2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Chevrolet Trax
Comparison Overview
The most striking numerical divergence between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Chevrolet Trax lies in their MSRP, presenting an $8,395 difference, with the Trax priced at $21,600 versus the Hornet's $29,995. This price gap reflects a substantial performance disparity: the Hornet delivers 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its AWD platform, dwarfing the Trax's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft, which routes power via FWD. Conversely, the Trax exhibits superior efficiency, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating utilizing regular unleaded, while the Hornet manages 24 MPG combined and recommends premium fuel. In physical footprint, the vehicles are nearly identical in length (178.6 inches for Trax vs. 178.0 inches for Hornet), but the Hornet offers slightly more cargo space at 27 cu ft compared to the Trax's 25.6 cu ft. The power deficit in the Trax is significant, totaling 131 fewer horsepower.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax wins for commuting due to its significantly better 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower running costs utilizing regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet provides marginally more utility with 27 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Trax's 25.6 cu ft, coupled with standard AWD capability.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts, offering 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Trax's 137 hp.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax represents better base value, saving the buyer $8,395 upfront while still delivering a competitive 30 MPG combined rating.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You prioritize maximum acceleration and passing power, benefiting from 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability is necessary for driving conditions, as the Hornet includes it standard.
- You require the maximum documented cargo space of 27 cubic feet in this direct comparison.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- Minimizing the initial purchase price is critical, given the Trax starts at $21,600.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the Trax achieves 30 MPG combined versus the Hornet's 24 MPG.
- You prefer to use less expensive regular unleaded gasoline instead of the Hornet's recommended premium fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 178.6" |
| Width | - | 71.8" |
| Height | 63.8" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 106.0" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| 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 | flex-fuel (FFV) |
| 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 | 6-speed shiftable 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 | 28/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 369.6/422.4 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 | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 52.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 54.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 45.8 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 225/60R17 |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
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 Trax.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Hornet and the 2026 Trax?
The Dodge Hornet produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque routed through an all-wheel-drive system with a 9-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the Chevrolet Trax offers 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque delivered exclusively via a front-wheel-drive setup with a 6-speed automatic.
How significant is the fuel cost difference between these two crossovers?
The Chevrolet Trax is substantially more fuel-efficient, achieving 30 MPG combined compared to the Hornet’s 24 MPG combined, a 6 MPG advantage. Furthermore, the Trax uses regular unleaded, whereas the Hornet recommends premium fuel, adding to the Trax’s lower operational expenditure.
Does the significant price difference translate to a difference in exterior size?
The external dimensions are very similar; the Trax is 178.6 inches long, slightly longer than the Hornet at 178.0 inches. However, the Trax is 61.4 inches tall, making it 2.4 inches lower than the 63.8-inch tall Hornet.
Which vehicle is better for moving large amounts of cargo?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet provides slightly more usable space with 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax offers 25.6 cubic feet, resulting in a 1.4 cubic foot advantage for the Hornet.
Which vehicle offers a lower entry price point?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax has a significantly lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $21,600. The 2025 Dodge Hornet has an MSRP of $29,995, establishing an $8,395 difference at the base level.
Are there differences in transmission types used by these two models?
Yes, the Dodge Hornet utilizes a more advanced 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Chevrolet Trax employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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