2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Dodge Hornet

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had a rugged, no-nonsense design that appealed to off-road enthusiasts. Its boxy shape, iconic seven-slot grille, and round headlights gave it a distinctive look. The Wrangler was available in both two-door and four-door configurations, with the option to remove the doors for an open-air experience. The windshield could be folded down, and various top options allowed for versatile open-air exploring. The interior was practical, with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, and a body-colored dash that added a touch of style.

In contrast, the 2024 Dodge Hornet had a more modern and aggressive design. Its muscular front end, integrated heat extractors on the hood, and distinctive Rhombi logo gave it a tough appearance. The tail lamp extended across the width of the crossover, and oversized tailpipes hinted at its performance capabilities. Built alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet shared some visual similarities with its Italian sibling but maintained classic Dodge design elements. The interior featured Alcantara upholstery, a driver-focused center stack, and a row of physical switches for climate control settings.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options to suit different off-roading needs. The standard V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more torque, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance Rubicon 392 model featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered 21 miles of all-electric range. However, the 392 model had some drawbacks, including inadequate brakes and vague steering.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet came with different powertrains for its GT and R/T trim levels. The GT model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The R/T model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 15.5-kWh battery and two electric motors, producing a total of 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T's electric all-wheel drive system and six-speed automatic transmission provided a different driving experience. The R/T also offered an all-electric driving range of approximately 30 miles and a "Powershot" feature for an extra 30 horsepower boost.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but rear-seat space was limited, especially in the two-door models. Storage options were minimal, with small glove boxes and center consoles. The cargo space measured 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors. The Wrangler offered various top options, including a hard top, soft top, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top, which provided different levels of open-air experience. Charging points were plentiful, with USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passenger comfort, with good headroom and visibility. However, the rear seat felt cramped due to the high beltline and dark interior. The R/T model's PHEV battery reduced cargo capacity, offering 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 50.5 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The GT model provided slightly more cargo space. Despite the reduced cargo capacity, the Hornet's interior featured modern amenities and a driver-focused design.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system included off-road pages with information about power distribution, temperatures, oil pressure, pitch and roll, and GPS coordinates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Wrangler's tech features were practical, with a forward-facing camera for off-road trails and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. However, it lacked advanced features like a digital key and over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet boasted a best-in-class 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display running UConnect 5. The system was user-friendly and customizable, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Our test vehicle included a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a wireless phone charger. The Hornet's tech system allowed for personalized user profiles and widget customization, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model and optional on other trims. Lane-keeping assist was not available. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims receiving Poor ratings for headlights and a 3 out of 5 rollover rating.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet had not yet been evaluated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Tech Pack added level 2 autonomous driving functions, enhancing the Hornet's safety features.