2024 Dodge Hornet vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages that enhanced its equipment levels. The standard MDX came with base, Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S was available in standard or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge. The test vehicle, a Type S Advance, featured Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, with an MSRP of $74,995. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S aimed to deliver quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, but it fell short in some areas. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, with subtle design elements like chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Inside, it boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet, though not a V8 muscle car, retained Dodge's distinctive styling with a muscular front end and integrated heat extractors on the hood. The grille featured a new Rhombi logo, and the tail lamp extended across the width of the crossover. The Hornet was available in four trims: GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus, with the latter two employing a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The test vehicle, an R/T Plus with the Blacktop Package, shared visual similarities with the Alfa Romeo Tonale but maintained classic Dodge design elements. The interior, influenced by its Italian sibling, offered a modern feel with Alcantara upholstery and a driver-focused center stack. However, some buttons felt outdated, and the heavily bolstered seats might not suit typical shoppers.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, a notable increase over the standard V6. However, the Type S was 285 pounds heavier than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The turbocharged V6 offered quick acceleration but at the cost of poor fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but faced challenges in Sport and Sport+ modes, with transmission confusion and brake pedal response issues. The Continental self-sealing performance tires squealed early, and the suspension lacked compliance, leading to a lack of cohesion in the driving experience.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet offered different powertrains across its trim levels. The GT featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The R/T, a PHEV, combined a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with a 15.5-kWh battery and two electric motors, delivering 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T's electric AWD system and six-speed automatic transmission differentiated it from the GT. Despite its extra weight, the R/T was quick, with a heavy pedal feel and a "Powershot" feature for an extra 30 horsepower. The suspension balanced comfort and handling, while the steering was accurate but heavy. The R/T offered an all-electric driving range of about 30 miles, with the ability to switch between electric, hybrid, and battery-saving modes. The GT's fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city, 29 highway, and 24 combined, while the R/T's figures were pending.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with options for two or three second-row seating positions, and a spacious cargo area. The test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place as expected. The MDX provided seven-passenger seating, with a removable center section in the second row for easier access to the third row. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The cabin prioritized style over storage, with limited space under the front center armrest and a touchpad interface that reduced storage opportunities. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passenger comfort, with good headroom and visibility. However, the rear seat felt cramped due to the high beltline and dark interior. The R/T's PHEV battery reduced cargo capacity, offering 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 50.5 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, compared to the GT's 27 and 54.7 cubic feet, respectively. Both versions fell short of competitors like the Hyundai Tucson PHEV in terms of cargo space.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, but the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive. Instead, it used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The TTI design also limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with SiriusXM, navigation, and AcuraLink connected services. The test vehicle had a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet boasted a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display, running on Dodge's UConnect 5 system. The system was user-friendly and customizable, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a wireless phone charger. The infotainment system allowed for personalized user profiles and widget customization.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact tests.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included a comprehensive set of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with an optional advanced version offering traffic-sign recognition. The Tech Pack added level 2 autonomous driving functions, enhancing the Hornet's safety capabilities.