2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave represented a significant shift in Buick's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. Historically, Buick vehicles were known for their softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic that valued comfort over cutting-edge design. However, the Enclave's introduction marked a departure from this approach, embracing a more modern and upscale aesthetic. The 2022 model, as part of a mid-cycle refresh, featured several exterior enhancements, including a new grille, updated fascias, and redesigned headlamps and taillamps. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique grille and 20-inch wheel design, offering a touch of luxury that elevated the Enclave's appeal.

Inside, the Enclave's interior received a thoughtful update, with a restyled center console and upgraded materials throughout. The Avenir trim boasted climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, enhancing passenger comfort. The Ebony perforated leather seats with Ebony accents in our test vehicle added a touch of elegance, while the Avenir-exclusive seat pattern and piping provided visual interest. Although the Enclave didn't quite reach the luxury levels of its Cadillac counterparts, it offered a refined and comfortable driving experience that appealed to those seeking a premium SUV.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet, on the other hand, embraced its muscle-car heritage with a bold and aggressive design. The front end showcased Dodge's signature styling cues, including the wide "raccoon mask" face, bulging hood, and dual extractors. The illuminated Rhombi logo on the taillights added a distinctive touch, ensuring the Hornet stood out in traffic. While the rear quarter design drew comparisons to the Porsche Macan, it maintained a unique Dodge identity. The Hornet's design language leaned towards a more premium feel, influenced by its Alfa Romeo Tonale platform, and it was built in Italy.

Inside, the Hornet's driver-focused cockpit emphasized performance-inspired elements. The GT Plus trim offered leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment, providing superior comfort compared to the base model's cloth seats. The Alcantara seats in the Track Pack added a sporty touch. The cockpit layout favored the driver, with the screen and controls angled for easy access. However, the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed visibility, a minor quirk that depended on the driver's position. Overall, the Hornet's interior design catered to those seeking a dynamic driving experience with a touch of luxury.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a straightforward powertrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a smooth and drama-free ride, characteristic of Buick's reputation for quiet and comfortable vehicles. The Enclave's AWD system and premium ride suspension, part of the Avenir Technology package, ensured a refined driving experience across various terrains. Despite its size, the Enclave delivered surprisingly responsive acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly. The Enclave's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds added versatility for those needing to haul additional loads.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted "best-in-class performance" with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, generating 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This power output surpassed many competitors, making the Hornet a standout in its class. The Hornet's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and steering, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. While the base Hornet GT exhibited peppy acceleration, there was a noticeable lag when accelerating from cruising speeds. The Hornet R/T's hybrid powertrain addressed this issue, providing a more consistent pickup pace. Overall, the Hornet's performance-oriented design catered to those seeking a spirited driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior. With easy ingress and egress, passengers enjoyed excellent visibility and ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room across all three rows. The Enclave's third row accommodated six-footers comfortably, making it suitable for long journeys with six adults. The second-row captain's chairs added versatility, and the restyled center console with push-button transmission gears enhanced convenience. The Enclave offered generous cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. Power-folding third-row seats further simplified cargo access.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's interior focused on driver comfort and convenience. The GT Plus trim featured leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment, enhancing comfort for long drives. The cockpit's driver-oriented layout, with a screen angled towards the driver, emphasized performance. However, the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed visibility, a minor consideration for potential buyers. The Hornet's interior design catered to those seeking a dynamic driving experience with a touch of luxury.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a comprehensive suite of technology features. The driver's seat featured a standard 4.2-inch information center, with Premium and Avenir trims upgrading to an 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The Enclave's infotainment system supported up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot for connectivity. The Premium and Avenir trims featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system, providing superior sound quality. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and HD surround vision.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's technology offerings centered around the driver. The digital gauge cluster measured 12.3 inches, larger than the center display, emphasizing driver focus. The Uconnect 5 system, known for its intuitive interface, powered the 10.25-inch touchscreen. The GT Plus trim included a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, enhancing the audio experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity were standard, with navigation available on the GT Plus trim. The Hornet's technology package catered to tech-savvy drivers seeking a seamless and connected experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave prioritized safety with the standard Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, offering features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Premium trims added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet included advanced driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Tech Pack added a 360-degree surround-view camera and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. While the Hornet had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, its comprehensive safety features provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers.