Compare the2024 Kia SeltosVS 2024 Dodge Hornet

Both the Seltos and Hornet have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Seltos S/EX/X-Line/SX 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 Seltos 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, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, daytime running lights and blind spot warning systems.

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, 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 Seltos the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 162 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Hornet has not been tested, yet.

The Seltos 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.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the Seltos 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.

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 Seltos’ reliability 26 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 Kia vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia first in reliability, above the industry average. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 8th.

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

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

The Seltos has 2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Hornet R/T’s standard fuel tank (13.2 vs. 11.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Seltos 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.

The Seltos’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Hornet GT’s standard 60 series tires.

The Seltos 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.

The Seltos S AWD handles at .85 G’s, while the Hornet GT pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Seltos’ turning circle is 3.1 feet tighter than the Hornet R/T’s (34.8 feet vs. 37.9 feet). The Seltos’ turning circle is 3.2 feet tighter than the Hornet GT’s (34.8 feet vs. 38 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Seltos has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Hornet R/T (7.3 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the Seltos to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Kia Seltos may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 800 pounds less than the Dodge Hornet.

The Seltos is 5.4 inches shorter than the Hornet, making the Seltos easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Seltos has 1.2 inches more front headroom and .2 inches more rear headroom than the Hornet.

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

The Seltos has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Hornet with its rear seat folded (62.8 vs. 54.7 cubic feet).

The Seltos 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 Kia Seltos, based on reliability, safety and performance.