2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Picking between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid often boils down to whether you prioritize sporty thrills or frugal efficiency. If saving on fuel is your main goal, the difference is staggering: the Sportage Hybrid boasts a combined 43 MPG versus the Hornet’s 24 MPG, saving you trips to the pump. However, if driving excitement matters more, the Hornet counters with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Kia's 227 hp and 258 lb-ft. While the Hornet demands recommended premium unleaded fuel, the Kia runs happily on regular. Financially, the Kia is cheaper at an MSRP of $28,790 compared to the Dodge’s $29,995, but the Hornet offers standard AWD, while the Kia uses FWD, a crucial distinction for varied road conditions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior combined 43 MPG efficiency and lower running costs.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia is better for families by offering substantially more usable space with 39.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet appeals to enthusiasts with its stronger output of 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid provides better overall value because of its much higher fuel economy and lower starting MSRP of $28,790.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You demand the quickest acceleration, leveraging the Hornet's 268 horsepower advantage.
- You require the stability of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard, which the Hornet includes.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, with the Hornet measuring 178.0 inches long.
Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...
- Saving on gas is paramount, thanks to the Sportage Hybrid’s excellent 43 MPG combined rating.
- You need maximum hauling space, benefiting from the Kia's 39.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You wish to run on regular unleaded fuel instead of the Hornet’s recommended premium grade.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Kia Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| 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 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 | 42/44 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 43 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 575.4/602.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 13.7 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 | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — | 39.1 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. |
| 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 Sportage Hybrid.
Which crossover is significantly cheaper to fuel long-term?
The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear winner for fuel savings, delivering a massive 43 MPG combined efficiency. The Dodge Hornet only achieves 24 MPG combined, meaning you will spend considerably more at the pump throughout ownership.
Does the Dodge Hornet's extra power translate to a better family vehicle?
While the Hornet has 41 more horsepower (268 hp vs. 227 hp), it sacrifices critical space; the Sportage Hybrid offers 39.5 cu ft of cargo volume while the Hornet only provides 27 cu ft, making the Kia more practical for family hauling.
Are there significant differences in their standard drivetrain setup?
Yes, the two vehicles feature different drive types. The 2025 Dodge Hornet comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD) in this configuration.
How do the initial purchase prices compare for these two crossovers?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid holds a slight price advantage at $28,790 MSRP compared to the Dodge Hornet's starting price of $29,995. This initial difference is somewhat offset by the Hornet's standard AWD.
Which car uses a less expensive fuel type?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid runs efficiently on regular unleaded fuel. In contrast, the 2025 Dodge Hornet recommends premium unleaded fuel for its performance figures, adding to its running costs.
Is the Dodge Hornet noticeably smaller than the Kia?
The Dodge Hornet is slightly more compact, measuring 178.0 inches in length, while the Kia Sportage Hybrid stretches to 183.5 inches long. They are similar in height, with the Kia being marginally taller at 65.4 inches.
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