Dodge Hornet Oil Changes: GT Turbo and R/T Plug-In Hybrid

The Hornet is Dodge's compact SUV, new for the 2023 model year and the first Dodge with a plug-in hybrid. It comes two ways. The GT runs a 2.0-liter turbo four with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The R/T is a plug-in hybrid: a 1.3-liter turbo four up front with a six-speed automatic, a rear electric motor, and a battery you charge at home. Both are quick, and both run turbos, which is a good reason to keep the oil fresh and to the right spec. The two engines do not share a grade.

At a glance

• GT 2.0L turbo: full synthetic 5W-30 API SP/GF-6A, 5 qt with filter (2024 Hornet Owner's Manual)
• R/T 1.3L turbo PHEV: full synthetic 0W-30, 5 qt with filter
• Never exceed 10,000 miles, one year or 350 hours of engine run time
• Engine, power electronics and battery coolant: 10 years or 150,000 miles

Hornet oil specs side by side

The fluid capacity and engine fluid pages of the 2024 Hornet manual give those figures, and both say that an equivalent full synthetic of the same grade may be used if it carries the API mark. Notice that the R/T's 1.3L takes 0W-30, not the 5W-30 of the GT. The capacity is the same, so the easy mistake is assuming the grade is too. We check the trim before we pour.

What changes for the R/T plug-in hybrid

An R/T can run its daily commute on battery and start the gas engine only when it needs to. That is great for fuel, and it means the odometer is a poor guide to oil life. Dodge's scheduled servicing page covers it with a third limit: under no circumstances should oil changes exceed 10,000 miles, one year, or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. A plug-in that rarely runs its engine will usually hit the one-year mark first.

The hybrid also carries a separate coolant loop for the battery and power electronics, about 7.4 quarts on top of the engine's own 5.9. The manual says that loop is serviced by an authorized dealer, so we do not open it. The maintenance plan flushes engine, power electronics and battery coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles. We check the levels we can see and let you know if anything looks off.

Altitude, cold and the indicator

Dodge notes that frequent short trips, trailer towing and extremely hot or cold temperatures all bring the oil change message on sooner. Picture a GT making a Saturday run up the Mount Rose Highway from south Reno toward Incline Village: a long turbo climb from Reno at about 4,500 feet to the pass, then a cold descent to the lake. Do that every weekend in ski season and the indicator will speak up early. That is what it is for.

The manual also says to inspect the engine air filter in dusty or off-road use and replace it if needed. The Hornet's maintenance plan includes engine air filter and cabin air filter replacement, and both the PTU on the GT and the rear differential are inspected for fluid level.

Hornet service at our four shops

• No appointment at Mae Anne Avenue, Longley Lane, College Parkway or US 395.
• On an R/T we make sure the vehicle is fully powered down before work starts under the hood.
• Drain, new filter, refill with the right full synthetic, 5W-30 for the GT or 0W-30 for the R/T, and level check.
• Air filters, coolant reservoirs, brake fluid, 12-volt battery, lights, wipers and tire pressure checked.
• Oil change indicator reset and your next interval written on the sticker.