2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Kia Seltos
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Kia Seltos lies in performance, with the Hornet delivering 268 hp compared to the Seltos's 147 hp—a difference of 121 horsepower. This power delta is reflected in the torque output (295 lb-ft vs. 132 lb-ft). Conversely, fuel economy heavily favors the Seltos, achieving a combined 31 MPG, while the Hornet manages 24 MPG combined. Pricing presents a $6,305 gap, with the Seltos starting at $23,690 against the Hornet's $29,995 MSRP. Both are compact crossovers, though the Hornet is marginally longer at 178.0 inches. The AWD capability of the Hornet contrasts with the Seltos's FWD setup, influencing their respective handling characteristics and required fuel type (premium vs. regular unleaded).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos is superior for commuting due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet offers greater peace of mind with standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly more utility, boasting 27 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 26.6 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet provides substantially more power with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, enabling superior acceleration compared to the Seltos's 147 hp.
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos provides a better initial value proposition, starting at an MSRP of $23,690, which is $6,305 less than the Hornet.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You prioritize performance, evidenced by the 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque figures.
- You require All-Wheel Drive capability as standard equipment.
- You prefer the responsiveness of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- Your primary budget constraint mandates the lower MSRP of $23,690.
- You seek maximum efficiency, as the Seltos delivers 34 MPG highway versus the Hornet's 29 MPG highway.
- You prefer operating on less expensive regular unleaded fuel instead of premium recommended fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 172.6" |
| Width | - | 70.9" |
| Height | 63.8" | 63.6" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 103.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 28/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 369.6/448.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 48.8 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P215/55R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Kia Seltos.
What is the primary mechanical difference between the 2025 Hornet and the 2026 Seltos?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet provides significantly higher output, generating 268 horsepower, while the 2026 Kia Seltos is rated at 147 horsepower. Additionally, the Hornet utilizes All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Seltos comes standard with Front Wheel Drive.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Dodge Hornet compared to the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The MSRP difference is substantial; the Hornet starts at $29,995, making it $6,305 more expensive than the Seltos, which begins at $23,690.
Which crossover offers better long-term fuel cost savings?
The Kia Seltos offers better fuel savings, reporting a combined 31 MPG compared to the Hornet's 24 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Seltos runs on regular unleaded, lowering per-gallon costs over the Hornet's premium recommended fuel.
Are the cargo capacities significantly different for owners?
No, the cargo capacities are nearly identical; the Dodge Hornet offers 27.0 cubic feet, marginally beating the Kia Seltos's 26.6 cubic feet, suggesting negligible practical difference in luggage space.
Does the size of these two crossovers vary notably?
The Dodge Hornet is slightly larger overall, measuring 178.0 inches in length compared to the Seltos's 172.6 inches. Height is nearly identical, with both vehicles sitting around 63.7 inches tall.
Which vehicle uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT)?
The 2026 Kia Seltos is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2025 Dodge Hornet uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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