Dodge Hornet vs Honda Prologue

The 2024 Dodge Hornet exuded a demeanor that was unmistakably Dodge, with a toughness accentuated by its muscley front end and integrated heat extractors on the hood. Its grille, replete with a large lower opening and a smaller central "mail slot," featured the new Rhombi emblem prominently—unprecedented as a primary identifier for a Dodge model. The tail lamps stretched across the width of the crossover, and oversized tailpipes asserted the Hornet’s performance pedigree. Available in four trim levels—GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus—the Hornet’s robust aesthetic was further enhanced by packages such as the Blacktop Package, which added black wheels, mirror caps, and darker badging.

The Hornet’s interior, influenced by its Alfa Romeo Tonale sibling, boasted a modern vibe contrasted with traditional Dodge cues. Our R/T Plus test vehicle had Alcantara-upholstered seats adorned with the Dodge Rhombi logo, included due to the $2,595 Track Pack. The center stack was slightly tilted toward the driver, emphasizing its sporty intentions, while the array of physical switches and the impressive widescreen infotainment display provided a practical and high-tech user experience. However, some elements like the steering wheel buttons felt outdated and the seats, though visually appealing, might have felt overly bolstered for some drivers.

Conversely, the 2024 Honda Prologue presented itself as perhaps the most "normal"-looking EV on the market, particularly in its North Shore Pearl color—a punchy turquoise. The Honda Prologue's smooth, black front panel, uncluttered by cooling requirements, held the traditional Honda “H” logo at its center. A variety of accessories allowed for personalization, such as skid plates and side cladding for a more rugged appearance. The Prologue, built on a platform shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, demonstrated longer proportions similar to a sleek sedan rather than an SUV, underlined by its large wheels and new "Honda" lettering across the rear.

Inside, our Elite trim test unit sported a premium brown and black leather interior, exclusive to the top trim. The Prologue’s dash design shared a resemblance with other recent Honda revamps but eschewed the honeycomb grille hidden air vents. The cabin’s upscale ambiance was further bolstered by high-quality materials and an intuitive layout that maintained a sense of familiarity and class.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet offered two primary powertrains: the gas-powered GT and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) R/T, each with a “Plus” variant. The GT’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard AWD. Though powerful, the GT required premium fuel, impacting daily running costs.

The R/T variant, our test model, integrated a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with a 15.5-kWh battery and two electric motors, producing 288 horsepower and a substantial 383 pound-feet of torque. Although 425 pounds heavier, the R/T maintained impressive acceleration, aided by features like "Powershot" for an extra 30 horsepower boost. Its electric AWD and six-speed automatic transmission provided a dynamic driving experience, while Sport mode and a heavy steering feel anchored its performance credentials. The R/T’s 30-mile electric range offered an economical edge for shorter commutes, with operational modes allowing for all-electric, hybrid, or battery-saving driving.

The Honda Prologue matched the Hornet in performance versatility with its FWD and AWD options. The FWD versions, available on EX and Touring trims, featured a single motor producing 212 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, achieving an impressive 296-mile range on 19-inch wheels. The AWD models combined two motors for a potent 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 273 to 281 miles depending on wheel size.

Driving the Prologue offered a typically Honda-like experience, with varying regenerative braking settings accommodating new EV drivers. The Prologue’s long wheelbase ensured a comfortable ride, even if the cabin did not fully insulate against highway noise. Engaging Sport mode enhanced throttle, brake, and steering responses, making the Prologue unexpectedly enjoyable on winding roads. With multiple drive modes and a lengthy electric range, the Prologue excelled as a practical and enjoyable EV.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passenger comfort, with good headroom and visibility in the front seats. However, its high beltline and all-black interior created a cramped feel in the back, despite 38 inches of legroom and headroom on paper. The R/T’s PHEV battery limited cargo space to 22.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down, compared to the GT’s 27 and 54.7 cubic feet respectively—lower than competitors like the Hyundai Tucson PHEV.

In contrast, the Honda Prologue utilized traditional door handles and offered 111.7 cubic feet of passenger volume, outclassing its platform-mate, the Cadillac Lyriq. The Prologue’s spaciousness was particularly evident in its 39.4 inches of second-row legroom and the reclinable back seats. Although frontal headroom was slightly better at 39.6 inches, the rear boasted 38.1 inches. Heated front seats and dual-zone climate control were standard, with higher trims adding luxuries like front seat ventilation and a heated steering wheel.

The cargo area provided 25.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 57.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, complemented by a hands-free power liftgate and underfloor storage. While lacking a front trunk, the Prologue's broad and high rear hatch facilitated easy loading.

The Dodge Hornet’s tech suite was highlighted by a 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment system using the UConnect 5 interface. This Android-based system, while highly customizable and user-friendly, experienced occasional slow responses, likely due to pre-production status. Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside features like a Harman Kardon audio system and wireless charger, elevated the tech package, though wired connections suffered from limited storage solutions.

Honda’s Prologue also impressed with standard keyless access, whether via fob or a card-format key in the Elite trim. It offered wireless charging, four USB-C ports, an 11.3-inch infotainment system, and an 11-inch driver display. Google Built-In facilitated advanced navigation and charger location through Google Maps, with Touring and Elite trims featuring a 12-speaker Bose system and the Prologue’s Active Sound Control, which added artificial driving sounds through the speakers. The tech focus was on integrating smooth, user-friendly experiences with advanced EV functionality.

The Dodge Hornet included standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. While neither NHTSA nor IIHS had rated it yet, the Hornet’s optional Tech Pack added level 2 autonomous functions, enhancing driver support with intelligent speed assist and lane-tracing.

Honda’s Prologue similarly offered a comprehensive safety suite through Honda Sensing, boasting standard features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and adaptive cruise control. New additions included standard rear cross-traffic braking and blind-zone steering assist, with higher trims benefiting from features like front-park assist and rear pedestrian alert. Honda targeted top safety ratings, underscoring the Prologue’s commitment to protective innovation.