Crosstrek vs. hornet: off-roading beast or urban warrior? – uncovering the true adventure king
What To Know
- Inside, the Crosstrek offers a spacious and practical cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
- The Crosstrek achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Hornet gets 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- While the Dodge Hornet offers a sporty and stylish alternative, its higher price point and limited off-road capabilities make it a less compelling option for those seeking a versatile and capable SUV.
When it comes to compact SUVs, two formidable contenders stand out: the Subaru Crosstrek and the Dodge Hornet. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of versatility, adventure, and style. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of these two SUVs to determine which one emerges as the ultimate choice.
Exterior Design: Rugged vs Sporty
The Subaru Crosstrek exudes a rugged and adventurous spirit with its boxy silhouette and protective cladding. Its raised ground clearance and roof rails hint at its off-road capabilities. In contrast, the Dodge Hornet embraces a more sporty and sleek design. Its sloping roofline, muscular fenders, and aggressive grille give it a dynamic and eye-catching appearance.
Interior Comfort and Convenience: Space and Features
Inside, the Crosstrek offers a spacious and practical cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Its large cargo area provides plenty of room for gear and equipment. The Hornet’s interior is equally spacious and well-equipped. It features comfortable seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a plethora of storage compartments.
Performance and Handling: Adventure vs Agility
The Crosstrek is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction and stability on various terrains. The Hornet offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. Its Sport Mode enhances its handling capabilities, providing a more responsive and engaging driving experience.
Safety Features: Advanced Protection
Both the Crosstrek and the Hornet come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Crosstrek received a top safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Hornet also boasts an array of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
Fuel Efficiency: Miles per Gallon
The Subaru Crosstrek‘s fuel economy is slightly better than the Dodge Hornet. The Crosstrek achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Hornet gets 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Off-Road Capabilities: Exploring the Untamed
The Subaru Crosstrek’s off-road prowess is a significant advantage over the Dodge Hornet. Its standard all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and X-Mode system provide enhanced traction and stability on rough terrain. The Hornet, on the other hand, is primarily designed for on-road performance and does not offer the same level of off-road capabilities.
Price and Value: Dollars and Sense
When it comes to pricing, the Subaru Crosstrek is slightly more affordable than the Dodge Hornet. The Crosstrek’s base model starts at around $24,000, while the Hornet’s base model starts at around $28,000. However, both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options that can significantly impact the final price.
Which SUV Reigns Supreme?
After a thorough comparison, the Subaru Crosstrek emerges as the overall winner in this compact SUV showdown. Its combination of rugged design, spacious interior, capable performance, advanced safety features, and off-road prowess makes it an ideal choice for adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. While the Dodge Hornet offers a sporty and stylish alternative, its higher price point and limited off-road capabilities make it a less compelling option for those seeking a versatile and capable SUV.
In a nutshell: The Ultimate Choice for Adventure and Value
Whether you’re navigating urban landscapes or exploring the great outdoors, the Subaru Crosstrek stands out as the superior choice in the compact SUV segment. Its rugged design, spacious interior, exceptional safety features, and impressive off-road capabilities make it the ideal vehicle for those who value adventure, versatility, and value.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has slightly better fuel economy than the Dodge Hornet.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek is slightly more affordable than the Dodge Hornet.
Q: Which SUV is more spacious?
A: Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Dodge Hornet offer spacious interiors, but the Crosstrek has a slightly larger cargo area.
Q: Which SUV has better off-road capabilities?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has better off-road capabilities than the Dodge Hornet due to its standard all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and X-Mode system.
Q: Which SUV has more safety features?
A: Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Dodge Hornet offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Crosstrek’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology provides additional advanced safety features.