2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Mazda CX-30
Comparison Overview
The battle between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 pits raw American muscle against refined Japanese agility in the compact crossover segment. The Hornet screams performance with a potent 268 hp engine generating 295 lb-ft of torque, giving it a distinct advantage for spirited driving, though this power necessitates premium fuel and results in a lower 24 combined MPG. Conversely, the Mazda CX-30 offers efficiency and polish, achieving a thriftier 27 combined MPG while keeping the entry price significantly lower at $25,975 compared to the Hornet's $29,995 MSRP. While the Hornet offers superior space with 27 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft, the Mazda counters with superior efficiency and a $4,020 lower starting point. This decision boils down to prioritizing the Hornet's muscular 82 hp advantage or the CX-30's accessible, fuel-conscious composure.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 wins for commuters due to its better 27 combined MPG rating and lower fuel cost requirement using regular unleaded.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet provides substantially more utility with 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet dominates the enthusiast choice with a commanding 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 offers superior efficiency and a $4,020 lower starting MSRP, providing better overall baseline value.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You crave the thrilling punch of 268 horsepower from a standard powertrain.
- You need maximum hauling capability, highlighted by 27 cu ft of cargo space.
- All-wheel drive paired with a potent 9-speed automatic transmission is a priority.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- Keeping the purchase price under $26,000 is crucial for your budget.
- Maximizing fuel economy with 31 highway MPG using regular unleaded is essential.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, evidenced by its 173.0-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 173.0" |
| Width | - | 70.7" |
| Height | 63.8" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 104.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 186 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 | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 24/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 304.8/393.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 12.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 38.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 55.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.2 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 215/65R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Mazda CX-30.
How much faster is the 2025 Dodge Hornet than the 2026 Mazda CX-30?
The Dodge Hornet boasts a significant power advantage, delivering 268 hp compared to the CX-30's 186 hp, resulting in 82 more horsepower available to the driver.
Which crossover is cheaper to run daily regarding fuel?
The Mazda CX-30 is cheaper to run daily, achieving 27 combined MPG and requiring regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Hornet manages only 24 combined MPG and recommends premium fuel.
Is the price difference between these two AWD crossovers significant?
Yes, the 2025 Dodge Hornet has an MSRP of $29,995, making it $4,020 more expensive than the 2026 Mazda CX-30's starting price of $25,975.
How does the cargo space compare between the two small crossovers?
The Dodge Hornet offers considerably more storage room with 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity than the Mazda CX-30, which provides 20.2 cubic feet.
Do both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 come equipped with an All-Wheel Drive system.
Which car uses a more advanced transmission?
The Dodge Hornet utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering more gears than the Mazda CX-30's 6-speed shiftable automatic.
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