Hornet vs Sportage
This is a classic rivalry: the Hornet against the Sportage, Dodge against Kia, both in compact suv territory. There’s no clean sweep. If engine & performance matters most to you, the Hornet has the edge; if fuel economy & range does, look at the Sportage.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Sportage wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Fuel Economy & Range3.8
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 81 hp more power
The Sportage gives up a lot on total system output: 187 hp, compared with 268 hp on the Hornet. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Sportage has better fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The Sportage brings 28 mpg to the table; the Hornet brings 24 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Hornet has 117 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the Hornet wins comfortably with 295 lb-ft against 178 lb-ft. The Hornet’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Sportage has better city fuel economy
It’s a lopsided result (25 mpg for the Sportage, 21 mpg for the Hornet) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Sportage starts from a better baseline.
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The Sportage has better highway fuel economy
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Sportage’s 32 mpg beats the Hornet’s 29 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 108.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
The Hornet clearly takes the engine & performance round. The Hornet delivers 81 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Hornet is where you should land.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp Sportage: 187 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Hornet: 295 lb-ft Sportage: 178 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Sportage leads
For fuel economy & range, the verdict is easy: the Sportage leads, and not by a little. The Sportage wins here with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the Sportage comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
Hornet: 24 mpg Sportage: 28 mpg The Sportage uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Hornet: 21 mpg Sportage: 25 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Sportage has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the Hornet and the Sportage cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
The Hornet and the Sportage differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 187 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 25 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 32 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 39.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 74.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 108.5 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 merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (268 hp vs 187 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Dodge
Choose the Sportage if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (28 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (25 mpg vs 21 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (32 mpg vs 29 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Hornet or the Sportage?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Hornet if engine & performance matters most, or the Sportage if fuel economy & range does.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Hornet and the Sportage. Start with the headline difference (the Hornet has 81 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place. To be fair, the Sportage has better fuel economy, and that’s not nothing.
In my head, the Hornet is the engine & performance pick and the Sportage is the fuel economy & range pick.
My pick: I can’t crown one. The Hornet wins on engine & performance, the Sportage on fuel economy & range, and your habits decide.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.