2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 often comes down to prioritizing raw power versus efficiency and space in the crowded small crossover segment. If straight-line speed matters most, the Hornet boasts a substantial advantage with 268 hp compared to the CX-50's 187 hp, an 81 hp difference. However, the Mazda fights back with superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Hornet’s 24 MPG, and notably requires less expensive regular unleaded fuel instead of the Hornet's recommended premium. The CX-50 also offers more utility, providing 31.4 cu ft of cargo space, significantly beating the Hornet's 27 cu ft. Both start nearly identically, with the Hornet at $29,995 and the CX-50 at $29,900, making the choice a direct trade-off between performance punch and practical packaging.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-50
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 wins for daily commuting due to its better fuel economy (26 combined MPG) and use of regular unleaded fuel.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 is the better family hauler, offering more usable space with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is the clear winner for driving excitement, delivering a muscular 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 offers better overall utility and fuel savings for only $95 less in starting MSRP ($29,900 vs $29,995).
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You crave immediate acceleration and highway passing power, thanks to its 268 hp engine.
- You prefer the robust traction feel of an all-wheel-drive system paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
- You don't mind paying extra for premium fuel to extract the maximum 295 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Saving money at the pump is a priority, as it gets 26 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel.
- You frequently haul gear, benefiting from the superior 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer a slightly larger exterior footprint, as the CX-50 is nearly 7.8 inches longer than the Hornet.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 185.8" |
| Width | - | 75.6" |
| Height | 63.8" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 110.8" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 185 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
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 | 24/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 381.6/477.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 15.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 10.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | — | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 52.1 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | P225/65R17 |
| 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-50.
How much more powerful is the Dodge Hornet than the Mazda CX-50?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is significantly more powerful, producing 268 hp compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-50's 187 hp. This 81 hp advantage means the Hornet will feel much quicker off the line.
Which crossover is better for road trips regarding fuel stops?
The Mazda CX-50 wins this category; it achieves 26 combined MPG and uses regular unleaded fuel. The Hornet only manages 24 combined MPG and recommends premium fuel, leading to higher running costs.
Does the difference in size affect cargo hauling?
Yes, the Mazda CX-50 is superior for cargo, offering 31.4 cu ft of storage capacity. The Dodge Hornet, despite being shorter overall, only provides 27 cu ft, making the CX-50 the practical choice for bulky items.
Are both vehicles AWD and do they use the same type of transmission?
Both vehicles come standard with all-wheel drive. However, the Hornet utilizes a more modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the CX-50 uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic.
How close are the starting prices for the 2025 Hornet and 2026 CX-50?
The prices are extremely close, making budget a minor deciding factor here. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 starts at $29,900, while the 2025 Dodge Hornet starts just $95 higher at $29,995.
Which car handles torque better for towing or spirited driving?
The Dodge Hornet has a considerable torque advantage with 295 lb-ft compared to the CX-50's 185 lb-ft. This extra rotational force will make the Hornet feel more capable when merging or tackling hills.
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