With the release of the all-new Dodge Hornet for the 2023 model year, there’s intense competition in the Dodge lineup for buyers looking for a five-seater vehicle with a roomy cabin. While the Charger offers the familiar big sedan look and a long list of powerful muscle car engines, the Hornet has a more modern crossover design. It even boasts an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain. Our team of Dodge experts has compiled a comparison to help you decide which of these two great vehicles would best suit your needs.
Dodge Charger vs. Hornet Engine and Performance
The Hornet’s engine lineup provides more than enough power for day-to-day driving and getting your crossover up to highway speeds. The base powertrain is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 268 horsepower, while the optional upgrade offers some additional acceleration with an output of 288 horsepower. That setup includes a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.
The Charger offers a broader selection of engine options than the Hornet. The base V-6 puts out 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The first upgrade option is slightly more powerful: a V-6 with 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. Fans of raw power will probably want one of the two V-8 engines. The first is a 5.7-liter unit with 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. The next option is a 6.4-liter giant that churns out 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 makes an incredible 717 horsepower.
There’s little difference between these two vehicles regarding fuel economy. The Hornet’s numbers are 21 mpg on city roads and 29 mpg at highway speeds, while the Charger achieves a best of 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy drops significantly in the Charger if you switch to one of the larger V-8 engines. The Hornet has an edge if you plan on towing since it has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The Charger is not rated to tow anything.
Hornet vs. Charger Interior and Infotainment
In terms of seating, there’s little difference between these two vehicles. They can both comfortably seat five people across two rows and offer equipment for installing kids’ seats in the second row. They have cloth upholstery in their base setups but offer more luxurious configurations if you move up the trim ladder.
The Hornet has an advantage when it comes to interior cargo space, with over 27 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row and 54 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The Charger has around 16 cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk. The rear row has a 60-40 folding mechanism that allows you to create more room to carry longer items, such as golf clubs.
The infotainment system in the Hornet has more features than the Charger’s, which isn’t surprising, given that it was an all-new vehicle for the 2023 model year. Its standard touch screen measures 10.2 inches, whereas the Charger makes do with a smaller 7-inch display.
The Hornet also benefits from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while these features are still wired in the Charger. Other connectivity options offered in both vehicles include Bluetooth and USB ports. The Hornet offers a navigation system, wireless device charging, and a 14-speaker stereo as optional upgrades.
The Hornet also offers significantly more safety features, especially in its base setup. The Dodge crossover boasts forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control adjusts your speed on the road so you maintain a safe distance from other motorists. You also get rain-sensing windshield wipers and traffic sign recognition. The Charger lacks some of these features and only offers others as optional upgrades.
Hornet vs. Charger Pricing and Trims
The Charger has more trim configurations, with six trims, compared to the Hornet’s four. It also has a much larger price variation, with the range-topping Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak coming in with an MSRP of over $89,595.
The main difference in the trim lineup for the Hornet is that the first two trims, known as GT and GT Plus, are powered by a turbocharged gas engine. The R/T and R/T Plus trims feature the more powerful plug-in hybrid setup. In the Charger, the R/T trim is the first in the lineup with a standard V-8 engine, the 5.7-liter unit.
The next step up is the Scat Pack, which gets the larger 6.4-liter V-8 engine, a rear limited-slip differential, front Brembo brakes, and a launch control. The SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye get the supercharged V-8 to make them ready for the track.
How to Choose Between the Charger and Hornet
If you prioritize plenty of cargo-carrying options, the ability to tow something at the rear, and solid powertrains, the Hornet is more likely to suit your requirements. It also has a better infotainment system, including several more modern features. However, the Charger stands out for its engine lineup, which offers considerably more power than you’ll find in the Hornet. As a result, the Charger will be best for you if you want plenty of acceleration or are even planning to hit the racetrack.
Both the Charger and Hornet are attractive options if you want plenty of passenger space. They both offer many options to upgrade your cabin to your tastes.
Find Your 2023 Charger or Hornet at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Plano
Are you ready to explore our range of Charger and Hornet vehicles? In our Dodge showroom at Huffines Plano, you’ll find all the latest models at competitive prices. Our finance team is on hand to advise you on the best auto loans or lease deals we can offer. Should you have any questions about the Charger or Hornet or want to arrange a test drive near Dallas, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our sales professionals will be happy to talk to you in person or take your call to help you start the purchase process.