Subcompact SUVs are a growing segment in the overall market as an increasing number of drivers discover the benefit of these sporty and economical models. This is certainly the case with Pittsfield drivers, who enjoy having a vehicle that can stand up to the Berkshire weather and that is easy to park when shopping downtown. Commuters, students, and daily drivers also enjoy the fact that subcompact SUVs provide solid fuel economy. Two of the leading models are the Dodge Hornet and the Honda HR-V. The Hornet is a very new model, having debuted in 2023. Meanwhile, Honda introduced the HR-V in 2016, and a second-generation model hit the road last year.
You will note many similarities when comparing the 2024 Dodge Hornet vs 2024 Honda HR-V. Both provide space for up to five passengers inside of a surprisingly spacious cabin. They each give you impressive fuel economy numbers, especially in highway driving, making them ideal for commuters and students who need to hit the Mass Pike every day. However, there are key differences, which is why Pittsfield drivers will prefer the Hornet to the HR-V. At Bedard Brothers Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, your leading Dodge dealer near Pittsfield, we are proud to feature the 2024 Hornet. Stop in today to see why you should make the Hornet your next subcompact SUV.
Surprising Performance
The key difference between the 2024 Dodge Hornet and the 2024 Honda HR-V is performance. In keeping with the Dodge brand profile, the Hornet provides surprising speed and acceleration, especially for a subcompact SUV. In fact, the Hornet can get you from zero to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds with a top speed of 140 mph. This is the kind of acceleration you need to get onto the highway during rush hour. In contrast, it takes the HR-V a full 9.4 seconds to get to 60 mph. Its top speed of 115 mph also falls short of the Hornet.
Dodge has equipped the 2024 Hornet with a 2.0-liter I-4 gas engine that is turbocharged and intercooled. Nicknamed the Hurricane, this engine is actually the same size as the one on the 2024 Honda HR-V. However, Dodge’s addition of a turbocharger makes all of the difference. The engine on the Hornet gives you 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Honda HR-V’s engine provides only 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. This explains the disparity in acceleration between the two models.
The new Dodge Hornet also comes equipped with standard all-wheel drive. This will give you the traction you need to face the rains of summer and fall and the snowy winters we experience here in the Berkshires. All-wheel drive provides torque to both axles as needed, so you are getting propulsion from all four wheels. The 2024 Honda HR-V is a front-wheel drive model with available all-wheel drive. This means that you have to pay extra to get an all-wheel drive HR-V. It also means that the vehicle was designed as a front-wheel drive model, as opposed to the Hornet, which was designed from the ground up to provide all-wheel drive.
Spacious Interiors
Many drivers think that subcompact SUVs are going to be small and cramped. While this may have once been the case, this is certainly not true of the Hornet and the HR-V. Both the 2024 Dodge Hornet and the 2024 Honda HR-V have surprisingly spacious interiors, especially considering they are both subcompact SUVs. With 38 inches of legroom in the back for the Hornet and 37.7 inches for rear seat passengers in the HR-V, both of these models can easily accommodate five passengers. This makes them a good choice for a young family looking to have an enjoyable afternoon visiting the Berkshire Museum or spending the day at Hancock Shaker Village.
Nevertheless, there are some differences in the interiors of the two vehicles. The Hornet GT trim features a combination of cloth and leatherette seat fabrics, while the GT Plus has leather seats. Both trims feature available heated front seats, something that will come in handy on cold mornings in Pittsfield. In contrast, the Honda HR-V LX and Sport have cloth seats, while the EX-L is the only trim level offering riders leather seats. Heated seats are also only featured on the Sport and EX-L trims of the 2024 HR-V.
The Hornet also provides you with more trunk space than the HR-V. This can come in handy if you are heading out for a road trip or looking to picnic by Lake Onota. The Hornet gives you 27 cu.ft. of cargo space in its trunk, which can easily be expanded to 57.7 cu.ft. by folding down the 60/40 split bench in the back. In comparison, the Honda HR-V has only 24.4 cu.ft. of space inside of its trunk, with a maximum of 55.1 cu.ft. provided by folding down the rear seats. This can make a significant difference for Pittsfield families who need that extra trunk space for groceries and other things they may buy during a downtown shopping excursion. It appears that while Honda delivered a comparable amount of passenger space in the HR-V, it fell short of the Dodge Hornet in cargo-carrying capacity.
That’s Infotainment!
Just like most models, the 2024 Hornet and the 2024 HR-V come with advanced infotainment systems. The Hornet has the Dodge Uconnect system, while the HR-V has HondaLink. Each will allow you to pair your smartphones using Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. This will let you make hands-free calls and texts while streaming your favorite apps. However, there are a number of key differences that favor the Hornet.
The standard touchscreen in the Hornet is an expansive 10.25 inches. This is much larger than the seven-inch screen in the HR-V LX and Sport trims. The HR-V EX-L has a larger nine-inch touchscreen, which is still smaller than what the Hornet has standard. Also, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the 2024 Hornet, while only the EX-L trim of the 2024 HR-V has this feature. As a result, if you buy a Hornet, you can connect your phone to the Uconnect system, even if you accidentally left your charging cables at home. The Hornet GT Plus even has a built-in turn-by-turn navigation feature that is not available on any trim level of the 2024 Honda HR-V.
When it comes to audio systems. The Hornet GT has a six-speaker audio system, but upgrading to the GT Plus trim will give you a Harman Kardon Premium audio system. This has 14 speakers, including a subwoofer to boost the bass. This is the one to choose if you are a true audiophile. The 2024 HR-V does not have a premium audio system option. Instead, Honda increases the number of speakers on each trim, providing four on the LX, six on the Sport, and eight on the EX-L. In addition, where each Hornet trim comes with a standard trial subscription to SiriusXM, only the Honda HR-V EX-L has this feature.
Buy a Dodge Hornet and Don’t Get Stung by Underperformance
While both of these models have comparable interior space and solid fuel economy, only the 2024 Dodge Hornet will give you the performance, cargo space, and infotainment features you are going to want for your busy lifestyle in Pittsfield. Whether you are buying one as a commuter or a family vehicle, the Hornet will give you the speed, acceleration, and entertainment that the Honda HR-V can only dream about. Contact us or come in today and make the 2024 Dodge Hornet your next subcompact SUV!