2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

$29,995 · Crossover

$23,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Dodge Hornet storms onto the crossover scene demanding attention with its muscular 268 hp output, immediately appealing to those who crave excitement under the hood, setting it miles apart from the pragmatic 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The Hornet, priced at $29,995, delivers a significant 131 horsepower advantage over the Trailblazer's 137 hp. Conversely, the Trailblazer champions efficiency and affordability, boasting an MSRP of just $23,000 and delivering 6 more miles per gallon combined (30 MPG vs. the Hornet's 24 MPG). While the Hornet features All-Wheel Drive, the Trailblazer sticks to FWD. This dynamic pits raw, engaging power—backed by 295 lb-ft of torque—against sensible economy and a lower entry barrier, making the choice dependent on whether performance or pennies per mile is the priority for the buyer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2026 Trailblazer is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG and lower entry cost of $23,000.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The lower price point and better fuel economy of the Trailblazer make it the more sensible and budget-friendly choice for routine family transport.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Hornet

The 2025 Hornet crushes the competition with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, promising a far more spirited AWD drive experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Dodge Hornet

Although pricier, the Hornet's significantly higher power output and standard AWD offer a better performance-per-dollar ratio than the Trailblazer.

Choose the Dodge Hornet if...

You demand exciting acceleration and have a strong preference for AWD capability in all conditions.
Your priority is high power figures, specifically achieving 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You can absorb the $6,995 higher initial investment for performance upgrades.

Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...

Budget is paramount, as the Trailblazer starts $6,995 cheaper at $23,000.
Maximizing fuel savings is essential, given its 30 combined MPG rating.
You prefer the slightly taller stature (64.2 inches) and smaller footprint (174.1 inches long) for navigating tight city spaces.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Hornet	Chevrolet Trailblazer
Length	178.0"	174.1"
Width	-	71.2"
Height	63.8"	64.2"
Wheelbase	103.8"	104.0"

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	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
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)	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	283.5/391.5 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	13.2 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	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	11.0 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)	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

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	—	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	—	52.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Chevrolet
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	53.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	50.4 in.

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	225/60R17
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Dodge	Chevrolet
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
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 Trailblazer.

What is the biggest performance gap between the 2025 Hornet and the 2026 Trailblazer?

The performance disparity is dramatic; the Dodge Hornet generates 268 hp, while the Chevrolet Trailblazer offers only 137 hp. This 131 horsepower difference means the Hornet will offer a vastly quicker acceleration and driving feel compared to the efficiency-focused Trailblazer.

How does the fuel cost factor into the choice between these two crossovers?

The Trailblazer is substantially more economical on fuel, achieving 30 combined MPG, whereas the Hornet returns only 24 combined MPG. Over the long term, this 6 MPG difference will translate to noticeable annual savings at the pump for Trailblazer owners.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?

The 2025 Dodge Hornet technically wins on raw volume, offering 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Trailblazer's 25.3 cubic feet. However, both vehicles are quite close in utility space for compact crossovers.

Does the drive type significantly separate these two vehicles?

Yes, the Hornet features All-Wheel Drive (AWD), enhancing traction and stability, while the Trailblazer utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD). This makes the Hornet better suited for varied weather conditions or spirited driving.

Are there major differences in the required fuel type?

The Hornet recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its performance metrics, whereas the 2026 Trailblazer supports flex-fuel (E85), offering drivers flexibility depending on current fuel prices.