2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek often boils down to prioritizing zip versus saving at the pump. If quick acceleration matters most, the Hornet dominates with its 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, though it commands a higher starting MSRP of $29,995. Conversely, the Crosstrek, priced lower at $26,995, offers superior efficiency, delivering a combined 29 MPG on regular unleaded fuel compared to the Hornet’s 24 MPG that suggests premium fuel. While the Hornet is slightly larger overall, measuring 178.0 inches long, both are compact AWD crossovers. The key trade-off here is power: you gain 88 horsepower with the Dodge but sacrifice about 5 MPG in real-world commuting, making the decision pivot on performance appetite versus running costs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG on regular fuel.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is better suited for families needing more space, offering 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet provides significantly more power, boasting 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque for a sportier drive.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek presents better baseline value with a $3,000 lower MSRP and better long-term running costs via superior MPG.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You prioritize brisk acceleration, benefiting from the 268 horsepower provided by the standard engine.
- You need maximum utility for hauling gear, as the Hornet offers a generous 27 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You prefer the feel of a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- Your budget is tight, given the Crosstrek's starting MSRP is $3,000 less than the Hornet's.
- You want the lowest running costs, thanks to its 29 combined MPG rating using regular unleaded fuel.
- You prefer a slightly smaller vehicle footprint, as the Crosstrek is a bit shorter and lower overall.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 176.4" |
| Width | - | 70.9" |
| Height | 63.8" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.2 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | P225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Subaru Crosstrek.
Which crossover is cheaper to fuel over time?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek will be notably cheaper to fuel, achieving 29 combined MPG on regular unleaded. The Dodge Hornet only manages 24 combined MPG and recommends premium fuel, increasing operational costs.
Is the power difference between the two very noticeable?
Yes, the difference is substantial; the 2025 Dodge Hornet produces 268 hp, an 88 horsepower advantage over the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek's 180 hp, leading to much quicker acceleration.
Does AWD performance differ between these two compact SUVs?
Both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive, making them capable in light snow or poor weather conditions. However, the Hornet's AWD is paired with a 9-speed automatic, while the Crosstrek uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
How much more cargo room do I get with the Dodge Hornet?
The Dodge Hornet provides significantly more luggage space with 27 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. This is a nearly 7 cubic foot advantage over the Subaru Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.
Is the price gap worth the extra power in the Hornet?
The Hornet costs $29,995 versus the Crosstrek's $26,995 MSRP, meaning you pay $3,000 more for the extra 88 horsepower and larger cargo area.
Which car is physically bigger?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is slightly larger overall, measuring 178.0 inches in length compared to the Crosstrek's 176.4 inches, although the Crosstrek is wider at 70.9 inches.
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