2025 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus: Manahawkin Buyers Guide

The top of the range, without a compromise list

Where the R/T asks a buyer to choose between hybrid performance and cabin luxury, the R/T Plus simply doesn't make them choose. The Nappa leather and Alcantara seating surfaces, finished with red accent stitching, are a genuine step above the GT Plus's leather, more texture, more visual distinction, and a cabin that reads closer to a compact luxury crossover than a mainstream one. Heated and ventilated seats, a power sunroof, built-in navigation, wireless device charging, and remote start round out the comfort list, all layered on top of the R/T's already-quicker plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The 14-speaker Harman Kardon system deserves the same mention here it gets on the GT Plus: it's a meaningfully better listening experience than the base six-speaker setup, not a marginal upgrade. Combined with the 11.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen standard on R/T-based trims, the R/T Plus's cabin tech runs a full step ahead of the GT line across the board.

The performance case, unchanged from the R/T

Nothing about the powertrain changes with the Plus badge: 288 hp, 383 lb-ft combined, 5.6 seconds to 60, roughly 33 miles of EPA-estimated electric range at 77 MPGe, and a 2.5-hour Level 2 charge time. Once the battery runs down, it continues as a standard hybrid at 29 mpg combined, with close to 360 miles of total range. Red brake calipers and R/T badging carry over as well, so the R/T Plus is visually distinguished from a GT Plus at a glance even before anyone notices the extra performance underneath.

Who the R/T Plus fits

Buyers who've already decided they want the plug-in hybrid's quicker acceleration and electric-commute capability, and don't want to compromise on interior materials or comfort features to get it. Families cross-shopping premium-badge compact crossovers on a smaller budget, since the leather-and-sunroof-and-hybrid combination here competes directly with vehicles priced meaningfully higher. Anyone treating this purchase as a genuine final-model-year opportunity, since a fully loaded R/T Plus represents the complete Hornet the way Dodge intended it before the nameplate closes out.

Frequently asked questions

What does the 2025 Hornet R/T Plus cost?

MSRP is $46,990 before the $1,595 destination charge, New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax, and title and registration. The pricing & leasing guide covers the full breakdown, and it's worth asking the finance office whether plug-in hybrid incentives apply to your situation.

What's the real difference between R/T and R/T Plus?

Comfort and materials, not performance. Both share the identical 288-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain, electric range, and acceleration. The Plus adds Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery, a power sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, navigation, wireless charging, remote start, and the upgraded Harman Kardon audio.

Is the R/T Plus the fastest Hornet trim?

Yes, tied with the standard R/T. Both plug-in hybrid trims share the same 5.6-second 0-60, quicker than either gas-only GT trim's 6.5 seconds.

Is the R/T Plus worth the jump over the GT Plus?

If quicker acceleration and roughly 33 miles of electric-only commuting matter to you, yes; the powertrain difference is the real story, with richer materials as a bonus. If the gas-only engine suits your driving pattern fine and charging isn't convenient at home, the GT Plus delivers a comparable comfort package for less money.

Where can I see an R/T Plus near Manahawkin?

Manahawkin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 188 Route 72, keeps sales hours until 8 PM Monday through Thursday. Given remaining final-model-year inventory, a quick call ahead is worth it.

The bottom line

The R/T Plus is the 2025 Hornet with every box checked: the quickest powertrain Dodge built for it, the richest interior, and the most complete tech list. For a buyer who wants the plug-in hybrid experience without giving anything up to get it, this is the trim that closes out the Hornet lineup on its strongest note.