2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence as a midsize SUV. The standard 19-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim, enhancing its elegant appearance. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, contributing to its overall elegance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the luxurious interior, which featured thin horizontal air vents, metal and matte wood trim, and a center console with three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, although the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor annoyance, the spacious and luxurious interior made it a pleasant environment.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased its Dodge DNA with a muscle-car-inspired front end, featuring a wide "raccoon mask" face, bulging hood, dual extractors, and the iconic Dodge "mail slot." The illuminated Rhombi logo on the taillights added a distinctive touch. From the side and rear, the Hornet resembled a Porsche Macan or Cayenne, with upward-pointing windows giving it a premium feel, influenced by its Alfa Romeo Tonale roots. The standard silver 17-inch wheels appeared cheap from afar, but the Blacktop package offered 18-inch black alloy wheels and Gloss Black accents, while the Track Pack provided 20-inch wheels and performance enhancements. The Hornet continued Dodge's "High Impact Paint" tradition with seven vibrant color options. Inside, the performance-inspired roots were evident with standard red stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The GT Plus trim offered more comfort with eight-way power-adjustable leather seats, while the Track Pack's Alcantara seats added a sporty touch.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. The power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted "best-in-class performance" with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, generating 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This outperformed many competitors, with only the Mazda CX-30 coming close. The Hornet's base model emitted a low, menacing rumble, enhancing its sporty appeal. Sport mode improved 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 a noticeable lag when accelerating from cruising speeds. The Hornet R/T's hybrid powertrain improved pickup pace, offering a more balanced performance.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxurious features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort, while the suede headliner and panoramic glass roof added elegance. The GV80 offered ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded. It also had a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's GT Plus trim featured comfortable leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and two memory settings. The Track Pack offered Alcantara seats with similar features. The cockpit layout favored the driver, with screen positioning and control placements enhancing the driving experience. Visibility was generally good, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed views. The Hornet's interior design emphasized performance, with a driver-oriented layout and thoughtful control placements.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control offered a tactile experience, though navigating the menu structure required a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces autonomously, adding convenience.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's driver-focused cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Uconnect 5 system. The screen's layout made Apple CarPlay easy to use, and the GT Plus trim offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity, and Amazon Alexa connectivity were standard. The GT Plus trim added a wireless charging pad and navigation, though the navigation system occasionally continued giving instructions after ending a route.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The blind-spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster provided a clear view of the car's surroundings. Highway Drive Assist offered hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with Superior front crash prevention.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet included standard advanced driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The Tech Pack added a surround-view camera, driver-attention monitoring, and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. The Hornet had not yet been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA, and the Alfa Romeo Tonale, on which it is based, was also unrated.