2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

$29,995 · Crossover

$28,770 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The showdown between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 pits raw muscle against refined sensibility in the compact crossover segment. The Hornet ignites excitement with a potent 268 hp engine delivering 295 lb-ft of torque, promising thrilling acceleration that the 187 hp CX-5 simply cannot match. While the CX-5 boasts a more budget-friendly MSRP starting at $28,770 compared to the Hornet's $29,995, the power disparity is immense—a difference of 81 horsepower favoring the Dodge. Fuel economy is virtually neck-and-neck, with the Mazda achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Hornet's 24 MPG combined, though the CX-5 cleverly uses regular unleaded. The Mazda also offers superior utility with 30.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft, making it the practical choice despite its older 6-speed automatic transmission against the Hornet's 9-speed unit.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG and lower purchase price of $28,770.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

Families benefit from the CX-5's larger cargo capacity of 30.8 cubic feet, offering more room for gear than the Hornet's 27 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Hornet

Enthusiasts will overwhelmingly choose the Dodge Hornet for its massive 268 hp output and 295 lb-ft of torque, creating a far more engaging drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 provides better overall value by offering a significantly lower MSRP and requiring less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Dodge Hornet if...

You crave speed, as the Hornet delivers a commanding 268 horsepower.
You prefer a modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission for potentially quicker shifts.
You desire the higher torque figure of 295 lb-ft for immediate off-the-line punch.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

Budget is a primary concern, given the lower MSRP starting at $28,770.
You need maximum storage, as the CX-5 offers 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
You prioritize running on regular unleaded fuel over the Hornet's premium recommendation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Hornet	Mazda CX-5
Length	178.0"	180.1"
Width	-	72.6"
Height	63.8"	66.1"
Wheelbase	103.8"	106.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Mazda
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 @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	186 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	Mazda
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Mazda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	283.5/391.5 mi.	351.9/443.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	15.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Air Conditioning	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Mazda
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	—
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Mazda
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	—	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	—	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	57.1 in.
Front Hip Room	—	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Mazda
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	39.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	55.3 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Mazda
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	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2025 Mazda CX-5.

How significant is the performance difference between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Dodge Hornet boasts 268 horsepower, giving it 81 more horsepower than the Mazda CX-5's 187 horsepower. This translates to a much faster on-road feel in the Hornet.

Which vehicle is more economical for daily driving?

The Mazda CX-5 is slightly more economical, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the Hornet's 24 MPG combined. Furthermore, the CX-5 runs on regular unleaded, which is usually cheaper than the Hornet’s recommended premium fuel.

Does the AWD system differ between the two models?

Both vehicles feature All-Wheel Drive capability, ensuring traction in various conditions. However, the Hornet utilizes a more advanced 9-speed automatic transmission while the CX-5 sticks with a 6-speed automatic.

If I carry a lot of cargo, which crossover should I choose?

The Mazda CX-5 is the clear choice for cargo, offering 30.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The Dodge Hornet provides only 27 cubic feet, which is still respectable but falls short of the CX-5’s capacity.

Are these vehicles similarly sized vehicles?

While both are crossovers, the Mazda CX-5 is slightly longer at 180.1 inches and taller at 66.1 inches than the Hornet's 178.0-inch length and 63.8-inch height.

Is the Dodge Hornet worth the extra money compared to the Mazda?

The Hornet costs $1,225 more than the CX-5 ($29,995 vs $28,770). You are paying that premium for the substantial 81 hp increase and the performance tuning associated with the Dodge brand.