2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Kia Seltos
Comparison Overview
The comparison between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Kia Seltos reveals a stark contrast between performance emphasis and cost efficiency, headlined by a significant $5,305 MSRP gap, with the Seltos starting at $24,690 compared to the Hornet's $29,995. Performance metrics show the Hornet delivering 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Seltos’s 146 hp and 132 lb-ft. This power deficit in the Seltos translates directly to better fuel economy; the Seltos achieves a 29 MPG combined rating using cheaper regular unleaded, while the Hornet manages 24 MPG combined requiring premium fuel. While the Seltos is 5.4 inches shorter in length (172.6 inches vs. 178.0 inches), cargo capacities are nearly identical at 26.6 cu ft versus 27 cu ft. Both models feature AWD and automatic transmissions, but the Hornet utilizes a 9-speed unit versus the Seltos's CVT.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is the superior choice for daily commuting due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy and requirement for regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet offers slightly more usable space with 27 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft, coupled with its standard AWD configuration.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet commands an overwhelming advantage with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Seltos's output.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos presents better initial value with a starting MSRP of $24,690 and lower running costs due to its MPG figures and use of regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- Maximum performance is the priority, evidenced by its 268 hp output and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- A driver requires the responsiveness of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- Slightly more cargo volume (27 cu ft) or physical length (178.0 inches) is preferred in the crossover segment.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as indicated by the 29 MPG combined rating versus the Hornet's 24 MPG.
- Lower ownership costs are desired, given the $5,305 lower MSRP and use of regular unleaded fuel.
- A buyer prefers a marginally smaller footprint, with the Seltos measuring 172.6 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 172.6" |
| Width | - | 70.9" |
| Height | 63.8" | 63.4" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 103.5" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | — | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 27/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 356.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 13.2 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 | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Room | — | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 52.8 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | P215/55R |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2025 Kia Seltos.
What is the main difference in engine performance between the 2025 Hornet and the 2025 Seltos?
The Dodge Hornet offers significantly more power with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Kia Seltos produces a much more modest 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, making the Hornet the clear performance leader.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Dodge Hornet than the Kia Seltos?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet carries an MSRP of $29,995, resulting in a price difference of $5,305 compared to the Kia Seltos's starting price of $24,690.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for city driving?
The Kia Seltos holds the advantage in city fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG in the city compared to the Dodge Hornet's 21 MPG city rating.
Do both vehicles use the same type of gasoline?
No, the Dodge Hornet recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its performance metrics, while the Kia Seltos runs efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline.
Is the cargo capacity significantly different between these two AWD crossovers?
The cargo capacities are nearly identical for this segment; the Hornet offers 27.0 cubic feet, while the Seltos provides 26.6 cubic feet, a negligible 0.4 cu ft difference.
How do the transmissions compare in these two models?
The Hornet utilizes a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Seltos employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
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