2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos lies in their power output, with the Hornet delivering a substantial 268 hp compared to the Taos's 174 hp, a 94 hp advantage. This performance gap is reflected in the torque figures (295 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft). However, the Taos counters with superior efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined, while the AWD Hornet manages only 24 MPG combined, leading to a 7 MPG difference. The initial cost also heavily favors the Taos at an MSRP of $25,495 versus the Hornet’s $29,995, a $4,500 starting price advantage. Cargo capacity is nearly identical, with the Taos offering a slightly larger 27.9 cu ft compared to the Hornet's 27.0 cu ft. Both utilize shiftable automatic transmissions, though the Hornet features 9 speeds against the Taos's 8.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined efficiency and ability to run on regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos offers slightly more usable space with 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, making it marginally more practical for small families.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts, offering 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through an AWD system.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos provides significantly better value with a $4,500 lower MSRP and 7 additional MPG for fuel savings.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You prioritize outright performance, benefiting from 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- All-wheel drive capability is a mandatory requirement for your driving conditions.
- You prefer the slightly larger overall footprint provided by the Hornet's 178.0-inch length.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the Taos achieves 31 MPG combined versus the Hornet's 24 MPG.
- Minimizing initial outlay is key, given the Taos’s $25,495 starting MSRP.
- You intend to use less expensive fuel, as the Taos requires regular unleaded while the Hornet recommends premium.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 175.9" |
| Width | - | 72.5" |
| Height | 63.8" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 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 | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Room | — | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Room | — | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 45.4 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Dodge Hornet than the 2025 VW Taos?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet carries an MSRP of $29,995, which is $4,500 more than the 2025 Volkswagen Taos starting price of $25,495.
Which vehicle is faster, the Hornet or the Taos?
The Hornet is substantially faster, producing 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Taos’s 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Is there a noticeable difference in cargo capacity between the two crossovers?
The difference is negligible; the VW Taos offers 27.9 cubic feet, while the Dodge Hornet provides 27.0 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
How does the fuel efficiency compare for daily commuting?
The Taos leads by a considerable margin, achieving 31 MPG combined, whereas the AWD Hornet only manages 24 MPG combined, resulting in a 7 MPG difference.
Do these models require the same type of gasoline?
No, the Dodge Hornet recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Volkswagen Taos uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
Are the transmission setups identical?
While both feature shiftable automatics, the Hornet utilizes a 9-speed unit, whereas the Taos is equipped with an 8-speed transmission.
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