2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson
Comparison Overview
Deciding between power and practicality often defines the compact crossover search, and the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Hyundai Tucson present a classic trade-off. If immediate excitement is your goal, the Hornet delivers a punch with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly quicker than the Tucson’s 187 hp. However, that performance comes at a cost: the Hornet requires premium fuel and only achieves a combined 24 MPG, compared to the Tucson's 28 MPG combined using regular unleaded. Priced slightly higher at $29,995 versus $29,200, the Hornet is the enthusiast's choice, while the Tucson excels in utility, offering a massive 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Hornet's 27 cu ft. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize the Hornet's robust AWD performance or the Tucson's superior fuel economy and interior volume.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG and lower operating costs using regular unleaded fuel.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson provides substantially more usable space with 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Hornet's 27 cubic feet.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is the clear winner for driving enjoyment, boasting 268 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
Despite the lower MSRP of $29,200, the Tucson saves money over time via better fuel economy and regular fuel requirement.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You frequently drive spiritedly and value the 81 extra horsepower (268 hp total).
- All-wheel drive is a necessity for your typical driving conditions.
- You prefer a more compact footprint, measuring 178.0 inches in length for easier urban maneuvering.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- Maximizing interior storage is critical, given its 38.7 cubic feet of cargo room.
- You want to save on fuel costs by achieving 28 MPG combined on regular unleaded gas.
- You prefer to keep the initial purchase price lower, as the MSRP starts at $29,200.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 182.7" |
| Width | - | 73.4" |
| Height | 63.8" | - |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 108.5" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable 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 | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 357.5/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 14.3 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
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 | 3 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Room | — | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.9 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
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 | 235/65R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
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 Tucson.
How big is the performance difference between the 2025 Hornet and the 2026 Tucson?
The difference is quite noticeable: the Hornet packs 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is substantially more than the Tucson's 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. This 81 hp advantage means the Hornet will feel much quicker off the line.
Which crossover is more practical for hauling cargo?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the clear cargo champion, offering 38.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2025 Dodge Hornet trails significantly with only 27 cubic feet available.
Is the extra cost of fueling the Dodge Hornet worth the performance?
The Hornet specifically recommends premium unleaded, which is an added recurring expense, contrasting with the Tucson’s regular unleaded requirement. Furthermore, the Hornet only achieves 24 MPG combined versus the Tucson's 28 MPG combined.
Does one offer standard All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, the 2025 Dodge Hornet comes standard with all-wheel drive, suggesting better traction in varied weather. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson reviewed here utilizes front-wheel drive.
How do the physical sizes of these two crossovers compare?
The Tucson is longer overall, measuring 182.7 inches compared to the Hornet's 178.0 inches. However, the Tucson is also wider at 73.4 inches, which might be a factor in tight parking situations.
What are the MSRP differences between the base models?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson has a slightly lower starting MSRP at $29,200, whereas the 2025 Dodge Hornet begins at $29,995.
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