Compared: 2023 Dodge Hornet vs. 2023 Ford Bronco Sport
See how Dodge's powerful compact SUV stacks up against the ruggedly styled Bronco Sport.
Dodge | Ford
Dodge has stayed true to its performance roots with the 2023 Hornet, a new small SUV with a powerful engine. In terms of size, the ute falls somewhere between the subcompact- and compact-crossover segments and thus has quite a few competitors. Among them is the larger 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, which lures buyers with its rugged looks and off-road capability. Here's how the two compare in three important areas.
Dodge
Hornet Matches Ford Bronco Sport on Price
Dodge charges about $32,000 for the base Hornet, which has a 268-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive. A 288-hp plug-in hybrid is forthcoming as well, though pricing is unknown as of June 2023.
Ford
The cheapest Bronco Sport costs about the same as the entry-level Hornet, although the base trim is currently unavailable, presumably due to global supply-chain constraints. With no news from Ford about when or if that model will return, shoppers on a budget will need to look at the $33,000 Big Bend, which is the next trim level up. It boasts standard all-wheel drive and a turbo 1.5-liter engine that produces 181 ponies. Those who want more power can upgrade to the $40,000 Badlands or higher and get a turbo 2.0-liter capable of 250 horses.
Dodge
A Few More Features Included in the Hornet
The Hornet comes better equipped than the Bronco Sport. For instance, Dodge provides a 10.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a 12.3-inch display in front of the driver, while Ford puts an 8.0-inch screen in the Bronco Sport's center stack and a 4.2-incher in the gauge cluster with a 6.5-inch screen on higher level trims. Hornet buyers will likely appreciate the vehicle's wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Bronco Sport owners will need a cable.
Ford
Both models come standard with desirable driver-assistance tech, including blind-spot monitoring and automatic high-beams, and offer amenities such as heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and leather upholstery. Those looking to go off-road will have an easier time of it with the Bronco Sport, which has a different drive mode for practically every situation as well as available skid plates, an off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires. The Ford, however, cannot be specced with ventilated front seats.
Dodge
Bronco Sport Gets Slightly Better Gas Mileage
Fuel economy is not a selling point for either model. The Hornet delivers an EPA rating of 24 mpg.
Ford
The Bronco Sport, when equipped with the 1.5-liter engine, does a bit better, returning 26 mpg. With the 2.0-liter, though, it sees a lackluster 23 mpg.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication) and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Keith Griffin has covered the new- and used-car industry since 2001 from a consumer perspective. His work is published in major national and regional print and online sources.
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