2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Subaru Forester

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the sporty rush of the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the practical reliability of the 2025 Subaru Forester often comes down to a trade-off between performance and economy when both start at an identical MSRP of $29,995. If you crave acceleration, the Hornet dominates with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, blowing the Forester's 180 hp out of the water. However, that power comes at a cost; the Hornet delivers a combined 24 MPG, while the Forester is significantly thriftier, achieving 29 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Forester offers marginally more utility, boasting 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft. The choice hinges on whether the 88 hp advantage is worth sacrificing about 5 MPG and sacrificing nearly two cubic feet of storage in your daily driving routine.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Forester

The Forester wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, netting 29 combined MPG versus the Hornet's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Forester

Families benefit from the Forester's slightly larger cargo capacity of 29.6 cu ft compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Hornet

Enthusiasts will overwhelmingly prefer the Hornet's powerful 268 hp engine and higher 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Forester

While prices match, the Forester offers better long-term running costs due to better MPG and its use of regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Dodge Hornet if...

You prioritize outright acceleration and prefer a muscular 268 hp output for highway merging.
You want the specific handling feel of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You don't mind the fuel penalty, as the Hornet only achieves 21 city MPG, significantly less than the Forester.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You seek better efficiency, as the Forester returns 33 highway MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
You need maximum utility in a small package, benefiting from 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive paired with a smoother driving feel from its Continuously Variable Transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Hornet	Subaru Forester
Length	178.0"	183.3"
Width	-	72.0"
Height	63.8"	68.1"
Wheelbase	103.8"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	178 lb-ft @ 3700 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	283.5/391.5 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
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	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
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	—	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	—	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	—	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	53.7 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
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	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
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 Subaru Forester.

Which vehicle will cost less to fuel over a year?

The 2025 Subaru Forester is significantly cheaper to run, achieving 29 combined MPG compared to the Hornet's 24 combined MPG. Additionally, the Forester runs on regular unleaded, whereas the Hornet recommends premium fuel.

How does the power difference affect typical driving?

The 2025 Dodge Hornet boasts 268 hp, providing a much quicker experience than the Forester's 180 hp. If you frequently pass or merge onto busy highways, the Hornet’s superior 295 lb-ft of torque will be noticeable.

Are both crossovers the same size for parking?

The 2025 Dodge Hornet is slightly more compact, measuring 178.0 inches in length, while the Forester is 183.3 inches long. However, the Forester is notably taller at 68.1 inches versus the Hornet's 63.8 inches.

Do I get more storage space with the Forester?

Yes, the Forester is the more practical choice for cargo; it offers 29.6 cu ft of capacity behind the rear seats. The Hornet trails slightly with 27 cu ft available.

Since both cost $29,995, which offers better equipment value?

Value is subjective here: the Hornet provides superior performance specs for the price, while the Forester delivers better long-term operational savings through superior fuel economy and standard regular unleaded compatibility.

What is the key mechanical difference between the automatic transmissions?

The Hornet uses a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission for more direct gear engagement, while the Forester utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) engineered to maximize the efficiency of its standard All-Wheel Drive system.