also means it's not starting from scratch. Be aware that a new model year can sometimes have 'first-year jitters' with software or minor component issues, but that's common across all manufacturers
The vehicle is new, that much we can agree on, but the engine has been around for a while. I think it was used by fiat in some markets as an NA and then they slapped a turbocharger on it. Will it outlive a Toyota engine? Probably not, but it should do fine enough to be considered reliable with proper maintenance.
 
@DJ max Since the Hornet is a brand new model, it's really hard to get a long term read on its reliability. There's no real track record yet.
However, it's built on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale. While that might give some people pause, it also means it's not starting from scratch. Be aware that a new model year can sometimes have 'first-year jitters' with software or minor component issues, but that's common across all manufacturers
Thanks, I'll keep an eye on early owner reviews and first-year reports, but the shared platform with the Tonale gives me some confidence in its overall build
 
The vehicle is new, that much we can agree on, but the engine has been around for a while. I think it was used by fiat in some markets as an NA and then they slapped a turbocharger on it. Will it outlive a Toyota engine? Probably not, but it should do fine enough to be considered reliable with proper maintenance.
Good point! It sounds like the engine has proven tech behind it, so with regular maintenance, the Hornet should perform reliably even if it won't match Toyota's legendary longevity
 
Back
Top