2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Kia Sportage
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Dodge Hornet charges onto the scene, delivering American muscle in a compact crossover shell, boasting a punchy 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its standard AWD setup. This machine is built for drivers who demand excitement, even if it means accepting 24 combined MPG and a higher starting MSRP of $29,995. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sportage offers a deeply sensible, feature-packed alternative, appealing to the pragmatic driver with its frugal 28 combined MPG and $28,690 starting price. While the Sportage’s 187 hp is significantly less than the Hornet’s output, its superior efficiency and massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo space make it the practical victor. The battle boils down to brute force versus long-term economy, contrasting the Hornet's aggressive performance ethos with the Sportage's reliable, spacious, and budget-friendly utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage is the clear commuter winner due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Hornet's 24.
2026 Kia Sportage
Families benefit from the Sportage's substantially larger cargo capacity of 39.6 cu ft compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Hornet
Enthusiasts will strongly prefer the 2025 Dodge Hornet's dominant 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque paired with standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage offers better overall value by being $1,295 cheaper at MSRP and providing superior fuel savings across its 25 city MPG rating.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You prioritize maximum immediate power, with 268 hp available right out of the box.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction in varied conditions.
- You enjoy the tactile feel of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You are looking to maximize usable space, benefiting from 39.6 cu ft of cargo room.
- You want to save money at the pump, thanks to its 33 highway MPG rating running on regular unleaded fuel.
- Your budget is tight, as the Sportage starts $1,295 lower at $28,690 MSRP.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 184.4" |
| Width | - | 73.4" |
| Height | 63.8" | 65.4" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 108.5" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable 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 | 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 | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | — | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.4 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
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 | 235/65R17 |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
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 Sportage.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Dodge Hornet than the 2026 Kia Sportage?
The Dodge Hornet packs a significant performance advantage, delivering 268 horsepower compared to the Sportage's 187 horsepower, resulting in an 81 hp difference. This power disparity translates directly to better acceleration for the Hornet.
Which crossover is better suited for long highway commutes regarding fuel costs?
The 2026 Kia Sportage is the better choice for economy, delivering 33 highway MPG on regular unleaded fuel, notably outperforming the Hornet's 29 highway MPG rating, which recommends premium fuel.
What is the difference in size and space between these two crossovers?
The Sportage is physically longer at 184.4 inches compared to the Hornet's 178.0 inches, and this size advantage is reflected significantly in the cargo area, where the Sportage offers 39.6 cu ft versus the Hornet's 27 cu ft.
Does the standard drive type affect performance expectations?
Yes, the Hornet comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering better potential grip and handling prowess, whereas the base Sportage uses Front Wheel Drive, which prioritizes efficiency.
How does the MSRP compare between the base models?
The 2026 Kia Sportage has a more accessible entry price at $28,690, positioning it as a budget-friendlier option than the 2025 Dodge Hornet, which starts at $29,995.
Which vehicle offers a more engaging transmission experience?
The Dodge Hornet uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting closer ratios and potentially quicker shifts compared to the Kia Sportage's 8-speed automatic.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool