2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Dodge Hornet

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's cautious approach to design, especially for its popular models. It featured well-proportioned, chiseled styling with just the right amount of SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue's appeal was crucial, as aesthetics play a significant role in consumer decisions. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim with the Premium package and additional features, had an MSRP of $43,100, placing it in entry-luxury territory. The Platinum trim offered upscale upgrades, including soft, diamond-pattern leather seats and high-quality materials.

In contrast, the 2024 Dodge Hornet embraced the brand's distinctive styling, reminiscent of its muscle car siblings. The Hornet's aggressive front end, integrated heat extractors, and new Rhombi logo gave it a tough appearance. The tail lamp extended across the width of the crossover, with oversized tailpipes emphasizing its performance-oriented nature. Available in GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus trims, the Hornet offered a range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. Our R/T Plus test vehicle featured the Blacktop Package, adding black wheels, mirror caps, and darker badging. Built alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet shared visual similarities but retained classic Dodge design elements. The interior, influenced by its Italian sibling, boasted modern features like Alcantara upholstery and a driver-focused center stack.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue underwent a significant powertrain update, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine featuring Nissan's variable compression design. This VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Rogue offered front-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The CVT included paddle shifters, and the Rogue provided Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. Despite its responsive performance in urban settings, the Rogue lacked passing power on the highway and exhibited some engine noise and vibration. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The Rogue's suspension and steering provided a balanced ride, though it struggled on undulating pavement.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet offered different powertrains for its GT and R/T trims. The GT featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. However, it required premium fuel. The R/T, a PHEV, combined a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 15.5-kWh battery and two electric motors, delivering 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T used a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric AWD system. Despite its extra weight, the R/T was quick, with a heavy pedal feel and a "Powershot" feature for an additional 30 horsepower. The suspension balanced comfort and handling, while the steering was accurate but heavy. The R/T offered an all-electric driving range of about 30 miles and various driving modes to optimize battery use. The GT's fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city, 29 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a family-friendly compact SUV, offering easy entry and exit, better visibility, and practical cargo space. It comfortably accommodated four people, with a fifth person fitting in the middle of the back seat if necessary. Our Platinum test vehicle featured premium amenities like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats with Zero Gravity designs. However, the lack of ventilated front seats and a height adjustment for the front passenger were notable omissions. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, facilitating easy loading and unloading. The back seat, though roomy, was less comfortable due to low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats. The Rogue offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passenger comfort, with good headroom and visibility. However, the back seat felt cramped due to the high beltline and all-black interior. Despite 38 inches of legroom and headroom on paper, the rear seat felt claustrophobic. The R/T's PHEV battery reduced cargo capacity, offering 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 50.5 cubic feet with the seat folded, compared to the GT's 27 and 54.7 cubic feet, respectively. Both trims fell short of competitors like the Hyundai Tucson PHEV in cargo space.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, paired with stereo volume and tuning knobs. Our test vehicle had the 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. It also included a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, failing to provide accurate directions. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD), both of which performed well.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet impressed with its 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display. Operating on Dodge's UConnect 5 system, the infotainment was user-friendly and customizable, though it occasionally experienced slow response times. Standard features included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, and a wireless phone charger. The system's ease of personalization, with dedicated user profiles and customizable widgets, was a standout feature.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. This package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in updated frontal and side-impact tests.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it included a robust set of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with an advanced version available. The Tech Pack added level 2 autonomous driving functions, enhancing safety and convenience.