Dodge Caliber vs Dodge Hornet

The Caliber joined Dodge’s lineup last year as a practical successor to the Neon and started winning a few hearts with its reasonable price tag and comfortable interior. Optional all-wheel-drive makes the Caliber a viable crossover alternative for buyers living in places where the weather gets nasty, but the specs may not be enough.

Useful hatchbacks are a rare breed on the market today, as many buyers are opting for SUVs from Jeep, Hyundai, and Honda, so the Caliber enjoys somewhat limited competition. The Toyota Matrix and Nissan Versa are closest to going toe-to-toe with the Caliber, but it’s the Toyota that dominates the segment. The Caliber is less refined and less efficient than the Matrix, but the price will be much better for many buyers’ budgets.

There’s no V8 under the hood of a Dodge Hornet. Instead, this compact crossover (or compact utility vehicle, as Dodge calls it) comes equipped with a four-cylinder engine or, in the case of the 2024 R/T trim, a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

As fuel-efficiency and low-emissions vehicles become more appealing to shoppers, the Hornet represents a major milestone for Dodge. If the company is going to remain relevant in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace, this little crossover needs to be a hit.