2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport often boils down to a classic trade-off: performance versus initial savings. If you prioritize spirited driving, the Hornet is the clear choice, boasting 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Outlander Sport's 148 hp. However, that power comes at a cost, with the Hornet commanding a $29,995 MSRP compared to the Outlander Sport's budget-friendly $24,995—a $5,000 gap. While the Hornet burns more fuel (24 combined MPG) and recommends premium fuel, the Outlander Sport achieves slightly better efficiency at 26 combined MPG using regular unleaded. Even with the power difference, both offer all-wheel drive, but the Hornet is physically larger and offers 27 cu ft of cargo space versus the Mitsubishi’s 21.7 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Outlander Sport wins for daily commuting due to its lower entry price of $24,995 and better fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG on regular unleaded.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Hornet is better suited for families due to its substantially larger 27 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet delivers overwhelming performance with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, easily dominating the 148 hp Mitsubishi.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport offers superior upfront value by costing $5,000 less while still providing AWD capability.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You need maximum acceleration and performance (268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque).
- You require the most available space, as it offers 27 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the assured shifting of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Keeping the purchase price under $25,000 is a high priority ($24,995 MSRP).
- You want to save money on fuel by using regular unleaded and achieving 26 combined MPG.
- You prefer a slightly taller vehicle structure, as the Outlander Sport is 1.0 inch taller.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 171.9" |
| Width | - | 71.3" |
| Height | 63.8" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | — | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 52.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 51.6 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P215/70R16 |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
What is the biggest practical difference between the Hornet and the Outlander Sport?
The most significant difference relates to space and power. The 2025 Dodge Hornet offers 27 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the 2026 Outlander Sport only provides 21.7 cu ft. Additionally, the Hornet produces 120 more horsepower, making it significantly faster.
Does the price difference account for the performance gap?
Yes, there is a $5,000 difference in MSRP, with the Hornet costing $29,995 and the Outlander Sport costing $24,995. You are paying substantially more for the Hornet's powerful 268 hp engine compared to the Outlander Sport’s 148 hp.
Which crossover is cheaper to fuel regularly?
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is cheaper to fuel because it requires regular unleaded gasoline, while the higher-performance Dodge Hornet recommends premium unleaded. The Outlander Sport also has slightly better fuel economy at 26 combined MPG.
Are these two AWD crossovers similar in size?
They are comparable but the Hornet is longer at 178.0 inches versus the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches. Despite being shorter, the Outlander Sport is slightly taller overall at 64.8 inches compared to the Hornet's 63.8 inches.
How do the transmissions differ between the two AWD models?
The 2025 Hornet uses a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering a more engaging driving feel for enthusiasts. In contrast, the 2026 Outlander Sport utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), optimized more for fuel efficiency.
If I have a tight budget, which car should I look at first?
If budget is paramount, start with the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, priced at $24,995. This saves you $5,000 immediately over the Dodge Hornet's $29,995 starting price.
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