2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Ford Escape

$29,995 · Crossover

$29,515 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Ford Escape centers on performance and efficiency, marked by an 88 horsepower gap. The Hornet delivers 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque paired with AWD, while the Escape produces a more modest 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque with standard FWD. Conversely, the Escape achieves 30 MPG combined, significantly outperforming the Hornet's 24 MPG combined, necessitating regular unleaded fuel versus the Hornet's recommended premium. Price points are close, with the Escape starting at $29,515 and the Hornet at $29,995. However, the Escape offers superior utility, boasting 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft, though the Hornet is slightly shorter in length at 178.0 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is the superior choice for commuters due to its 30 MPG combined fuel economy and use of regular unleaded gasoline.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Escape

Families benefit significantly from the Escape's substantially larger 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the Hornet's 27 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Hornet

The Dodge Hornet offers a definitive performance advantage with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Escape's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape provides better overall value by starting $480 cheaper while offering superior fuel efficiency and cargo space.

Choose the Dodge Hornet if...

You prioritize acceleration and raw power, benefiting from 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel drive capability is necessary for your driving conditions.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint with a length of 178.0 inches.

Choose the Ford Escape if...

Minimizing fuel stops is a priority, given its 30 MPG combined efficiency.
You require maximum storage, as the Escape offers 37.5 cu ft of cargo volume.
You wish to operate on less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Hornet	Ford Escape
Length	178.0"	180.1"
Width	-	74.1"
Height	63.8"	66.0"
Wheelbase	103.8"	106.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	180 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	—	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	27/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	283.5/391.5 mi.	399.6/503.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	14.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Steering Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Ford
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Seat Material: Cloth/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Front Head Room	—	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	—	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	—	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	40.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	53.3 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R17	225/65R H
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2025 Ford Escape.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Hornet and the 2025 Escape?

The 2025 Dodge Hornet offers significantly more power, generating 268 horsepower versus the Ford Escape's 180 horsepower, an 88 hp differential. The Hornet also boasts higher torque at 295 lb-ft compared to the Escape's 199 lb-ft.

Which crossover is more cost-effective for routine driving based on fuel?

The Ford Escape is more economical, achieving 30 MPG combined on regular unleaded gasoline. The Dodge Hornet returns only 24 MPG combined and mandates premium unleaded fuel.

How do the cargo capacities compare for utility?

The Ford Escape provides substantially more utility with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Dodge Hornet trails with 27 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.

Is the difference in MSRP between the two models significant?

The price difference is minimal, with the Ford Escape starting at $29,515 and the Dodge Hornet starting at $29,995, a variance of only $480.

Do both vehicles come standard with AWD?

No, the 2025 Dodge Hornet comes standard with all-wheel drive. Conversely, the standard 2025 Ford Escape configuration is front-wheel drive.

How does the transmission system vary between these two crossovers?

The Hornet utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission to manage its higher output. The Escape features a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.