Hornet vs Compass
The Hornet and the Compass are two different answers to the same compact suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. Lay the spec sheets side by side and you’ll see more overlap than contrast.
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 68 hp more power
The Hornet doesn’t just edge this one; 268 hp against 200 hp is a lead you’ll feel. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Hornet has 74 lb-ft more torque
Big gap, real consequences. The Hornet’s 295 lb-ft versus the Compass’s 221 lb-ft changes how the two compare in daily use. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
The Hornet wins the engine & performance section decisively. The Hornet answers with 68 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For engine & performance, the Hornet is the one to beat.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp Compass: 200 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Hornet: 295 lb-ft Compass: 221 lb-ft The Hornet’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if space & practicality was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. So space & practicality is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
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 | Hornet | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 200 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4x4 |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| 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 merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (268 hp vs 200 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 221 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 Compass?
On the specs compared here, the Hornet makes more sense for most buyers; the Compass doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Hornet and the Compass purely on what they offer. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Hornet brings 68 hp more power.
I think of the Hornet as the one for engine & performance and the Compass as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the Hornet.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.