Compare the2024 Buick Encore GXVS 2024 Dodge Hornet

The Buick Encore GX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Hornet doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the Encore GX 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, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, blind spot warning systems, and available around view monitors.

The Encore GX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Hornet’s (6 vs. 5 years).

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Encore GX has a standard 760-amp battery. The Hornet’s 700-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Encore GX first among small SUVs in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The Hornet isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick second in reliability, above the industry average. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 8th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Buick 9 places higher in reliability than Dodge.

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

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the Encore GX’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Dodge only offers a regenerative brake system on the Hornet R/T.

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

The Encore GX 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.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Buick Encore GX higher (7 out of 10) than the Dodge Hornet (6 to 7). This means the Encore GX produces up to 1.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Hornet every 15,000 miles.

The Encore GX 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 Encore GX stops shorter than the Hornet:

For better traction, the Encore GX has larger standard tires than the Hornet (225/55R18 vs. 215/60R17). The Encore GX Avenir’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Hornet (245/45R19 vs. 235/40R20).

The Encore GX’s 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.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Encore GX has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Hornet GT.

The Encore GX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Hornet doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Encore GX has 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 Encore GX AWD handles at .81 G’s, while the Hornet GT pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Encore GX’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Hornet R/T’s (36.9 feet vs. 37.9 feet). The Encore GX’s turning circle is 1.1 feet tighter than the Hornet GT’s (36.9 feet vs. 38 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Encore GX has a 1.4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Hornet R/T (7.5 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the Encore GX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Buick Encore GX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 900 pounds less than the Dodge Hornet.

The Encore GX is 6.8 inches shorter than the Hornet, making the Encore GX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Encore GX 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 Encore GX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Hornet doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Encore GX AWD is quieter than the Hornet GT:

The Encore GX AWD can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Encore GX can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Hornet can’t be towed flat on the ground.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Buick service is better than Dodge. J.D. Power ranks Buick fifth in service department satisfaction. With a 32% lower rating, Dodge is ranked 21st.

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

The Encore GX’s standard Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Enter-N-Go standard on the Hornet doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

When the Encore GX Avenir is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Hornet’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Encore GX Avenir has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Hornet doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

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

Insurance will cost less for the Encore GX owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Encore GX will cost $400 to $1425 less than the Hornet over a five-year period.

The Encore GX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Encore GX will retain 55.77% to 56.53% of its original price after five years, while the Hornet only retains 51.34% to 51.35%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Buick Encore GX will be $6222 to $7293 less than for the Dodge Hornet.

The Buick Encore GX outsold the Dodge Hornet by almost seven to one during 2023.