2024 Chevy Trax vs 2024 Dodge Hornet

• 2024 Chevy Trax

  

  Starting at

  $20,400^[a]

  2024 Dodge Hornet

  

  Starting at

  $31,400

  28/32	Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG)	21/29
  11.0	Infotainment (in)	10.25
  5	Trim Levels	4

  SUVs and crossovers have overtaken the auto industry, and a big part of their popularity is their flexibility. For many drivers, a subcompact crossover is a perfect choice that fits easily into your life while also giving you a gorgeous and spacious model—but choosing the right subcompact vehicle can be tricky, as there are so many of them out there, which is why it helps to narrow things down and focus on just one or two at a time. Looking at the 2024 Chevy Trax vs 2024 Dodge Hornet, for example, quickly reveals that, while the Hornet has plenty of good things going for it, the Trax gives you a lot more and can meet a tighter budget.

  There is no denying that the Dodge Hornet has many strengths, but it ultimately leans a bit too far into high-performance territory, and you end up paying for it. The Hurricane Turbo I-4 engine in the Hornet is impressive, but the EcoTec Turbo I-3 in the Chevy Trax gives you all the power you need in such a small and reliable ride. Looking at the starting prices of each model, you are likely to spend about $10k more on the Hornet, which is simply not worth it for most people. Not only that, but the Chevy Trax gives you fantastic fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined compared to the Hornet’s standard engine, which gets just 24 MPG estimated combined.

  Looking at both of these subcompact crossover models, you will quickly find that they each give you a lot to enjoy while you are on the road, but the Chevy Trax simply comes out on top. The standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen in the Dodge Hornet is good, but you can get an 11.0-inch infotainment display in the Chevy Trax while spending much less money. In fact, even if you go with the highest ACTIV trim or the 2RS for the Trax, you still are looking at a lower starting price than the standard version of the Hornet; this means you can enjoy a wide range of upgrades—including the larger infotainment screen and innovative safety technology—while still spending less than a Dodge Hornet with its standard features.

• Performance

  

  It can be easy to think of engines as only really mattering in models like big trucks and fancy sports cars, but the engine is worth considering in any vehicle you are interested in. Even if you are shopping for a subcompact crossover, your engine has a big impact on your experience behind the wheel. Chevy keeps things simple with a single engine for you to enjoy, while the Dodge Hornet has two engines available. There is no denying that the engines in the Hornet are impressive, but they are ultimately a lot more than what most of us are really looking for in something like a subcompact crossover SUV.

  The biggest problem with the Hornet's engines is that the amount of power Dodge has packed into it feels like overkill. Sure, something like this can be fun for zipping around in the city, especially when you are on vacation or enjoying a day off, but it is rather impractical for most of us for daily use. Even worse, these engine options have made the Dodge Hornet cost a lot more than it really needs to. There is even a plug-in hybrid option that can work well for some drivers, but unless you are interested in going with an electric vehicle (EV), then you really will not get the most from it—and if you want a small EV option, then you are better off going all-in and checking out the Chevy Bolt EV.

  For most of us, the most important thing about the powertrain of a subcompact crossover is how well it gets us where we need to go and keeps our costs down. The sporty engine in the 2024 Chevy Trax has plenty of power for your daily commute, running errands, and enjoying your days off. Best of all, you get an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG combined. Looking at the Dodge Hornet and its standard engine, it gets just 21 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 24 MPG combined. If you do a lot of city driving, then the Trax will keep you on the road longer and save you money at the pump.

• Interior

  

  Since most of your time with your vehicle is spent inside and driving, you always want to consider what you enjoy most while on the road. Both of these models have two rows of seating for up to five passengers to fit comfortably, with large rear cargo areas designed to let you easily bring everything you need along with you. That makes these practical for a lot of drivers, but there are some key differences between their interiors.

  The Dodge Hornet features a 10.25-inch infotainment display, along with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It comes with a six-speaker sound system, dual-zone air conditioning, and remote keyless entry. Dodge has put six-way manually adjustable front seats inside the Hornet, featuring cloth and leatherette seating with vinyl door inserts. While some upgrades like heated seats and nicer materials are available, those things mean moving up to a more expensive trim level.

  Looking at the 2024 Chevy Trax, you can choose the beautifully appointed 2RS trim and stay at a lower price than the standard Dodge Hornet. The Trax 2RS comes with a gorgeous 11.0-inch infotainment display, along with an 8.0-inch Driver Information Center screen, keyless entry, and remote start. You will find a six-speaker sound system in the 2RS, along with Evotex seating that includes heated front seats, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, and more. You can even add things like a power sunroof and wireless charging pad while still keeping your Trax's price well below that of the Dodge Hornet.

• Trims

  

  When you are shopping for a vehicle, it can be uncomfortable to talk about things like price and budget, but we all have to be realistic. Keeping your costs down is important as you look for your next SUV, which is something that Chevy clearly understands. The 2024 Trax is available in five different trim levels, each of them priced at a point that makes them very accessible.

  Looking at the Dodge Hornet, we find a subcompact crossover that has been priced more like a sports car or performance vehicle. The Hornet starts at over $30k for just the standard equipment—and its price can quickly go up from there. Choosing a model with the available plug-in hybrid engine immediately adds about $10k to the price, while the highest trim can start at over $46k. For that kind of money, you can get a lot more vehicle in a larger model, or you can leave the utility behind and enjoy the greater power of something like the Chevy Camaro.

  With the 2024 Chevy Trax, you find a subcompact crossover that has been priced in a much more accessible way. The starting trim begins at just over $20k, while the additional trim levels are more like small steps rather than giant leaps in price. You can choose any Trax—even the highest trims—and get a vehicle that starts at less than $25k; this is well below the most basic version of the Dodge Hornet. The Chevy Trax starts at an incredible price and gives you the freedom to get everything you're looking for while keeping your costs low.

The 2024 Chevy Trax at McCluskey Chevrolet