2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
The most striking divergence between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the significant 93 horsepower deficit in the Chevrolet, with the Hornet producing 268 hp compared to the Equinox's 175 hp. This power disparity is complemented by the Hornet’s superior 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Equinox's 184 lb-ft, indicating a performance orientation. Conversely, the Equinox holds clear efficiency and utility advantages, boasting a higher combined fuel economy of 27 MPG using cheaper regular unleaded, whereas the Hornet manages 24 MPG and requires premium fuel. The Equinox also offers greater utility with 29.8 cu ft of cargo space against the Hornet's 27 cu ft. Pricing shows a slight edge for Chevy at an MSRP of $28,600 versus the Hornet's $29,995. Both vehicles occupy the crossover segment, but their engineering priorities are distinctly split between power and economy/practicality.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the winner for commuters due to its superior combined MPG of 27 and its ability to use regular unleaded fuel.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox provides more practical space with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet delivers substantially more performance with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, backed by standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox is the better value proposition, priced lower at $28,600 while offering better fuel efficiency and more cargo volume.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You prioritize acceleration, as the Hornet offers 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive for traction in all conditions.
- You prefer a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is key, evidenced by its 27 MPG combined rating.
- You want to save money on fuel by using regular unleaded instead of premium.
- You need the maximum available cargo space, which is 29.8 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 183.2" |
| Width | - | 74.9" |
| Height | 63.8" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 11.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 51.7 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The difference is substantial; the Hornet generates 268 hp, which is 93 hp more than the Equinox's 175 hp output. Furthermore, the Hornet has 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Equinox's 184 lb-ft, leading to notably faster acceleration.
Which vehicle is cheaper to run on a daily basis?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is more economical for daily driving. It achieves a combined 27 MPG and specifies regular unleaded fuel. The Dodge Hornet is rated lower at 24 MPG combined and mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel.
Does the base trim for both crossovers include AWD?
No, the standard drive configurations differ significantly; the 2025 Dodge Hornet comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with Front Wheel Drive.
Is there a meaningful difference in physical size and storage capacity?
Yes, the Equinox is physically longer at 183.2 inches compared to the Hornet's 178.0 inches. This size difference translates to 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity in the Equinox versus 27 cu ft in the Hornet.
Comparing the starting prices, how much more does the Hornet cost?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet starts at an MSRP of $29,995, making it $1,395 more expensive than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox's starting MSRP of $28,600.
What is the difference in transmission technology used in these two crossovers?
The Hornet utilizes a conventional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission for potentially quicker shifts. In contrast, the Equinox employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) aimed at maximizing efficiency.
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