Hornet vs Outback
Few matchups in the compact suv class come up as often as the Hornet against the Outback. The scorecard favors the Outback, which leads in 2 of 4 areas. Its strongest showing is in the fuel economy & range category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Outback wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Outback wins
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
- Off-road & Towing4.5
- Engine & Performance0.2
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Off-road & Towing6.1
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 86 hp more power
Big gap, real consequences. The Hornet’s 268 hp versus the Outback’s 182 hp changes how the two compare in daily use. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Outback has better fuel economy
The Hornet is clearly behind on fuel economy (combined) (24 mpg against 28 mpg), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. The Outback uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The Hornet has 119 lb-ft more torque
On this line of the spec sheet, the Hornet is in a different league: 295 lb-ft, next to 176 lb-ft for the Outback. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Outback has 700 lb more towing capacity
For max towing, the Outback leads by a wide margin: 2,700 lb versus 2,000 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
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The Outback has better city fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 26 mpg to the Hornet’s 21 mpg, the Outback has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Outback has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Hornet leads, and not by a little. The Hornet brings 86 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Bottom line for engine & performance: the Hornet has the edge.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp Outback: 182 hp The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Hornet: 295 lb-ft Outback: 176 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Outback leads
The fuel economy & range comparison is one-sided. The Outback leads where it counts. The Outback scores with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. If this section decides it for you, choose the Outback.
Fuel economy (combined)
Hornet: 24 mpg Outback: 28 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 Outback: 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
You can skip ahead if space & practicality was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Outback leads
This is one of the Outback’s strongest areas. On off-road & towing, the Hornet falls well short. The Outback takes this one with 700 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. That makes the Outback the natural choice for buyers focused on off-road & towing.
Max towing
Hornet: 2,000 lb Outback: 2,700 lb If you tow regularly, the Outback’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Hornet and the Outback each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 182 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 176 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 32 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in |
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | 2,700 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| 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 merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (268 hp vs 182 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 176 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Dodge and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Outback if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (28 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (2,700 lb vs 2,000 lb)
- you mostly drive in town (26 mpg vs 21 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (32 mpg vs 29 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Hornet or the Outback?
The Outback wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that 86 hp more power would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
Whenever Dodge and Subaru go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Hornet and the Outback are no exception. The Outback wins me over with better fuel economy. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Outback has 700 lb more towing capacity. Fairness check: the Hornet does come with 86 hp more power.
Who should get which? The Hornet for engine & performance, the Outback for fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Outback. I’d only go for the Hornet if you’d rather have 86 hp more power on the Hornet.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.