Hornet vs Venza
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Hornet and the Venza show how Dodge and Toyota each approach the compact suv class. Both have a headline advantage (engine & performance for the Hornet, fuel economy & range for the Venza), so the right choice depends on how you’ll use it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Venza wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range9.5
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 Venza has better fuel economy
For fuel economy (combined), the Venza leads by a wide margin: 39 mpg versus 24 mpg. 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
This is a headline difference. With 268 hp to the Venza’s 219 hp, the Hornet has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Venza has better city fuel economy
Put simply, the Venza is far ahead here: 40 mpg compared with 21 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Venza has the better rating here.
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The Venza has better highway fuel economy
The Venza’s 37 mpg leaves the Hornet’s 29 mpg well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Hornet | Venza |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 105.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the Hornet is comfortably ahead. In its favor, the Hornet has 49 hp more power. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. On engine & performance alone, the Hornet gets the nod.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp Venza: 219 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Venza leads
No contest in fuel economy & range: the Venza is the stronger of the two. The Venza answers with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the Venza is where you should land.
Fuel economy (combined)
Hornet: 24 mpg Venza: 39 mpg The Venza uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Hornet: 21 mpg Venza: 40 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Venza starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Hornet and the Venza each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | Venza |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Venza |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 39 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 40 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 37 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | Venza |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 28.8 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 55.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | Venza |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | Venza |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Venza |
|---|---|---|
| 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 merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (268 hp vs 219 hp)
- you prefer staying with Dodge
Choose the Venza if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (39 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (40 mpg vs 21 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (37 mpg vs 29 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Hornet or the Venza?
There’s no single right answer. The Hornet leads on engine & performance and the Venza on fuel economy & range.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Dodge or Toyota. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Hornet and the Venza. What I like most about the Hornet here is 49 hp more power. In fairness to the Venza, better fuel economy is a genuine strength.
Your priorities do the choosing here: engine & performance points to the Hornet, fuel economy & range to the Venza.
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.