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
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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.
