Compare the2024 Mazda CX-5VS 2023 Dodge Hornet

Both the CX-5 and the Hornet have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, and daytime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-5 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, a rating granted to only 54 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Hornet has not been tested, yet.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the CX-5’s reliability 41 points higher than the Hornet.

The CX-5’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 25 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 295) than the Hornet GT’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 with its standard engine gets better fuel mileage than the Hornet GT running its gasoline engine (26 city/31 hwy vs. 21 city/29 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-5 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The Hornet doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The CX-5 has 4.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Hornet R/T’s standard fuel tank (15.3 vs. 11.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The CX-5 has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Hornet GT’s standard fuel tank (15.3 vs. 13.5 gallons).

For better traction, the CX-5 has larger tires than the Hornet (225/65R17 vs. 215/60R17).

The CX-5 has engine speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Hornet doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-5’s wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer than on the Hornet (106.2 inches vs. 103.8 inches).

For better maneuverability, the CX-5’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the Hornet R/T’s (36 feet vs. 37.9 feet). The CX-5’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Hornet GT’s (36 feet vs. 38 feet).

The CX-5 has .9 inches more front headroom, .9 inches more front hip room, 1.4 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 1.6 inches more rear legroom and 1.8 inches more rear hip room than the Hornet.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the CX-5’s rear seats recline. The Hornet’s rear seats don’t recline.

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Hornet with its rear seat up (30 vs. 27 cubic feet). The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Hornet with its rear seat folded (59.3 vs. 54.7 cubic feet).

The CX-5 Premium Plus/Turbo has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Hornet doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-5 Premium/Turbo has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Hornet doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The CX-5 has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Hornet. The CX-5 Premium Plus/Turbo also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Hornet.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-5, based on reliability, safety and performance.