Equinox vs Hornet
Same class, different makers. The Equinox (Chevrolet) and the Hornet (Dodge) are built for the same kind of buyer. Surprisingly little separates them. A handful of specs move the needle; the rest are rounding errors.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Engine & Performance2.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Hornet has 93 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The Hornet lists 268 hp for total system output, while the Equinox lists 175 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Hornet has 92 lb-ft more torque
A clear win for the Hornet: 295 lb-ft against 203 lb-ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
This section belongs to the Hornet. In engine & performance, it leads the Equinox by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Hornet gives you 93 hp more power. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For engine & performance, the Hornet is the one to beat.
Total system output
Equinox: 175 hp Hornet: 268 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Equinox: 203 lb-ft Hornet: 295 lb-ft The Hornet’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
If off-road & towing matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Equinox | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 175 hp | 268 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | N/A (not specified) | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 2,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Hornet if…
- you want more power (268 hp vs 175 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 203 lb-ft of torque)
- you already use other Dodge products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Equinox or the Hornet?
On the specs compared here, the Hornet makes more sense for most buyers; the Equinox doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Equinox’s and the Hornet’s) so you don’t have to. The biggest reason I lean toward the Hornet is simple: it has 93 hp more power.
The Equinox is built for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture heavily, and the Hornet for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: the Hornet.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.