2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable disparity between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Subaru Forester lies in performance, with the Hornet offering an 88 hp advantage (268 hp vs. 180 hp) and 117 lb-ft more torque (295 lb-ft vs. 178 lb-ft). Conversely, the Forester delivers superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Hornet's 24 MPG combined, translating to a 5 MPG difference. Both vehicles share an identical base MSRP of $29,995 and standard All-Wheel Drive. The Forester is physically larger in overall footprint, measuring 183.3 inches in length compared to the Hornet's 178.0 inches, and boasts marginally more cargo space at 29.6 cu ft versus 27 cu ft. Furthermore, the Forester utilizes regular unleaded fuel, potentially offering long-term savings over the Hornet's recommended premium fuel requirement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Subaru Forester wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined efficiency and use of regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Subaru Forester offers better utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and greater overall height at 68.1 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Hornet

The 2025 Dodge Hornet is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts, producing 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Forester

Despite the identical $29,995 MSRP, the Forester offers better long-term running costs via better fuel economy and regular fuel compatibility.

Choose the Dodge Hornet if...

Maximum acceleration and responsiveness are priorities, given its 268 hp output.
A driver prefers the engaging feel of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You prefer a more compact exterior footprint at 178.0 inches in length for urban maneuvering.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

Fuel economy is paramount, as evidenced by the 5 MPG advantage (29 combined MPG).
The lowest fuel expenditure is desired, as the Forester accepts regular unleaded gasoline.
Maximum utility is required, as the Forester provides 29.6 cu ft of cargo volume.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Hornet	Subaru Forester
Length	178.0"	183.3"
Width	-	72.0"
Height	63.8"	68.1"
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	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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

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	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
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	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

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	—	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	—	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	—	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	53.7 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	225/60R H
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 Forester.

Which crossover has better fuel economy for daily driving?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is the more efficient option, achieving 29 MPG combined (26 city/33 highway). The 2025 Dodge Hornet lags slightly behind with 24 MPG combined (21 city/29 highway).

How significant is the performance difference between the Hornet and the Forester?

The performance gap is substantial; the Hornet produces 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Do both AWD crossovers use the same type of fuel?

No, the Dodge Hornet recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its specified performance figures, whereas the Subaru Forester runs on more affordable regular unleaded gasoline.

Which vehicle offers more interior space for cargo?

The 2026 Subaru Forester provides slightly more usable space with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Hornet's 27 cu ft.

Are the MSRPs for the base models the same?

Yes, both the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Subaru Forester share an identical base MSRP of $29,995 for the AWD variants detailed.

What is the primary difference in transmission type?

The Hornet employs a conventional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Forester utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).