2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased a design that was unmistakably Dodge, with its aggressive front end featuring a wide "raccoon mask" face, bulging hood, and dual extractors. The illuminated Rhombi logo on the taillights added a distinctive touch, ensuring the Hornet was easily recognizable from behind. While the front exuded classic Dodge muscle-car vibes, the rear design drew comparisons to the Porsche Macan or Cayenne, offering a more premium feel. This design choice, influenced by its Alfa Romeo Tonale roots, might have been a shift for Dodge loyalists, but it seemed to fit well within the family vehicle segment. The Hornet's exterior was further complemented by a range of vibrant color options and wheel packages, allowing for personalization.

Inside, the Hornet emphasized its performance roots with red stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The GT Plus trim offered more luxurious features like eight-way power-adjustable leather seats, while the base GT trim came with manual-adjust cloth seats. The interior design focused on the driver, with a cockpit layout that favored the driver over the passenger. However, some visibility issues were noted due to the A-pillar design. Overall, the Hornet's interior combined sporty elements with practical features, catering to both performance enthusiasts and family needs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based origins to a modern electric SUV. Built on GM's Ultium platform, the Blazer EV featured a long wheelbase shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its design incorporated elements from the gasoline Blazer, such as a scowling front end and boomerang-shaped taillights, but with a more pronounced SUV stance. The Blazer EV was larger than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, offering a more traditional SUV look.

The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling elements. The LT trim featured a color-coordinated front fascia, while the RS trim boasted a blacked-out look. The forthcoming SS model promised even more unique styling and performance features. Inside, the Blazer EV offered a spacious cabin with optional red leather upholstery and large round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro. While some interior materials felt flimsy, the overall design aimed for a fun and engaging experience. The Blazer EV's interior also featured a hands-free start sequence, adding to its high-tech appeal.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet was touted for its "best-in-class performance," powered by a Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This placed it ahead of 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 model offered peppy acceleration, there was a noticeable lag at higher speeds. The hybrid powertrain in the Hornet R/T improved pickup pace, providing a more consistent performance experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor RWD with 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and a dual-motor AWD with 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. The AWD was the base offering for the LT trim, while the RWD provided strong acceleration but was traction-limited. The Blazer EV SS promised a dual-motor AWD with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, capable of 0-60 mph in under four seconds. The Blazer EV's driving dynamics were characterized by precise steering and a stiff suspension, offering a tradeoff between ride comfort and handling. The regenerative braking system added a layer of driver involvement, allowing for adjustable regen levels.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's interior offered a comfortable experience, especially in the GT Plus trim with leather seats and four-way powered lumbar adjustment. The cockpit layout was driver-oriented, with screen positioning favoring the driver. However, the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed visibility. The Hornet's interior space was practical, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims, and a focus on driver comfort and convenience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to competitors like the Mustang Mach-E and EV6. The high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique driving position, while cargo space was less than the gasoline Blazer, offering 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

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, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim added a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system and navigation, though some features required touchscreen access.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV debuted a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps and eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, with built-in route planning and OTA updates. The user experience was mostly positive, though some controls were touchscreen-based, and the screen's angle favored the driver.

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, safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assist system. Like the Hornet, crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.