2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Dodge Hornet screams raw, accessible performance in a compact package, kicking off its muscle-car lineage with a thrilling 268 hp from its standard setup. Contrast this with the immensely practical and efficient 2025 Subaru Impreza, a true all-weather warrior boasting an exceptional 30 MPG combined rating. The Hornet attacks the road with 116 more horsepower than the Impreza, offering 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Impreza's 145 lb-ft, satisfying the need for immediate thrust. However, this power comes at a premium, as the Hornet commands an MSRP of $29,995 compared to the Impreza's budget-friendly $24,360—a significant $5,635 difference. While the Impreza delivers superior cruising economy (34 highway MPG), the Hornet rewards drivers willing to embrace premium fuel for superior acceleration figures in their AWD utility vehicle.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza is the clear winner for daily commuting due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower running costs using regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Hornet provides more utility and a more robust feeling platform, offering 27 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet is the enthusiast's choice by a landslide, delivering a staggering 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque for significantly quicker acceleration.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza wins on base value, costing $5,635 less upfront while offering excellent efficiency and standard AWD capability.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You prioritize thrilling acceleration, leveraging the Hornet's 268 hp engine.
- You need maximum utility in a smaller footprint, benefiting from the 27 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You want standard All-Wheel Drive combined with a performance-oriented 9-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Keeping running costs low is paramount, thanks to the Impreza's 34 highway MPG rating.
- You require a lower entry price point, as the Impreza undercuts the Hornet by $5,635.
- You prefer using regular unleaded fuel over the Hornet's recommended premium gasoline.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 176.2" |
| Width | - | 70.1" |
| Height | 63.8" | 58.3" |
| 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 | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 145 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 | 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 | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 448.2/564.4 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 | 2 |
| 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 | — | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.2 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 205/55R16 |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Impreza.
How much faster is the 2025 Dodge Hornet than the 2025 Subaru Impreza?
The Hornet boasts a substantial advantage with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is 116 more horsepower than the Impreza's 152 hp output. This massive power difference means the Hornet will deliver significantly faster acceleration metrics than the efficiency-focused Impreza.
Which vehicle is more practical for hauling cargo?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet, despite being a crossover, offers more inherent cargo space at 27 cubic feet compared to the Subaru Impreza wagon's 20.4 cubic feet. Both vehicles use AWD, but the Hornet provides nearly 7 cubic feet more storage behind the rear seats.
Is the higher MSRP of the Hornet justified by its fuel economy?
No, the Hornet is less efficient; it achieves only 24 MPG combined while running on recommended premium fuel. In contrast, the Impreza achieves 30 MPG combined using less expensive regular unleaded fuel, making the Impreza far cheaper to run.
How do the driving dynamics differ between these two AWD vehicles?
The Hornet is tuned for aggressive handling with its powerful 268 hp setup and 9-speed automatic geared toward maximizing performance. The Impreza focuses on steady, predictable control utilizing its lighter weight and CVT geared toward maximizing its 30 MPG combined rating.
What is the difference in initial purchase price?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet carries an MSRP of $29,995, making it substantially pricier than the 2025 Subaru Impreza, which starts at $24,360. This results in a starting price gap of $5,635 in favor of the Impreza.
Are there significant differences in size and footprint?
While both are relatively compact, the Hornet is slightly taller at 63.8 inches versus the Impreza’s 58.3 inches, giving it a more commanding stance. Both vehicles are very similar in length, with the Hornet measuring 178.0 inches long.
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