2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Dodge Hornet bursts onto the compact crossover scene, thrilling drivers with a potent 268 horsepower engine that leaves the 2026 Subaru Impreza’s 152 horsepower in the dust. This power surge, paired with 295 lb-ft of torque, defines the Hornet’s aggressive character, despite its lower 24 combined MPG. Conversely, the Impreza sedan captivates with supreme efficiency, boasting 29 combined MPG and the benefit of regular unleaded fuel, contrasting sharply with the Hornet’s recommended premium fuel requirement. While the Hornet starts at a higher MSRP of $29,995, its nearly 116 hp advantage suggests a performance focus. The Impreza counters with a superior 27/33 MPG split and a lower entry price of $26,595, offering a robust, economical AWD alternative, although it yields 7 more horsepower to the Hornet’s 268 hp output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG versus the Hornet’s 24 MPG.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet provides more utility with 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet offers significantly more exhilarating performance, delivering 268 horsepower compared to the Impreza's 152 horsepower.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza presents better value by costing $3,400 less MSRP while offering better fuel economy.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You crave raw acceleration and need 268 horsepower in a crossover package.
- You require maximum utility, utilizing the segment-leading 27 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the confident grip and shifting characteristics of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Saving money on fuel is critical, leveraging its 29 combined MPG versus the Hornet's 24 MPG.
- You want to save $3,400 upfront, with an MSRP of $26,595.
- You prioritize lower running costs by using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 176.2" |
| Width | - | 70.1" |
| Height | 63.8" | 58.3" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 145 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 | 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 | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 2 |
| 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: Premium 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. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 225/40R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| 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 Impreza.
What is the practical difference in power output between these two AWD vehicles?
The difference is substantial: the 2025 Dodge Hornet produces a muscular 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Impreza offers 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, making the Hornet the clear choice for performance seekers.
How much more expensive is the performance-oriented Dodge Hornet?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet commands an MSRP of $29,995, which is exactly $3,400 more expensive than the entry point for the 2026 Subaru Impreza at $26,595.
Which vehicle is better equipped for long highway commutes regarding fuel?
The Subaru Impreza is significantly better for long highway commutes, delivering 33 MPG on the highway and utilizing cheaper regular unleaded fuel. The Hornet achieves 29 MPG highway but recommends premium fuel.
Does the Dodge Hornet's crossover body offer significantly more storage than the Impreza wagon?
Yes, the Hornet offers a clear advantage in cargo capacity for hauling gear, boasting 27 cu ft of space. The Impreza wagon provides a respectable 20.4 cu ft, falling short of the Hornet’s volume.
Which vehicle has a more traditional transmission setup?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering a more traditional shifting feel. The 2026 Subaru Impreza relies on a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
Are both vehicles capable in foul weather conditions?
Both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive, ensuring capable handling in rain or light snow. However, the Hornet is dimensionally taller at 63.8 inches, whereas the Impreza sits lower at 58.3 inches.
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