Compare the2023 Hyundai TucsonVS 2023 Dodge Hornet

Both the Tucson and Hornet have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Tucson has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Hornet’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Tucson and the Hornet have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Tucson its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 127 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Hornet has not been tested, yet.

The Tucson comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Hornet’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Hyundai’s powertrain warranty covers the Tucson 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Dodge covers the Hornet. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Hornet ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Tucson’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Hornet’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Hyundai pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tucson for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Hyundai will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Dodge doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Hornet.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Tucson’s reliability 19 points higher than the Hornet.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai third in reliability, above the industry average. With 18 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 8th.

On the EPA test cycle the Tucson gets better mileage than the Hornet running its gasoline engine:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Hyundai Tucson uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Hornet requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The Tucson has 3.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Hornet R/T’s standard fuel tank (14.3 vs. 11.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the Tucson’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Hornet:

For better traction, the Tucson has larger tires than the Hornet (235/65R17 vs. 215/60R17).

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Tucson’s wheelbase is 4.7 inches longer than on the Hornet (108.5 inches vs. 103.8 inches).

The Hyundai Tucson may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 450 pounds less than the Dodge Hornet.

The front grille of the Tucson uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Hornet doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Tucson has 1.3 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front hip room, 1.9 inches more front shoulder room, 1.3 inches more rear headroom, 3.3 inches more rear legroom, .4 inches more rear hip room and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Hornet.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Tucson’s rear seats recline. The Hornet’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Tucson has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Hornet with its rear seat up (38.7 vs. 27 cubic feet). The Tucson has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Hornet with its rear seat folded (80.3 vs. 54.7 cubic feet).

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Tucson uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Hornet doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Both the Tucson and the Hornet offer available heated front seats. The Tucson Limited also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Hornet.

The Tucson Limited’s Remote Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Park Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Hornet’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park and it doesn’t offer remote control parking.

The Tucson is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Hornet doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Hyundai Tucson, based on reliability, safety and performance.