2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased a bold front end that was unmistakably Dodge, featuring muscle-car styling cues like a wide "raccoon mask" face, a bulging hood, and dual extractors. The illuminated Rhombi logo on the taillights added a distinctive touch. 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 seen as less appealing, with options to upgrade to 18-inch or 20-inch wheels for a more aggressive look. Inside, the Hornet emphasized performance with red stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, offering various seating options, including power-adjustable leather seats in the GT Plus trim.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared its styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica, maintaining a sleek and clean exterior. The plug-in hybrid model was distinguishable by its charge port and badging. Offered in Select and Pinnacle trims, the Pacifica Hybrid featured all-LED exterior lighting and standard 17-inch wheels, with options to upgrade. The interior was well-equipped, with the Pinnacle trim offering Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for second-row seats. However, some premium elements clashed with lower-level materials. The Pacifica Hybrid provided a comfortable ride, with a quiet cabin enhanced by the hybrid powertrain.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted impressive performance 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. 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, there was noticeable lag during mid-speed acceleration. The Hornet R/T's hybrid powertrain improved pickup pace, offering a more balanced performance.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a two-motor hybrid system, producing 260 horsepower. While it lacked the towing capacity and AWD of non-hybrid models, the electric-motor torque provided quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in maximizing all-electric driving mode, though the transition to hybrid mode was slightly clunky. The regenerative braking system was not as effective as one-pedal driving but was typical for a plug-in hybrid.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet offered comfortable leather seats in the GT Plus trim, with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and memory settings. The cockpit layout favored the driver, with well-positioned controls and screens. Visibility was generally good, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed views. The Hornet's interior was performance-oriented, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid provided the practicality of a minivan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It offered ample interior space, with slightly less third-row legroom than some competitors but more headroom. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery pack but maintained above-floor cargo space. The Pinnacle trim featured an Ultra Console with additional storage, though access was somewhat awkward. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered the Stow 'n Vac vacuum cleaner, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

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

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and Uconnect 5 system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. It also featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked a fully digital instrument cluster but provided ample USB-C ports and the FamCam rear-facing camera. The available Uconnect Theater system added entertainment options for rear passengers.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Tech Pack added advanced features like a 360-degree camera and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. However, the Hornet had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with standard features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Pinnacle models included a 360-degree camera system and ParkSense park assist. A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided additional safety information.