Compare the2024 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, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

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 has a standard 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 stopping power the Crosstrek’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Hornet:

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 1.3 inches longer than on the Hornet (105.1 inches vs. 103.8 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Crosstrek’s turning circle is 2.5 feet tighter than the Hornet R/T’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.9 feet). The Crosstrek’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the Hornet GT’s (35.4 feet vs. 38 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 450 to 800 pounds less than the Dodge Hornet.

The front grille of the Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek has 1 inch more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more front hip room, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear hip room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Hornet.

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.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Crosstrek 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.