2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Kia Sportage

$29,995 · Crossover

$27,390 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between punchy performance and budget-conscious practicality is a common headache when shopping for a compact crossover. The 2025 Dodge Hornet throws down an aggressive gauntlet with 268 horsepower, vastly outpacing the 2025 Kia Sportage's 187 horsepower. However, this power comes at a cost; the Hornet demands premium fuel and achieves only 24 MPG combined, while the Sportage runs happily on regular unleaded and nets a superior 28 MPG combined. While the Hornet offers standard AWD, the base Sportage features a more spacious cabin, boasting 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft. The Sportage also undercuts the Hornet on price significantly, starting at $27,390 versus the Hornet's $29,995 MSRP, making the initial investment considerably lower for the Kia.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG combined on regular unleaded gas.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

Families will benefit more from the Kia Sportage's substantial 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity over the Hornet's 27 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Hornet

The Dodge Hornet clearly appeals to enthusiasts with its powerful 268 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage offers better baseline value with a lower MSRP of $27,390 and cheaper fuel requirements.

Choose the Dodge Hornet if...

You prioritize acceleration and want a robust 268 horsepower output.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is essential for your driving conditions.
You prefer the slightly tighter dimensions, measuring 178.0 inches long.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

Maximizing usable space is key, thanks to its massive 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You want to save money on both the purchase price (MSRP $27,390) and fuel costs.
You drive mostly in the city and want the higher 25/32 MPG efficiency rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Hornet	Kia Sportage
Length	178.0"	183.5"
Width	-	73.4"
Height	63.8"	65.4"
Wheelbase	103.8"	108.5"

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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	178 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	8-speed shiftable automatic
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	25/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	283.5/391.5 mi.	357.5/457.6 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	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
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	—	✓

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	—	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	—	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	—	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	53.4 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R17	235/65R17

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 Sportage.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Dodge Hornet than the Kia Sportage?

The Dodge Hornet offers a significant power advantage, putting out 268 horsepower compared to the Kia Sportage's 187 horsepower, a difference of 81 hp.

Which crossover is cheaper to run daily, considering fuel?

The Kia Sportage is generally cheaper to run daily; it achieves a combined 28 MPG and accepts regular unleaded fuel, while the Hornet only manages 24 MPG combined and recommends premium fuel.

Is the base AWD included on both models?

No, the 2025 Dodge Hornet comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base model 2025 Kia Sportage is Front Wheel Drive.

Which vehicle has the largest cargo area?

The 2025 Kia Sportage is the clear winner for hauling gear, offering 39.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the Hornet's 27 cu ft.

What is the price difference between the starting MSRPs?

The 2025 Dodge Hornet has a higher starting MSRP of $29,995, making the base 2025 Kia Sportage, priced at $27,390, the more budget-friendly option upfront.

Does the size difference affect interior comfort?

While the Sportage is physically longer at 183.5 inches, the data suggests the Kia prioritizes cargo volume (39.6 cu ft), whereas the Hornet's dimensions result in less overall cargo space (27 cu ft).