2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Dodge Hornet’s front end showcased unmistakable Dodge DNA with its wide, aggressive “raccoon mask” face, bulging hood, dual extractors, and the signature Dodge “mail slot” beneath the illuminated Rhombi logo. From the rear, the Hornet’s taillights spanned the vehicle’s width, making it easily recognizable. However, from the side and rear quarter, the Hornet bore a resemblance to the Porsche Macan or Cayenne, which lent it a more premium feel, thanks to its Alfa Romeo Tonale roots. The standard silver 17-inch wheels appeared cheap from afar, but the Blacktop and Track Pack packages offered more appealing wheel options. Dodge’s “High Impact Paint” tradition continued with seven vibrant exterior colors. Inside, the Hornet featured red stitching accents and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, with various seating options depending on the trim.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning its design more closely with the popular Telluride and EV9. The new front end featured a large grille, vertically-stacked LED projector-beam headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing look. The rear updates were subtler, with new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. The Sorento’s trims remained the same, but the rugged X-Line package was now available only on EX and higher models, while the new X-Pro trim offered even more aggressive styling. Inside, the Sorento boasted a new dashboard with a vast horizontal expanse, twin 12.3-inch displays on higher trims, and improved materials, making it feel more upscale than before.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted “best-in-class performance” with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This power output far exceeded competitors like the Chevy Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona. The Hornet’s Sport mode enhanced throttle response, steering, and upshifts, achieving a zero-to-60 time of 6.5 seconds. While the base Hornet GT was peppy from a standstill, it experienced some lag during mid-speed acceleration. The Hornet R/T’s hybrid powertrain improved pickup pace, making it a more balanced performer.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which struggled with the Sorento’s weight, resulting in a nearly 10-second zero-to-60 time. EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. These turbocharged models achieved mid-seven-second zero-to-60 times and offered lively off-the-line performance. The Sorento’s AWD option added 1.2 inches of ground clearance, enhancing usability without compromising on-road behavior. The new X-Pro trim, with its 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions and offered a 4,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet’s GT Plus trim featured leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and two memory settings, providing superior comfort compared to the base GT’s cloth seats. The cockpit’s layout favored the driver, with screen positioning and control placements enhancing the driving experience. However, the A-pillar’s angle occasionally obstructed the view of oncoming traffic. The front passenger seat matched the driver’s for adjustability, and both seats were heated and ventilated in the GT Plus trim.

The 2024 Kia Sorento’s cabin remained comfortable in the first two rows, with 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row, with 29.6 inches of legroom, was tight but comparable to competitors. The Sorento’s new dashboard featured ergonomic controls and ample small-item storage. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, but folding it down expanded storage to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, depending on the trim. With all seats down, the Sorento offered up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Higher trims included a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet’s cockpit emphasized the driver with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. The Uconnect 5 system was intuitive and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity, and Amazon Alexa. The GT Plus trim added a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, wireless charging pad, and navigation.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster on higher trims. The new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCnC) software prioritized popular features on the home screen, making it user-friendly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. SX-Prestige models included a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access and driving.

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

The 2024 Kia Sorento’s Drivewise suite included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, intersection assistance, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and safe exit warnings. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and surround-view cameras. The Sorento had earned “Good” ratings in some IIHS tests and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA for previous models.