2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Honda HR-V
Comparison Overview
Prepare for a fiery encounter in the compact crossover segment! The 2025 Dodge Hornet bursts onto the scene radiating raw muscle, promising an electrifying ride with 268 horsepower and a potent 295 lb-ft of torque routed through its standard all-wheel drive system. Contrasting this intensity is the sleek 2026 Honda HR-V, which offers sensible efficiency and everyday usability with a modest 158 horsepower and excellent 28 MPG combined efficiency. While the Hornet demands a $29,995 MSRP premium over the HR-V's $26,200 starting price, it delivers a massive 110 hp advantage. Drivers prioritizing pavement-pounding fun will gravitate towards the Hornet's performance metrics, whereas those focused on stretching every gallon, benefiting from 32 MPG highway versus the Hornet's 21 MPG city figure, will find the HR-V the smarter daily companion.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda HR-V
The 2026 Honda HR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Hornet's 24 MPG.
2026 Honda HR-V
The HR-V offers a slightly larger overall footprint (179.8 inches long) and lower ownership cost potential, making it marginally more practical for family duty.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is the undeniable choice for enthusiasts, boasting 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the HR-V's 158 hp.
2026 Honda HR-V
With an MSRP $3,795 lower than Car 1 and better fuel economy, the HR-V provides superior overall value.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You demand immediate acceleration, thanks to its class-leading 268 horsepower output.
- You prefer standard all-wheel drive performance for varied road conditions.
- You value premium driving dynamics and are willing to pay the $29,995 MSRP for high torque (295 lb-ft).
Choose the Honda HR-V if...
- Saving money at the pump is crucial, as it achieves 32 MPG on the highway.
- You require the lowest entry cost, priced at only $26,200.
- You use regular unleaded fuel, unlike the Hornet's premium recommendation.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Honda HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 179.8" |
| Width | - | 72.4" |
| Height | 63.8" | 63.4" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 104.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | — | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 364.0/448.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 14.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 180W |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 56.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 37.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 47.4 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 215/60R H |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Honda HR-V.
How significant is the power gap between the Hornet and the HR-V?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Dodge Hornet delivers 268 horsepower, resulting in an 110 hp advantage over the 2026 Honda HR-V's 158 horsepower. This translates directly into significantly faster acceleration times for the Hornet.
Which vehicle is cheaper to run regarding fuel costs?
The 2026 Honda HR-V is significantly more efficient, boasting 28 MPG combined and running on regular unleaded fuel. The Hornet is rated at only 24 MPG combined and requires premium fuel, adding to its running expense.
Does the higher price of the Hornet ($29,995) justify the performance gain?
That depends on priorities; the Hornet costs $3,795 more but offers 295 lb-ft of torque and standard AWD. If performance is paramount, the price jump is justifiable, but for basic transport, the HR-V offers better baseline savings.
What are the differences in drivetrain and transmission?
The Hornet features a robust all-wheel-drive system paired with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the HR-V uses a standard front-wheel-drive setup paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
How does the cargo capacity compare for practical use?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet offers slightly more utility with 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The 2026 Honda HR-V provides 24.4 cubic feet, making the Hornet marginally better for hauling gear.
Are the physical sizes of these two crossovers very different?
The dimensions are quite similar; the HR-V is slightly longer at 179.8 inches versus the Hornet's 178.0 inches, but the Hornet sits slightly taller at 63.8 inches compared to the HR-V's 63.4 inches.
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