2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

$29,995 · Crossover

$25,350 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Hyundai Kona is the $4,645 difference in base MSRP, with the Kona starting at $25,350 versus the Hornet's $29,995. This cost correlates with substantial performance divergence: the Hornet produces 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, overpowering the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque by a margin of 121 hp. However, the efficiency scales inversely; the Kona achieves 31 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel, significantly better than the Hornet's 24 MPG combined, which mandates premium fuel. While the Hornet offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a larger 27 cu ft cargo capacity, the Kona's smaller footprint (171.3 inches long vs. 178.0 inches) contributes to its superior efficiency profile.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined efficiency and lower running costs via regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Dodge Hornet

The 2025 Dodge Hornet is better for families by offering a slightly larger 27 cu ft of maximum cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Hornet

The 2025 Dodge Hornet is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts, delivering 268 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona presents superior value by achieving 7 MPG better efficiency for $4,645 less in base price.

Choose the Dodge Hornet if...

Your priority is maximizing acceleration, benefiting from the 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability regardless of the base price increase.
You need the greater utility provided by the 27 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

Your budget is strictly limited, as the MSRP is $4,645 lower at $25,350.
Fuel economy is paramount, as the Kona delivers 31 MPG combined on regular unleaded.
You prefer a slightly more maneuverable vehicle due to its shorter 171.3-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Hornet	Hyundai Kona
Length	178.0"	171.3"
Width	-	71.9"
Height	63.8"	62.2"
Wheelbase	103.8"	104.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	—	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	29/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	283.5/391.5 mi.	359.6/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
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	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Front Head Room	—	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	—	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	—	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	38.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	52.4 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R17	215/60R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Hyundai Kona.

Which crossover has better fuel economy, the 2025 Hornet or the 2026 Kona?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona provides substantially better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined. The 2025 Dodge Hornet is rated lower at 24 MPG combined and requires more expensive premium fuel.

What is the horsepower difference between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Hyundai Kona?

The Hornet boasts 268 hp, which is 121 hp more than the Kona's output of 147 hp. This significant power difference is reflected in the mandatory use of premium fuel for the Hornet.

How does the base pricing compare for these two compact crossovers?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona starts at $25,350, making it $4,645 cheaper than the 2025 Dodge Hornet, which has a starting MSRP of $29,995.

Is All-Wheel Drive standard on both vehicles?

No, the 2025 Dodge Hornet comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2026 Hyundai Kona, in this base configuration, utilizes a Front Wheel Drive system.

How does the cargo volume compare between the Hornet and the Kona?

The Dodge Hornet offers slightly more maximum cargo space at 27.0 cubic feet. The Hyundai Kona provides 25.5 cubic feet, a minor difference in practical hauling ability.

Which vehicle uses a different type of transmission?

The Dodge Hornet utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the Hyundai Kona employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission.