Hornet vs CX-50 Hybrid
Brand preference aside, the Hornet and the CX-50 Hybrid are close competitors, both pitched at compact suv buyers. Each has a clear strength: the Hornet leads on engine & performance, and the CX-50 Hybrid answers with fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-50 Hybrid wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range9.2
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 CX-50 Hybrid has better fuel economy
The spread here is large: 38 mpg on the CX-50 Hybrid versus 24 mpg on the Hornet. Expect to notice it. The CX-50 Hybrid uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The Hornet has 49 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Hornet makes its strongest case: 268 hp against 219 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The CX-50 Hybrid has better city fuel economy
The CX-50 Hybrid clearly leads on fuel economy (city), and 39 mpg versus 21 mpg is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The CX-50 Hybrid has better highway fuel economy
On fuel economy (highway), the CX-50 Hybrid posts 37 mpg against 29 mpg for the Hornet, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
The CX-50 Hybrid is outclassed on engine & performance; the Hornet leads by a clear margin. The Hornet brings 49 hp more power. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. In short, the Hornet is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp CX-50 Hybrid: 219 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-50 Hybrid leads
Here the CX-50 Hybrid opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. Choose the CX-50 Hybrid and you get better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. That makes the CX-50 Hybrid the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Hornet: 24 mpg CX-50 Hybrid: 38 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-50 Hybrid: 39 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the CX-50 Hybrid has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if off-road & towing was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Hornet and the CX-50 Hybrid part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 219 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 38 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 39 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 37 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | CX-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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-50 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.8 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 219 hp)
- you’re comfortable with how Dodge does things
Choose the CX-50 Hybrid if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (38 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (39 mpg vs 21 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (37 mpg vs 29 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Hornet or the CX-50 Hybrid?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Hornet if engine & performance matters most, or the CX-50 Hybrid if fuel economy & range does.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the Hornet against the CX-50 Hybrid is exactly that. Start with the headline difference (the Hornet has 49 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place. Where the CX-50 Hybrid fights back is better fuel economy.
The Hornet makes sense for anyone who values engine & performance; the CX-50 Hybrid for anyone who values fuel economy & range.
My pick: honestly, it’s a split decision, so let engine & performance versus fuel economy & range settle it for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.