Picture yourself behind the wheel of a compact SUV that balances bold design with lively performance—this is where the Dodge Hornet stakes its claim. But if you’re evaluating your options, vehicles like the Mazda CX-50 stand out for their engaging drive, and the Ford Escape ST-Line Elite impresses with smooth handling and fuel economy. Then there’s the Hyundai Kona offering sporty features at a budget-friendly price, the Kia Seltos with its distinctive style and infotainment package, and the Volvo XC40 delivering luxury touches at a comparable cost. Each brings something unique, inviting you to reflect on what fits your driving style and priorities.
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Key Takeaways
- The Dodge Hornet compares closely in power and acceleration to the Ford Escape ST-Line Elite, Mazda CX-50, and Toyota RAV4 Prime but offers a sportier performance focus.
- It produces 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, accelerating 0-60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, faster than many competitors like the Volvo XC40 and Jeep Compass.
- Fuel efficiency for the Hornet is moderate, achieving about 24 mpg combined, with a hybrid version improving to 29 mpg and 33 miles of electric range.
- The Hornet’s interior emphasizes sporty styling and advanced tech like a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster, but it has less cargo and passenger space than rivals like the Ford Escape and Kia Seltos.
- Competitors offering similar size and features include the Mazda CX-5 (premium feel and performance), Hyundai Kona (budget-friendly sporty options), and Volvo XC40 (upscale tech and comfort).
Overview of the Dodge Hornet
The 2024 Dodge Hornet is a compact SUV that delivers sporty performance and advanced technology, available in GT and R/T trims.
The Dodge Hornet R/T stands out by accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, making it the quickest compact SUV in its class.
The Hornet GT offers 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, combining speed and agility with a bold exterior featuring aggressive styling and aerodynamically designed hood scoops.
Inside, you’ll find a 10.25-inch touchscreen alongside a 12.3-inch digital cluster for the largest standard screen setup in the segment.
Advanced safety and tech like Uconnect 5 and Drowsy Driver Detection come standard.
Key Competitors in the Mainstream Compact SUV Segment
Sporty dynamics and advanced tech set the Dodge Hornet apart, but several mainstream compact SUVs offer compelling alternatives depending on what you value most.
The Mazda CX-50 is ideal if you want engaging driving and a hybrid for better fuel economy.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale, while pricier and more stylish, delivers similar performance with a more premium feel.
Hyundai Kona impresses with spaciousness and sporty trims at lower prices.
Kia Seltos offers unique styling and great infotainment value but lacks sporty edge.
Volvo XC40 matches Hornet’s price with well-rounded efficiency and personality.
Hyundai Kona: Features and Market Position
While it doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain like some rivals, Hyundai Kona combines an appealing design with a roomy interior that invites comfort and style into the small SUV segment.
You’ll appreciate its standout looks and generous cabin space, creating a pleasant environment for both drivers and passengers.
The Kona delivers a fun driving experience, especially with its sportier variants available at attractive price points, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Hyundai’s robust warranty adds reliability confidence, helping the Kona hold its own against competitors like the Dodge Hornet and Kia Seltos in the small SUV market.
Kia Seltos: Styling and Value Proposition
Offering bold design cues and a striking front grille, the Kia Seltos immediately draws your attention with its unique styling that stands out in the crowded small SUV segment.
This SUV balances eye-catching looks with strong value, making it a practical choice. You benefit from:
- Competitive starting price near $25,000 for budget-conscious buyers
- Spacious interior with 26.6 cubic feet of cargo room for versatility
- Robust infotainment featuring an 8-inch or optional 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Comfortable ride focused on everyday usability rather than sportiness
The Seltos blends styling and value seamlessly, giving you a confident small SUV option.
Volvo XC40: Luxury Segment Competitor Analysis
The Volvo XC40 competes with the Dodge Hornet by delivering a premium experience at a reasonable luxury segment price, combining engaging handling with a refined ride that improves your driving.
This compact crossover offers better fuel economy, averaging 23 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, compared to the Hornet’s lower numbers.
Inside, the XC40’s modern design and high-quality materials provide a more upscale feel versus the Hornet’s sporty interior.
Alfa Romeo Tonale: Premium Features and Performance
As a sportier and more luxurious alternative to the Dodge Hornet, the Alfa Romeo Tonale impresses with its peppy plug-in hybrid powertrain that boosts both performance and fuel efficiency.
You’ll enjoy premium features that uplift the driving experience:
- A refined, sporty drive with heavier steering and improved suspension
- A sophisticated interior crafted from high-quality materials
- Traditional buttons for intuitive control, avoiding touchscreen overload
- Italian craftsmanship combined with upscale aesthetics
Starting at $44,590, the Tonale offers a compelling package if you value luxury and performance in a compact SUV.
Ford Escape ST-Line Elite vs. Dodge Hornet Comparison
You’ll notice the Dodge Hornet GT Plus packs a bit more punch with its 268 horsepower and sharper 0-60 mph time, while the Ford Escape ST-Line Elite shines with smoother handling and better fuel economy.
Inside, the Escape offers a more spacious cabin and a larger touchscreen, enhancing everyday comfort and tech access.
Comparing their driving dynamics and interior features will help you decide which suits your needs best.
Performance and Handling
Although the Dodge Hornet GT Plus offers a slight edge in raw power and acceleration—with 268 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds compared to the Ford Escape ST-Line Elite’s 250 horsepower and 5.9 seconds—the Escape excels in delivering a smoother, more comfortable ride and more refined handling characteristics.
The Hornet’s sport-tuned suspension can feel overly firm, emphasizing performance at the expense of comfort. In contrast, the Escape focuses on balanced handling and ride quality.
- Hornet’s nine-speed automatic offers crisp shifts
- Escape’s eight-speed automatic favors smoothness
- Hornet grips better with 0.85 g versus Escape’s 0.82 g
- Escape delivers a more relaxed, refined driving feel
You get sharper performance from the Hornet and more ride comfort from the Escape.
Interior and Features
The Dodge Hornet and Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offer distinctly different interior experiences that reflect their personalities.
The Hornet features sporty, comfortable seats that may feel tight for larger individuals, while the Escape prioritizes practicality with more spacious seating and 38 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats versus 27 in the Hornet.
The Hornet’s infotainment system is modern but can be slow, whereas the Escape boasts a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen with multi-display capability for easier climate control access.
Inside, the Hornet’s dashboard is more visually appealing, while the Escape uses cheaper-feeling black plastics.
Both have distinct digital gauge designs emphasizing their brand identities.
Mazda CX-50: Handling and Performance Insights
When you want a small SUV that delivers driving excitement, the Mazda CX-50 stands out with its agile handling, responsive steering, and firm ride that injects a sportier feel.
Its hybrid system improves fuel economy, making it an efficient choice without sacrificing performance.
You’ll appreciate:
- Engaging, agile handling perfect for winding roads
- Heavier steering that adds confidence and driver involvement
- A hybrid option that boosts efficiency and lowers fuel costs
- A driving experience that offers a compelling value compared to similar models like the Dodge Hornet
Badge Engineering and Brand Differentiation Among Similar Models
You’ll find the 2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale share much beneath the surface, a result of Stellantis employing badge engineering to offer similar vehicles under different brands.
Badge engineering lets Stellantis use the same powertrain and components, but brand differentiation comes through design, features, and driving character.
The Hornet targets performance-focused, value-oriented buyers with a muscular American image starting at around $30,735.
In contrast, the Tonale emphasizes Italian craftsmanship, refinement, and luxury, commanding a premium price near $44,590.
This approach helps both vehicles appeal distinctly while sharing core architecture.
Interior and Infotainment Comparison Across Competitors
How do the interiors and infotainment systems of the Dodge Hornet and its competitors stack up?
The Hornet offers a modern infotainment system with a 10.25-inch customizable touchscreen, but the Ford Escape’s 13.2-inch multi-display touchscreen boosts user experience more.
The Hornet’s cabin feels cozy with sport seats, yet passenger space and cargo room (27 cubic feet) are limited compared to the Escape’s practical 38 cubic feet.
Mazda CX-5’s infotainment relies heavily on touchscreen controls that can be less intuitive, while the Volvo XC40 delivers a more upscale interior with high-quality materials and user-friendly tech.
- Hornet’s sporty cabin vs Escape’s practicality
- Infotainment system: 10.25″ vs 13.2″ touchscreen
- Escape offers more passenger space and cargo capacity
- Volvo XC40 provides a premium, tech-savvy interior feel
Performance, Fuel Economy, and Driving Dynamics of Similar Vehicles
When comparing the Dodge Hornet to similar vehicles, you’ll notice differences in power and acceleration, with the Hornet offering a turbocharged 268 hp engine and a quick 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.
Fuel efficiency varies across competitors, as the Ford Escape ST-Line Elite delivers better mileage at 28 mpg versus the Hornet’s 25 mpg, while others like the Volvo XC40 provide a balance of performance and economy.
Handling and ride quality also differ, with models like the Mazda CX-50 emphasizing grip and driving engagement, whereas the Hornet prioritizes a sportier, more aggressive driving feel.
Power and Acceleration
The 2024 Dodge Hornet GT stands out with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, enabling a quick 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.7 seconds.
If you prize power and acceleration, here’s how it compares to peers:
- Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offers 250 hp, 280 lb-ft, and a slightly slower 0-60 mph time around 5.9 seconds, but better fuel economy at 28 mpg.
- Mazda CX-50 delivers sporty handling with 227 hp but less outright power.
- Volvo XC40 balances luxury with decent acceleration, hitting 0-60 mph in about 6.2 seconds and 26 mpg combined.
This blend of power and quickness defines your sporty drive options.
Fuel Efficiency Comparisons
Powerful acceleration is a highlight of the Dodge Hornet GT, but fuel efficiency also plays a significant role in deciding which compact SUV fits your needs best.
The Hornet achieves 24 mpg combined, behind the Ford Escape ST-Line Elite and Mazda CX-5, both at 28 mpg combined, giving them an edge in fuel efficiency. The Volvo XC40 is close at 26 mpg combined, while the Hyundai Kona’s fun drive doesn’t exceed the Hornet’s 24 mpg.
The Hornet’s hybrid variant stands out, traveling 33 miles on electric power and averaging 29 mpg, showcasing hybrid fuel efficiency advantages.
Handling and Ride Quality
Though the Dodge Hornet GT excels in acceleration with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds and delivers 268 horsepower from its turbocharged engine, you’ll notice its handling focuses on sporty grip, achieving up to 0.85 g of lateral acceleration.
In contrast, the Ford Escape prioritizes ride quality with a smoother, more comfortable experience. The Mazda CX-50 matches the Hornet’s performance with engaging driving dynamics.
Keep in mind, the Hornet’s fuel economy at 25 mpg trades efficiency for handling excitement compared to the Escape’s 28 mpg.
- Sporty handling with precise, tight grip
- Balanced ride quality in competitors like Escape
- Engaging driving dynamics of Mazda CX-50
- Slight fuel economy compromise for sporty ride
Conclusion
Choosing a compact SUV like the Dodge Hornet means balancing power, style, and practicality. Models like the Mazda CX-50 and Ford Escape ST-Line offer engaging driving and efficiency, while the Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos provide budget-friendly, sporty options with strong infotainment. The Volvo XC40 brings luxury and polish to the segment. Think of these vehicles as a diverse deck of cards—each has a unique suit, but you choose the one that best fits your driving hand.
