Hornet vs Ioniq 5
Dodge brings the Hornet; Hyundai answers with the Ioniq 5. Both play in the compact suv class. Neither side dominates. Only a few of the compared specs differ by enough to matter day to day.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Engine & Performance0.8
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 100 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 268 hp to the Ioniq 5’s 168 hp, the Hornet has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Hornet has 37 lb-ft more torque
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 295 lb-ft against 258 lb-ft is a small but genuine lead for the Hornet. The Hornet’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 183.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 63 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 118.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
The Hornet dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The Hornet takes this one with 100 hp more power. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Bottom line for engine & performance: the Hornet has the edge.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp Ioniq 5: 168 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Hornet: 295 lb-ft Ioniq 5: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. So space & practicality is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the Hornet and the Ioniq 5 cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | Single motor (rear) |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 168 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 245 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 27.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 59.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 183.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 63 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 118.1 in |
“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 168 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Dodge and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Hornet or the Ioniq 5?
On the specs compared here, the Hornet makes more sense for most buyers; the Ioniq 5 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the Hornet against the Ioniq 5 is exactly that. Start with the headline difference (the Hornet has 100 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place.
Who should get which? The Hornet for engine & performance, the Ioniq 5 for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the Hornet.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.