Compare the2023 Volkswagen TiguanVS 2023 Dodge Hornet

The Tiguan has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Hornet doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Tiguan 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems 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 “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Tiguan its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 128 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Hornet has not been tested, yet.

The Tiguan comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck. The Hornet’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

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

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tiguan for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Dodge doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Hornet.

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Hornet’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

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

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

The Tiguan FWD’s standard fuel tank has 4.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Hornet R/T’s standard fuel tank (15.3 vs. 11.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Tiguan AWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Hornet GT’s standard fuel tank (15.9 vs. 13.5 gallons).

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

For better traction, the Tiguan SE R-Line Black’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Hornet (255/45R19 vs. 235/40R20).

The Tiguan has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Hornet doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Tiguan’s wheelbase is 6.1 inches longer than on the Hornet (109.9 inches vs. 103.8 inches).

For greater off-road capability the Tiguan has a 1.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Hornet R/T (7.6 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the Tiguan to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Tiguan offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the Hornet can only carry 5.

The Tiguan has .8 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front hip room, 1.3 inches more front shoulder room, .9 inches more rear headroom and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Hornet.

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

The Tiguan’s cargo area provides more volume than the Hornet.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Tiguan SE/SEL to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Hornet doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Tiguan SE R-Line Black/SEL/SEL Premium R-Line has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Hornet doesn’t offer cornering lights. The Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

When the Tiguan SEL Premium is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Hornet’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

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