Hornet vs CX-5
The Hornet and the CX-5 land in the same compact suv category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. It’s a balanced fight with different weapons. The Hornet relies on engine & performance, the CX-5 on fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-5 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Fuel Economy & Range2.3
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
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The Hornet has 81 hp more power
The CX-5 lists 187 hp; the Hornet comes in at 268 hp. That’s not a rounding error. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Hornet has 109 lb-ft more torque
At 295 lb-ft versus 186 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the Hornet, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The CX-5 has better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the CX-5 edges out the Hornet, 26 mpg to 24 mpg. The CX-5 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The CX-5 has better city fuel economy
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 24 mpg against 21 mpg is a small but genuine lead for the CX-5. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 106.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Hornet. The Hornet makes its case with 81 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Hornet.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp CX-5: 187 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Hornet: 295 lb-ft CX-5: 186 lb-ft The Hornet’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-5 leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the CX-5 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The CX-5 brings better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. So if fuel economy & range tops your list, lean toward the CX-5.
Fuel economy (combined)
Hornet: 24 mpg CX-5: 26 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Hornet: 21 mpg CX-5: 24 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the CX-5 has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The differences on space & practicality are small enough to ignore in daily use. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
The Hornet and the CX-5 differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 187 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 24 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 30 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 30.8 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 59.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in Smallest touchscreen |
| 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 |
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 106.2 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 186 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Dodge and happy with it
Choose the CX-5 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (26 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (24 mpg vs 21 mpg in the city)
- you’re comfortable with how Mazda does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Hornet or the CX-5?
The Hornet and the CX-5 split the comparison (engine & performance for the Hornet, fuel economy & range for the CX-5), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
The Hornet from Dodge and the CX-5 from Mazda go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. My main argument for the Hornet? It comes with 81 hp more power. I’ll admit the CX-5 has a point with better fuel economy.
The Hornet is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the CX-5 for people who weigh fuel economy & range.
My pick: decide whether you’d miss engine & performance or fuel economy & range more, then buy the Hornet or the CX-5 accordingly.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.