Hornet vs 2025 RAV4
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Hornet and the RAV4 show how Dodge and Toyota each approach the compact suv class. The Hornet wins more of the areas that we compared (2 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Fuel Economy & Range RAV4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Hornet wins
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
- Off-road & Towing4.5
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range5.4
- 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
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The Hornet has 65 hp more power
The Hornet clearly leads on total system output, and 268 hp versus 203 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The RAV4 has better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the RAV4 posts 30 mpg against 24 mpg for the Hornet, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Hornet has 111 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 295 lb-ft for the Hornet versus 184 lb-ft for the RAV4. 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
The RAV4 lists 1,500 lb; the Hornet comes in at 2,000 lb. That’s not a rounding error. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
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The RAV4 has better city fuel economy
At 27 mpg versus 21 mpg, this is a decisive lead for the RAV4, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the RAV4 has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 180.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 105.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Hornet leads, and not by a little. The Hornet takes this one with 65 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. On engine & performance alone, the Hornet gets the nod.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp RAV4: 203 hp The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Hornet: 295 lb-ft RAV4: 184 lb-ft The Hornet’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
RAV4 leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the RAV4. The RAV4 scores with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. In short, the RAV4 is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Hornet: 24 mpg RAV4: 30 mpg The RAV4 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Hornet: 21 mpg RAV4: 27 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the RAV4 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Hornet leads
The off-road & towing comparison is one-sided. The Hornet leads where it counts. The Hornet brings 500 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. The off-road & towing verdict goes to the Hornet.
Max towing
Hornet: 2,000 lb RAV4: 1,500 lb If you tow regularly, the Hornet’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Hornet and the RAV4 each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 203 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 30 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 27 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 35 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 37.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 69.8 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 37.80 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.40 in |
| Max towing | 2,000 lb (winner) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.5 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 180.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 105.9 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 203 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft of torque)
- you want the higher towing capacity (2,000 lb vs 1,500 lb)
Choose the RAV4 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (27 mpg vs 21 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (35 mpg vs 29 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Hornet or the RAV4?
We’d point most buyers to the Hornet. The main exception is if you care more about better fuel economy than anything else.
Executive Summary
Dodge makes the Hornet, Toyota makes the RAV4, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. My main argument for the Hornet? It comes with 65 hp more power. I’d also count 500 lb more towing capacity in the Hornet’s favor. Still, if you care most about better fuel economy, the RAV4 deserves a look.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the Hornet, and those who prioritize fuel economy & range with the RAV4.
My pick: the Hornet, with one exception: if your top priority is better fuel economy, go for the RAV4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.