2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The review focused on the turbocharged NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims.

The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details similar to the Lexus IS sports sedan. The new model was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most NX models had NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The interior design was minimalist, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly. However, physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the quality levels were generally high.

The new Hornet’s front end displayed unmistakable Dodge DNA with muscle-car styling cues like the wide, mean “raccoon mask” face, bulging hood, dual extractors, and the classic Dodge “mail slot” beneath the Rhombi logo. The rear quarter of the Hornet CUV resembled a Porsche Macan or Cayenne, giving it a more premium feel, thanks to its Alfa Romeo Tonale roots. The standard silver 17-inch wheels looked cheap from afar, but the available Blacktop and Track Pack packages offered more appealing options like 18-inch black alloy wheels and 20-inch wheels with red Brembo brake calipers.

Dodge continued its “High Impact Paint” tradition with seven fun exterior color options for the Hornet. Inside, the GT Plus-trim Hornet featured comfortable leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and two memory settings. The cockpit layout was driver-oriented, with the screen and controls favoring the driver. Visibility was generally good, though the A-pillar design could obstruct the view of traffic from the right. The GT Plus trim also included heated and ventilated seats, while the base GT trim offered heated seats as part of the Cold Weather package.

Electrification was a key focus for the 2022 Lexus NX, with two electrified versions available. The NX 350h offered a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an optional AWD.

The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX was not suitable for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

Dodge touted the Hornet’s “best-in-class performance,” with the Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Hornet’s Sport mode sharpened throttle responses, tightened steering, and optimized upshifts, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. The base Hornet GT was peppy from a standstill, but there was a noticeable lag when accelerating from cruising speeds. The Hornet R/T’s hybrid powertrain improved pickup pace.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt cozy from the driver’s seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX’s panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. Cargo space increased by 14%, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The GT Plus-trim Hornet featured comfortable leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and two memory settings. The cockpit layout was driver-oriented, with the screen and controls favoring the driver. Visibility was generally good, though the A-pillar design could obstruct the view of traffic from the right. The GT Plus trim also included heated and ventilated seats, while the base GT trim offered heated seats as part of the Cold Weather package.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen display standard and a 14-inch screen optional. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service was included. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 system. The GT Plus trim included a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim also added a wireless charging pad and navigation.

The 2022 Lexus NX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet came standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, a rear backup camera, and a rear park-assist system. The Tech Pack added front, side, and rear park-assist, driver-attention monitoring, a 360 “ParkView” surround-view camera, and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. The Hornet had not yet been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA.