2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased a bold design that was unmistakably Dodge, with its aggressive front end featuring the signature "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. However, from the side and rear, the Hornet bore a resemblance to the Porsche Macan or Cayenne, which might have felt less Dodge-like but added a premium feel. The standard silver 17-inch wheels were a point of contention, appearing cheap from a distance, though the Blacktop and Track Pack packages offered more appealing wheel options. Inside, the Hornet emphasized performance with red stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, while the GT Plus trim offered more luxurious seating options.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 represented a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs, presenting a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was solid and assertive, complemented by the iconic "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90's dimensions remained somewhat rectilinear, but it was far from the utilitarian designs of the past. The test vehicle's 21-inch wheels added drama, while the Platinum Gray paint provided depth. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, though the lack of physical controls could be frustrating for some.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted impressive performance stats, with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This outperformed many competitors, with only the Mazda CX-30 coming close in terms of power. 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 was responsive at lower speeds, it experienced a noticeable lag during mid-speed acceleration. The hybrid powertrain in the Hornet R/T improved this aspect.

For the 2023 Volvo XC90, Volvo introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 engine offered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. Although the mild-hybrid system didn't provide full-hybrid benefits, it improved fuel efficiency and smoothness. The XC90 delivered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with its eight-speed automatic transmission performing well. The XC90's brakes were reliable, and its handling was surprisingly agile for its size. However, the lack of customizable driving dynamics might not appeal to all drivers.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's GT Plus trim offered comfortable leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and memory settings, enhancing comfort for drivers. The cockpit layout favored the driver, with screen positioning and control placements feeling natural. However, the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed visibility. The Hornet's interior was driver-oriented, with a focus on performance.

In the 2023 Volvo XC90, the front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, though the minimalist design led to limited storage space. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, offering a more compact feel than typical three-row SUVs.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet featured a driver-focused cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The Uconnect 5 system was intuitive, and the Hornet offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim included a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system and navigation, though some features required touchscreen access.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen ran on Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, but the reliance on touchscreen controls could be frustrating. While the minimalist design was appealing, the lack of physical buttons for essential functions was a drawback.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet came standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Tech Pack added a 360-degree camera and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. However, the Hornet had not yet been rated by safety organizations.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, providing a comprehensive safety package.