Starting at
Starting at
| 65.2 | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 54.7 |
| 8.8 | Ground Clearance (in) | 8 |
| 26 | Fuel Economy (MPG) | 24 |
There is an old stand-up comedy bit where a driver mimes being in a large SUV and needing something from the glove compartment, so he takes a few steps to the right to reach it, then walks back over to the steering wheel. It is a solid visual gag, and in some full-size SUVs, it can feel pretty close to true, which is why a subcompact crossover is such a great option for a lot of drivers. Choosing the right model is not always easy, however, especially when there are so many compelling new options joining the market. Looking at the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2023 Dodge Hornet, we can see that while the Hornet has some impressive features, it falls behind the Bronco Sport in some key ways.
First and foremost among these is off-road performance: if you are looking for a subcompact model to take out onto the trail, you cannot beat the Ford Bronco Sport. When Ford announced that the Bronco was finally making a return a couple of years ago, we were incredibly excited to see its remarkable off-road capabilities; when the brand added a smaller version in the Bronco Sport, we were elated. From standard four-wheel drive (4x4) to a Terrain Management System with multiple Goes Over Any Type of Terrain (GOAT) Modes, the Bronco Sport is ready to go anywhere. In fairness, the 2023 Dodge Hornet comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) standard, which is great, but it cannot match the extra features the Bronco Sport has for trail performance.
One of the biggest weaknesses of the 2023 Hornet is that only two trims are available––the standard GT and the available GT Plus––with about a $5,000 price jump from one to the next and nothing in between. Ford gives you six different trims for the 2023 Bronco Sport, providing you with more options at a wider range of prices to meet a variety of needs. When looking at any small vehicle like this, you also want to be sure it is safe—fortunately, both Ford and Dodge have delivered impressive standard driver-assist features. At the end of the day, we feel the Ford Bronco Sport simply goes further in terms of what it has to offer and how well it will keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
If you are at all interested in the Ford Bronco Sport, then you are probably looking for a subcompact crossover that you can take off-road; it is one of the biggest reasons to choose this model. There are plenty of great SUVs out there for hitting the trail—such as the larger Ford Bronco—but few models are this capable while also being perfect for fitting into a modest lifestyle. While the Dodge Hornet does have impressive performance, it is clearly aimed at capability on the pavement rather than the trail.
With the Ford Bronco Sport, you get 4x4 standard on every trim and an impressive engine that gives you plenty of power for tackling anything the trail throws at you. Other standard features include a Terrain Management System with five GOAT Modes designed to let you adapt the Bronco Sport’s traction and control to any situation you encounter. The High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) System on the Bronco Sport provides you with excellent ground clearance and water-fording capability while ensuring you have a great time no matter what the trail throws at you. Choosing the Badlands or Heritage Limited takes things even further with a Twin-Clutch rear drive unit, seven GOAT Modes, and much more.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet does its best to keep up, but it is clear that incredible off-road performance was not at the forefront of its design and engineering. We admit the Hornet has a good engine and comes with AWD standard, which is nice, but that is about it for performance that will help you on the trail. The available Koni suspension and Brembo brakes on the Hornet are great but clearly meant for the track or feeling a rush of speed on the open road, not the great outdoors. You might be able to reach some convenient campgrounds or hiking trailheads with the Dodge Hornet, but we would not suggest rock crawling or playing in the mud with it.
One of the most important things when looking at a potential vehicle is the freedom to get exactly what you want in your ride. This goes beyond simply looking at different cars in a brand’s lineup—you need to be able to choose a lot of different options and features once you land on a model that will work for you. The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport comes through beautifully in this regard, while the 2023 Dodge Hornet falls short and shows signs of being a newcomer to the market rather than an established winner.
The biggest weakness of the 2023 Hornet is that Dodge offers just two trim levels for it. There is the base GT trim that comes with features like dual-zone air conditioning, six-way manually-adjustable front seats, cloth seating, and a six-speaker sound system. Anyone looking for more than that has just one option: the GT Plus. This trim adds some nice features like eight-way power front seats that are heated and ventilated, leather seating, a leather steering wheel, and an eight-speaker sound system. However, the problem is that these are the only two options, and getting the extras of the GT Plus increases the price tag by about $5,000.
With the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, you have an incredible variety to choose from and enjoy, with six different trim levels offering excellent steps from one to the next. You can start off with the Base to get a comfortable interior and excellent off-road performance or move up to the Big Bend for added features. If you want details like leather-trimmed heated seats, there is the Outer Banks, while the Badlands gives you incredible off-road capability with great features inside and out. You also have two Heritage trims, including the Heritage Limited for superior off-road performance. These have unique Oxford White grilles featuring red "BRONCO" lettering and Plaid seating inside. The six trims give you a wide range of options and price points, making it easier to find just what you want.
You should always look at driver-assist features and technology for any vehicle you are interested in because nothing else matters if an SUV cannot protect you and the people you care about. Fortunately, both the 2023 Bronco Sport and the 2023 Dodge Hornet have impressive standard features, though we like what Ford offers a bit more. We are pleased to see that the Hornet comes with Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Blind Spot Monitoring, all standard. Other features like Drowsy Driver Detection as an available option are fine, but that is not quite as impressive as we expect from a vehicle like this.
Every 2023 Ford Bronco Sport comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360 package: a suite of driver-assist features that includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane-Keeping System, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert for when you are backing up. Available technology on the Bronco Sport includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which adds driver-assist features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, perfect for your daily commute and long road trips. It also includes Evasive Steering Assist, which provides additional steering support when maneuvering to avoid a potential collision. Off-road tech like Ford Trail Control and a 180-degree front camera are also available.
We cannot deny that the Dodge Hornet is a fine piece of machinery; it simply falls behind the Ford Bronco Sport in a number of key ways. If you are interested in heading off-road, then there is really no competition between them. The Bronco Sport is a far superior choice, plus you have a lot more trims and options to choose from. Ultimately, we feel that it is easy to tell that the Hornet is a brand-new vehicle with some bugs that probably need to be worked out of it, which is why Dodge kept things simple by only offering two trims. Going with the Bronco Sport, which has been out for a few years now, gives you more options to choose from and the peace of mind that comes with a model that has already worked out any rough spots.
Here at DePaula Ford, we are incredibly pleased to be able to offer you the Ford Bronco Sport—one of the most sophisticated and capable subcompact crossover models on the market. Ford has you covered no matter what you are looking for in your next vehicle; we are here to help you find the perfect model with all of the features and options you have been looking for. Whether you know exactly what you want in your next vehicle or are still weighing your options and deciding what will be perfect for you, we can answer all your questions and ensure you find the ideal car, truck, or SUV. Call or come visit us at DePaula Ford today to learn more, and we will make sure you get the vehicle you have been looking for.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
