2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
Deciding between spirited performance and rock-solid savings is the main hurdle when choosing between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross. The Hornet enters with a significant power advantage, boasting 268 hp compared to the Corolla Cross's 169 hp, but this comes at a cost: the Hornet starts at an MSRP of $29,995 versus the Toyota's lower $24,935, a $5,060 difference right off the bat. Furthermore, daily running costs favor Toyota, as the Corolla Cross achieves 32 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel, while the Hornet manages only 24 combined MPG and recommends premium fuel. While both are compact crossovers, the Hornet offers slightly more cargo space at 27 cubic feet versus 24 cubic feet. This comparison pits raw American muscle, even in a crossover form, against Japanese efficiency and thrift.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its superior 32 combined MPG efficiency and use of regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Dodge Hornet
Families prioritizing space will appreciate the Hornet's slightly larger 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Corolla Cross's 24 cubic feet.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet delivers significantly more excitement with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Corolla Cross's 169 hp.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross provides better overall value by saving buyers $5,060 upfront and offering substantially better fuel economy.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You demand quick acceleration from your crossover, leveraging the Hornet's 268 hp engine.
- You need the security of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for varied conditions.
- You prefer the traditional feel and quick shifts of a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Keeping fuel costs down is a priority, thanks to its 32 combined MPG rating.
- You want the lower entry price point, saving $5,060 compared to the Dodge.
- You only require Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and regular unleaded fuel compatibility.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 176.1" |
| Width | - | 71.9" |
| Height | 63.8" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 52.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 43.8 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P215/65R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Dodge Hornet than the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Dodge Hornet is significantly more powerful, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a commanding 99 hp advantage over the Toyota Corolla Cross's 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.
What is the real-world cost difference associated with fueling these two crossovers?
The Corolla Cross is much cheaper to run, achieving 32 combined MPG on regular unleaded. The Hornet returns only 24 combined MPG and recommends premium unleaded fuel, resulting in higher running expenses over time.
Which crossover is better for long highway commutes where fuel economy matters most?
The Corolla Cross is the clear winner for highway efficiency, posting 33 highway MPG compared to the Hornet's 29 highway MPG, making frequent road trips cheaper.
Do these crossovers come standard with AWD, and how does that impact their driving style?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering better traction potential. Conversely, the standard 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is Front-Wheel Drive, prioritizing efficiency over maximum grip.
Is the size difference noticeable between the two compact crossovers?
The difference is slight; the Hornet is marginally longer at 178.0 inches and provides 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Corolla Cross is slightly shorter but notably taller at 64.9 inches, offering 24 cubic feet of storage.
If I value driving engagement, which vehicle should I lean toward?
Enthusiasts should lean toward the Hornet due to its potent engine output and its responsive 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Corolla Cross utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which favors smooth efficiency over sporty shifts.
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