We’re excited to see the Dodge Hornet PHEV bring a little more muscle to the hybrid SUV world. However, before ordering the 2023 Dodge Hornet PHEV, you should know that a faster plug-in hybrid SUV already exists. 

The 2023 Dodge Hornet PHEV is estimated to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds. That sounds pretty exciting, and it would make this option faster than the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which is its cousin. 

However, that’s not fast enough to catch the competition. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds. Sorry, Hornet, if you aren’t first, you’re last. But on a serious note, that’s a pretty small difference. 

The Dodge Hornet R/T is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 90-kWh motor that combine to generate 285 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

With the Dodge Hornet GT, you get 2.4-liter inline-four engine, and it provides 265 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

The Toyota RAV4 Prime uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to crank out 302 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. 

The 2023 Dodge Hornet PHEV has an estimated electric range of 30 miles. That could cover the average daily commute on a single charge. But the Toyota RAV4 Prime has an EPA-estimated electric range of 42 miles. 

We’re still waiting on more information about the Hornet to be released. But the RAV4 Prime can go about 600 miles on a single tank of gas. 

With a level two charger, you can fully charge the Hornet in about two and a half hours. The RAV4 Prime has abou the same charging time. A level two charger is equivalent to a regular 240-volt household plug. 

While the RAV4 Prime may be slightly faster with more range, the Hornet has some muscle to offer. Ford example, according to Pickup Truck Talk, the Hornet has the Dodge PowerShot. 

This feature shaves a second off the 0 to 60 acceleration time by providing 15 seconds of extra horsepower. The power is boosted by the electric motor and battery and has a 15-second cooldown. 

Yes, the 2023 Dodge Hornet PHEV is well equipped with standard AWD, like the Toyota RAV4 Prime. It also comes with Brembo brake calipers, a dual-valve suspension, an independent suspension, dynamic torque vectoring, an intelligent brake system, and Koni frequency selective damping shocks. 

It features a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Black upholstery with red accent stitching is standard. The R/T trim has leather upholstery.

The official Dodge Hornet PHEV price hasn’t been revealed, but the GT trim could start under $30,000 while the R/T trim hovers around $40,000. The RAV4 Prime starts at $40,300. 

We can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the Hornet to see how it compares. It may have a sportier feel than the RAV4 Prime. 

RELATED: First Drive: The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Is Surprisingly Good