Hornet vs Escape
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Hornet and the Escape show how Dodge and Ford each approach the compact suv class. Spec for spec, there isn’t much daylight between them, so small details and personal priorities will decide it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Engine & Performance0.4
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 88 hp more power
On total system output, the Hornet posts 268 hp against 180 hp for the Escape, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Hornet has 96 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 295 lb-ft for the Hornet versus 199 lb-ft for the Escape. The Hornet’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
Here the Hornet opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. Choose the Hornet and you get 88 hp more power. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the Hornet is the stronger car.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp Escape: 180 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Hornet: 295 lb-ft Escape: 199 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the Hornet and the Escape are effectively level. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 1.5L turbo I3 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 199 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 37.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 65.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| 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 180 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 199 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Dodge’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Hornet or the Escape?
On the specs compared here, the Hornet makes more sense for most buyers; the Escape doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Hornet and the Escape are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. The biggest reason I lean toward the Hornet is simple: it has 88 hp more power.
Choose by what you’d use most: engine & performance leads to the Hornet, the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the Escape.
My pick: the Hornet.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.