2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Jeep Compass
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Jeep Compass often comes down to balancing spirited performance against lower ownership costs. Buyers are constantly weighing whether the extra punch is worth the premium. The Hornet commands an MSRP of $29,995, significantly higher than the Compass's $26,900 starting price, reflecting its performance focus. Under the hood, the Hornet blasts out 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, easily surpassing the Compass’s 200 hp and 221 lb-ft. However, the Compass offsets this with better efficiency, netting 27 MPG combined versus the Hornet’s 24 MPG, and it runs on less expensive regular unleaded fuel. Both vehicles offer a similar 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity, but the Hornet is slightly longer at 178.0 inches compared to the Compass's 173.4 inches. This comparison highlights a clear split: power versus economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy and regular unleaded requirement.
2025 Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass offers slightly more height and a nearly identical cargo capacity while costing $3,095 less than the Hornet.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet is the clear choice for enthusiasts, offering 68 more horsepower and 74 lb-ft more torque.
2025 Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass provides a lower entry price of $26,900 and lower running costs with better MPG.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You prioritize high output and prefer the more powerful 268 hp engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
- You need the slightly longer body structure, measuring 178.0 inches in length for potentially better road presence.
- You value the standard All-Wheel Drive system providing 295 lb-ft of torque for quick acceleration.
Choose the Jeep Compass if...
- You want to save $3,095 upfront, as the Compass starts at $26,900 versus the Hornet's $29,995.
- Your daily driving requires better efficiency, as the Compass achieves 27 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel.
- You prefer the slightly taller stance (64.6 inches) and the capability of a Four-Wheel Drive system.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Jeep Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 173.4" |
| Width | - | 73.8" |
| Height | 63.8" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 103.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 200 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | — | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | — | On Demand |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 324.0/432.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Room | — | 39.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 56.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 49.2 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 225/60R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Jeep Compass.
How much does the difference in horsepower affect real-world driving between the Hornet and Compass?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet delivers 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly quicker than the 200 hp, 221 lb-ft Compass. This 68 hp advantage means the Hornet will feel noticeably punchier during highway merging and passing maneuvers.
Is the extra cost of the Dodge Hornet ($3,095 more) justified by fuel savings or capacity?
No, the Hornet is not justified by running costs; the Jeep Compass has better fuel economy (27 MPG combined vs. 24 MPG) and nearly identical cargo space at 27.2 cu ft versus 27 cu ft. You pay a premium for the Hornet's superior power figures.
Which crossover is better for long-distance travel regarding fuel?
The Jeep Compass is better for long hauls because it runs on regular unleaded fuel and achieves better mileage (24/32 MPG city/highway). The Hornet requires premium unleaded and only returns 21/29 MPG.
How do the dimensions compare for parking and maneuverability?
The Jeep Compass is physically smaller, being 4.6 inches shorter in length (173.4 inches) than the Hornet (178.0 inches), which might make it marginally easier to slot into tight parking spots. They are very similar in height, though the Compass is slightly wider at 73.8 inches.
Are the transmission and drivetrain differences significant?
Yes, the Hornet features an AWD system paired with a 9-speed automatic, while the Compass uses a FWD/4WD system with an 8-speed automatic. These transmissions work with their respective power outputs to deliver a different driving feel—sportier in the Hornet, more methodical in the Compass.
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