Compare the2023 Subaru CrosstrekVS 2023 Dodge Hornet

Both the Crosstrek and the Hornet have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert 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, with its optional vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, with its optional vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Crosstrek the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 176 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Hornet has not been tested, yet.

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 Crosstrek’s reliability 50 points higher than the Hornet.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Crosstrek lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The Hornet doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

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

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

The Crosstrek has 5.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Hornet R/T’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 11.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Crosstrek has 3.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Hornet GT’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 13.5 gallons).

The Crosstrek offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The Hornet doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The Crosstrek offers an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Hornet doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better traction, the Crosstrek has larger tires than the Hornet (225/60R17 vs. 215/60R17).

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Crosstrek’s wheelbase is 1.1 inches longer than on the Hornet (104.9 inches vs. 103.8 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Crosstrek’s turning circle is 2.5 feet tighter than the Hornet’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.9 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek has a 2.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Hornet R/T (8.7 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the Crosstrek to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Crosstrek’s minimum ground clearance is .6 inch higher than on the Hornet GT (8.7 vs. 8.1 inches).

The Subaru Crosstrek may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 850 pounds less than the Dodge Hornet.

The Crosstrek has 1 inch more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more front hip room, 1 inch more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear hip room and .8 inches more rear shoulder room than the Hornet.

The Crosstrek has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Hornet with its rear seat folded (55.3 vs. 54.7 cubic feet).

The engine in the Crosstrek is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Hornet. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Crosstrek’s available exterior PIN entry system (not available on Crosstrek Base). The Hornet doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Crosstrek Limited has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Hornet doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Crosstrek’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Hornet offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru Crosstrek, based on reliability, safety and performance.