2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased a distinctive Dodge DNA with its muscle-car styling cues, including a wide, aggressive front end, a bulging hood, and dual extractors. The illuminated Rhombi logo on the taillights added a unique touch, making it unmistakable on the road. 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 due to its Alfa Romeo Tonale roots. The choice of standard silver 17-inch wheels was divisive, with some finding them cheap-looking, 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.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the Prestige Signature trim, exuded luxury with its Matterhorn White Matte paint and dark chrome trim. The 22-inch wheels, though stylish, were nearly invisible due to their black paint. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was opulent, featuring diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. The GV80's cabin was equipped with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, reinforcing its status as a flagship Genesis SUV. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Prestige Signature's exterior was relatively plain, and the wheel design was less visible, making the regular Prestige trim a more attractive option for some.

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 power output surpassed many competitors, including the Chevy Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona. The Hornet's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and steering, achieving a zero-to-60 time of 6.5 seconds. While the base Hornet GT was responsive, it experienced a noticeable lag during mid-speed acceleration. The Hornet R/T's hybrid powertrain improved pickup pace, offering a more balanced performance.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T model provided a satisfying driving experience, though it was less fuel-efficient, achieving 17.2 mpg during testing. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV80 featured five driving modes and could tow up to 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T model included upgraded brakes and adaptive damping suspension, delivering a sporty yet composed ride. The GV80 excelled in urban and suburban settings, offering swift acceleration and commendable grip on mountain roads.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's GT Plus trim offered more comfortable leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and memory settings. The cockpit's driver-oriented layout featured a screen angled toward the driver, enhancing the performance-focused feel. However, the A-pillar's angle occasionally obstructed the view of oncoming traffic. The Hornet's interior was designed for driver comfort, with heated and ventilated seats available on higher trims.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature offered seating for four with captain's chairs. The GV80's interior featured a mix of artificial and premium leather, with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, the seats were less comfortable on long trips, and rear legroom was limited. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim included a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and navigation. The touchscreen's layout made it easy to access features, though some functions required using the touch screen.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, controlled via a center console dial. The Prestige and Prestige Signature trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 3D appearance. The GV80 included a navigation system, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, with the Prestige Signature adding second-row charging. The GV80's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system. The Prestige trims included a head-up display with blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet came equipped with standard advanced driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The Tech Pack added a 360-degree camera, driver-attention monitoring, and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. However, the Hornet had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a range of advanced safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80's collision-avoidance technology was complemented by a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and HUD provided additional safety during lane changes, while the Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed for autonomous parking.