2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Kia Niro

$29,995 · Crossover

$26,990 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When deciding between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Kia Niro, the choice boils down to power versus pennies saved. The common dilemma centers on performance versus practicality, and the numbers show a clear divergence. The Hornet commands attention with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly punchier than the Niro's 139 hp. However, this muscle comes at a cost: the Hornet starts at an MSRP of $29,995 and only achieves a combined 24 MPG, requiring premium fuel. Conversely, the Niro undercuts the price leader by $3,005, starting at $26,990, and delivers a stunning 53 combined MPG, running on regular unleaded. While the Hornet offers AWD and better torque, the Niro's efficiency advantage, totaling a 29 MPG difference, makes it the pragmatic choice for most drivers covering significant mileage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro

The Kia Niro wins for commuters due to its exceptional 53 combined MPG, significantly reducing running costs for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Dodge Hornet

The Dodge Hornet is slightly better for families by offering more interior power and standard All-Wheel Drive, though both are compact crossovers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Hornet

The Dodge Hornet dominates this category, boasting 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Niro's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Niro

The Kia Niro offers superior overall value, costing $3,005 less upfront while delivering nearly triple the fuel efficiency.

Choose the Dodge Hornet if...

You prioritize acceleration and responsive driving, given the Hornet’s 268 hp.
You need the enhanced traction provided by its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You prefer a vehicle with more overall torque (295 lb-ft) for merging and passing maneuvers.

Choose the Kia Niro if...

Fuel savings are critical, as the Niro achieves 53 combined MPG versus the Hornet's 24 MPG.
You want to keep the initial purchase price lower, as the Niro starts at $26,990.
You plan to use regular unleaded gasoline instead of the Hornet's recommended premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Hornet	Kia Niro
Length	178.0"	174.0"
Width	-	71.8"
Height	63.8"	60.8"
Wheelbase	103.8"	107.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Kia
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	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	268 hp	139 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	195 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Kia
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	53/54 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	53 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	283.5/391.5 mi.	588.3/599.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	11.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	Kia
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	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Kia
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	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Kia
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	—	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	—	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	56.2 in.
Front Hip Room	—	53.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	55.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	53.0 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R17	P205/60R H

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2025 Kia Niro.

How much more fuel-efficient is the 2025 Kia Niro compared to the 2025 Dodge Hornet?

The Kia Niro is substantially more efficient, achieving 53 combined MPG. This is a massive 29 MPG better than the 2025 Dodge Hornet's rating of 24 combined MPG.

If I care about performance, which crossover is the clear winner?

The 2025 Dodge Hornet is the performance leader by a wide margin, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Niro only offers 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.

What is the price difference between these two models?

The 2025 Dodge Hornet has a higher starting MSRP of $29,995. This makes it $3,005 more expensive than the 2025 Kia Niro, which starts at $26,990.

Does the drive type matter for my daily commute between the two?

Yes, the Hornet comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is helpful in poor weather. The Niro utilizes Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), which is perfectly adequate for most dry-weather commuting.

Is there a significant difference in cargo space?

The Dodge Hornet is slightly more capacious inside, offering 27 cubic feet of cargo space. The Kia Niro provides 22.8 cubic feet, meaning the Hornet gives you about 4.2 cubic feet more storage room.

Which vehicle uses cheaper fuel?

The Kia Niro runs perfectly fine on regular unleaded gasoline. The 2025 Dodge Hornet recommends premium unleaded, which adds to its overall cost of ownership.