Hornet vs Sportage Hybrid
For compact suv shoppers, the Hornet from Dodge and the Sportage Hybrid from Kia are two of the obvious candidates. Close matchups are the hardest to call, and the Hornet versus the Sportage Hybrid is one of them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Engine & Performance1.5
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 41 hp more power
When it comes to total system output, the Hornet wins comfortably with 268 hp against 227 hp. 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
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Hornet leads with 295 lb-ft to 258 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 108.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
No contest in engine & performance: the Hornet is the stronger of the two. The Hornet adds 41 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. In short, the Hornet is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp Sportage Hybrid: 227 hp The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Hornet: 295 lb-ft Sportage Hybrid: 258 lb-ft The Hornet’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t space & practicality. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 1.6L turbo I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 227 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | N/A (not specified) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 want more power (268 hp vs 227 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you already use other Dodge products
Choose the Sportage Hybrid if…
- you’re comfortable with how Kia does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Hornet or the Sportage Hybrid?
On the specs compared here, the Hornet makes more sense for most buyers; the Sportage Hybrid doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Hornet and the Sportage Hybrid chase the same buyer. In the details, Dodge and Kia made different calls. My main argument for the Hornet? It comes with 41 hp more power.
Put simply, the Hornet suits people who care about engine & performance, while the Sportage Hybrid suits people who put the things a spec sheet can’t capture first.
My pick: the Hornet.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.