Hornet vs Forester
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Hornet from Dodge or the Forester from Subaru. This one has a front-runner. The Hornet wins 2 of 4 compared areas, and engine & performance is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Forester wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Hornet wins
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
- Off-road & Towing4.5
- Engine & Performance0.2
- Fuel Economy & Range4.6
- Off-road & Towing3.3
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
-
The Hornet has 88 hp more power
Not a close call. The Hornet lists 268 hp and the Forester lists 180 hp. That’s a substantial gap. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Forester has better fuel economy
Among all the differences on this page, 29 mpg against 24 mpg is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Forester. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Hornet has 117 lb-ft more torque
The Forester gives up a lot on torque: 178 lb-ft, compared with 295 lb-ft on the Hornet. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Hornet has 500 lb more towing capacity
Few buyers will miss this one. The Hornet brings 2,000 lb to the table; the Forester brings 1,500 lb. If you tow regularly, the Hornet’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The Forester has better city fuel economy
When it comes to fuel economy (city), the Forester wins comfortably with 26 mpg against 21 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Forester starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
In the engine & performance category, the Hornet isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Hornet scores with 88 hp more power. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If this section decides it for you, choose the Hornet.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp Forester: 180 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Hornet: 295 lb-ft Forester: 178 lb-ft The Hornet’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Forester leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the Forester is comfortably ahead. The Forester stands out with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Forester is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
Hornet: 24 mpg Forester: 29 mpg The Forester uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Hornet: 21 mpg Forester: 26 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Hornet leads
The off-road & towing comparison is one-sided. The Hornet leads where it counts. The Hornet delivers 500 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. Net result: the Hornet leads this part of the comparison.
Max towing
Hornet: 2,000 lb Forester: 1,500 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Hornet and the Forester differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in |
| Max towing | 2,000 lb (winner) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Subaru EyeSight |
| 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 want more power (268 hp vs 180 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft of torque)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (2,000 lb vs 1,500 lb)
Choose the Forester if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (29 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (26 mpg vs 21 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (33 mpg vs 29 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Hornet or the Forester?
The Hornet wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you specifically want better fuel economy, where the Forester has the edge.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Dodge’s Hornet against Subaru’s Forester. To me, the standout is that the Hornet offers 88 hp more power. Stack 500 lb more towing capacity on top of that, and the Hornet’s lead grows. In fairness to the Forester, better fuel economy is a genuine strength.
I think of the Hornet as the one for engine & performance and the Forester as the one for fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Hornet is the one I’d buy, unless you know that better fuel economy would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.