2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Kia Soul
Comparison Overview
Get ready to rumble! The 2025 Dodge Hornet unleashes raw energy from its 2.0L turbocharged engine, delivering a thrilling 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through standard All-Wheel Drive. This muscular crossover demands attention, despite its 24 MPG combined rating. In stark contrast, the 2025 Kia Soul charms with urban agility and efficiency, starting at an accessible MSRP of just $20,490—a massive $9,505 less than the Hornet. The Soul’s 147 hp is modest, but it rewards drivers with an excellent 30 MPG combined rating, utilizing regular unleaded fuel. While the Hornet is longer at 178.0 inches and offers a slight cargo edge at 27 cu ft, the Soul maximizes space within its smaller footprint. This comparison pits pure, V8-adjacent muscle against smart, budget-conscious city prowess.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and cheaper operational costs using regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet provides superior capability with standard AWD and significantly more power (268 hp vs. 147 hp) for varied family demands.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet is the enthusiast's choice, boasting 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque paired with an aggressive AWD system.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul offers unbeatable entry-level value with an MSRP nearly $10,000 lower than the competition.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You prioritize aggressive acceleration and maximum power, relying on 268 hp for spirited driving.
- You require the confident handling and traction provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You need a slightly larger vehicle, as the Hornet measures 178.0 inches in length and offers 27 cu ft of cargo space.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, given the Soul's $20,490 MSRP.
- Fuel economy is a primary concern, as the Soul achieves 30 MPG combined versus the Hornet's 24 MPG.
- You prefer lower running costs by using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Kia Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 165.2" |
| Width | - | 70.9" |
| Height | 63.8" | 63.0" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 102.4" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 147 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 | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 386.1/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 14.3 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 | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Audio/Video Remote 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 | — | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 55.5 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 | — | 38.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 54.7 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | 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 |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
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 Soul.
How significant is the performance difference between the 2025 Hornet and the 2025 Soul?
The difference is substantial; the Dodge Hornet generates 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, far outpacing the Kia Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, making the Hornet dramatically quicker.
Which vehicle is more economical for daily driving?
The Kia Soul is the clear winner on running costs, delivering 30 MPG combined compared to the Hornet's 24 MPG combined, plus it runs on cheaper regular unleaded fuel.
Does the difference in MSRP ($9,505) justify the performance gap?
That depends on priority; the Hornet costs $9,505 more but delivers an extra 121 hp and standard AWD, catering to enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for performance.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is the larger vehicle, measuring 178.0 inches long, compared to the Kia Soul's smaller footprint.
Are there major differences in how these vehicles manage power delivery?
Yes, the Hornet uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with AWD for performance-oriented gear changes, whereas the Soul utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission with Front Wheel Drive geared toward efficiency.
How does the cargo capacity compare between these two crossovers/wagons?
The Dodge Hornet offers slightly more usable hauling space with 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity, edging out the Kia Soul's 24.2 cubic feet.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool