Hornet vs RAV4 Hybrid
Dodge versus Toyota: the Hornet and the RAV4 Hybrid go after the same compact suv buyer. Think of it as a split decision: the Hornet takes engine & performance, the RAV4 Hybrid takes fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Fuel Economy & Range RAV4 Hybrid wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Hornet wins
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
- Off-road & Towing4.5
- Fuel Economy & Range9.7
- Off-road & Towing3.9
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 RAV4 Hybrid has better fuel economy
Among all the differences on this page, 39 mpg against 24 mpg is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the RAV4 Hybrid. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Hornet has 49 hp more power
The RAV4 Hybrid gives up a lot on total system output: 219 hp, compared with 268 hp on the Hornet. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The RAV4 Hybrid has better city fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The RAV4 Hybrid brings 41 mpg to the table; the Hornet brings 21 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the RAV4 Hybrid has the better rating here.
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The RAV4 Hybrid has better highway fuel economy
When it comes to fuel economy (highway), the RAV4 Hybrid wins comfortably with 38 mpg against 29 mpg. The RAV4 Hybrid uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
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The Hornet has 250 lb more towing capacity
You may not notice this one every day, but the Hornet’s 2,000 lb is a step ahead of the RAV4 Hybrid’s 1,750 lb. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 180.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 105.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
This section belongs to the Hornet. In engine & performance, it leads the RAV4 Hybrid by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Hornet pulls ahead with 49 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. For engine & performance, the Hornet is the one to beat.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp RAV4 Hybrid: 219 hp The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
RAV4 Hybrid leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the RAV4 Hybrid. Point to the RAV4 Hybrid for better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the RAV4 Hybrid comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
Hornet: 24 mpg RAV4 Hybrid: 39 mpg The RAV4 Hybrid uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Hornet: 21 mpg RAV4 Hybrid: 41 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the RAV4 Hybrid starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither the Hornet nor the RAV4 Hybrid has a real advantage in the space & practicality category. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Hornet leads
If you’re keeping score, the off-road & towing point goes narrowly to the Hornet. The Hornet scores with 250 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Hornet’s higher rating gives you more margin. The off-road & towing verdict goes to the Hornet.
Max towing
Hornet: 2,000 lb RAV4 Hybrid: 1,750 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 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 (electronic on-demand) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 39 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 41 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 38 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb (winner) | 1,750 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 180.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 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 219 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (2,000 lb vs 1,750 lb)
- you’re comfortable with how Dodge does things
Choose the RAV4 Hybrid if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (39 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (41 mpg vs 21 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (38 mpg vs 29 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Hornet or the RAV4 Hybrid?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Hornet if engine & performance matters most, or the RAV4 Hybrid if fuel economy & range does.
Executive Summary
Dodge or Toyota? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Hornet versus the RAV4 Hybrid. I think the Hornet makes its strongest case with 49 hp more power. It also helps that the Hornet has 250 lb more towing capacity. On the other side, the RAV4 Hybrid brings better fuel economy, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
Choose by what you’d use most: engine & performance leads to the Hornet, fuel economy & range leads to the RAV4 Hybrid.
My pick: there’s no single winner, so choose the Hornet for engine & performance or the RAV4 Hybrid for fuel economy & range.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.