2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Subaru Outback

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Subaru Outback when starting at the same $29,995 MSRP often comes down to performance versus practicality. If maximizing every trip matters, the Outback shines; it delivers a segment-leading 28 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel, significantly beating the Hornet's 24 combined MPG (which recommends premium fuel). However, if acceleration is your priority, the Hornet packs a serious punch with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Outback's 182 hp. While the Hornet is shorter at 178.0 inches, offering slightly easier parking, the Outback offers superior hauling capability with 32.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft. This comparison pits raw power against long-term efficiency and space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Hornet's 24.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

Families will prefer the Outback for its larger 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Hornet

The 2025 Dodge Hornet caters to driving enthusiasts by offering significantly more power with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Outback

Despite the identical $29,995 MSRP, the Outback's use of regular unleaded fuel and higher MPG makes it the better long-term value proposition.

Choose the Dodge Hornet if...

You value quick acceleration, thanks to the Hornet's 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly shorter vehicle footprint at 178.0 inches in length for navigating tight city streets.
You appreciate having a standard 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission providing a more traditional driving feel.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Saving money at the pump is crucial, as the Outback offers 28 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
You frequently haul cargo, utilizing the Outback's generous 32.6 cu ft capacity.
You want the benefits of standard All-Wheel Drive without requiring premium fuel for operation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Hornet	Subaru Outback
Length	178.0"	191.1"
Width	-	73.0"
Height	63.8"	66.1"
Wheelbase	103.8"	108.1"

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	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
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	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	176 lb-ft @ 4400 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
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	283.5/391.5 mi.	481.0/592.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

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	—	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	—	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	54.8 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

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	225/65R 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 Outback.

Is the fuel cost difference between the Hornet and Outback significant?

Yes, the Outback offers 28 combined MPG versus the Hornet's 24 combined MPG, equating to roughly 4 MPG savings over a year of driving. Furthermore, the Outback runs on regular unleaded while the Hornet recommends premium, adding to the Hornet's running cost disparity.

Which crossover provides more space for passengers and gear?

The 2025 Subaru Outback is the clear winner for space, measuring 191.1 inches long and offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Dodge Hornet is noticeably smaller, measuring only 178.0 inches in length with 27 cu ft of cargo space.

If I prioritize driving excitement, which car should I look at?

For excitement, the 2025 Dodge Hornet is superior, producing 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is substantially more output than the Outback’s 182 hp, making the Hornet feel much quicker off the line.

Are both crossovers standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Subaru Outback come equipped standard with All-Wheel Drive capability, making them suitable for various weather conditions.

How do the transmissions differ between these two models?

The Dodge Hornet uses a conventional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, giving the driver more direct gear control. In contrast, the Subaru Outback employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

Do these two crossovers cost the same to purchase initially?

Both the entry-level 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Subaru Outback share the exact same starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,995.