The child was struck near the intersection of Ridgewood and Avon avenues at approximately 5:22 p.m. Sunday as she followed a relative who had crossed Ridgewood Avenue.
The girl is in critical condition but is expected to survive.
Police are looking for a black convertible Mercedes Benz that continued without stopping and was last seen traveling south on Ridgewood Avenue towards Avon Avenue.
The driver is described as a bald head, light skinned black male wearing sunglasses.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Newark Police Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.