Lexus GX vs Dodge Hornet

The 2024 Dodge Hornet might not have embodied the traditional V8 muscle car image like the Dodge Charger or Challenger, but it certainly carried the brand’s bold styling. The front end looked imposing with integrated heat extractors on the hood, and a grille that featured both large and smaller openings, crowned by the new Rhombi logo at the top. At the rear, the Hornet sported a tail lamp that spanned across the whole width of the crossover with an illuminated Rhomb at its center. Oversized tailpipes added to its aggressive stance, signaling that this was no ordinary crossover. Dodge offered the Hornet in four trims: GT, GT Plus with regular gas engines, and the R/T, R/T Plus with advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. Our test vehicle was an R/T Plus with the Blacktop Package, adding black wheels, mirror caps, and dark badges for an extra cost of around $1,600. The vehicle shared its DNA with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, revealing many visual cues from its Italian sibling. The interior took a modern twist, thanks to its Italian influence, with features like Alcantara upholstery, a Dodge Rhombi logo on the seats, and a driver-centric center stack. While the steering wheel was a good size, some buttons felt outdated, and the heavily bolstered seats might not have been comfortable for all drivers. Conversely, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 was markedly different from its 2023 predecessor. This newly redesigned midsize SUV adopted a more geometric styling with squared-off headlight to tail light design. The traditional spindle grille was modestly pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights which added to the vehicle's aggressive front facade. The side profile of the GX was almost monolithic, featuring a low window beltline for better visibility. Character lines were minimal, reinforcing its robust off-road persona. Trim levels included Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+, with each offering distinct features. Luxury models emphasized opulence with 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail models were prepared for rugged terrains with 18-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires and eco-friendly leatherette upholstery. Inside, the GX was designed with luxury and utility in mind. Heated and ventilated front seats came standard, and the cabin combined premium materials with robust touchpoints suitable for off-road adventures. The dashboard was upright and the high-tech 14-inch touchscreen took center stage, flanked by physical climate control knobs. The interior felt less opulent than a Mercedes-Benz G-Class but maintained a premium build ready for enduring hard use.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet was sold with two powertrain options across its four trim levels: GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus. The GT featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivered 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, making it an appealing choice for a compact crossover with substantial power. This model employed a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), although it required premium fuel. The R/T model, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), combined a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 15.5-kWh battery and two electric motors to produce 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Although slightly heavier at 4,100 pounds due to the battery, the R/T felt quick and responsive, especially with its Powershot feature that temporarily boosted horsepower by 30. The AWD in the R/T was electrified, differing from the mechanical AWD in the GT. The Hornet R/T offered a 30-mile all-electric driving range on a full charge, making it economical for short commutes. In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX dropped its former V8 engine for a newer twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine that churned out 349 horsepower and an impressive 479 pound-feet of torque. The torque curve was set low in the rev range, offering immediate power delivery ideal for off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a sturdier chassis that contributed to stable on-road handling and competent off-road performance. A 10-speed automatic transmission, standard full-time 4WD, and locking Torsen limited-slip center differential were among its highlights. The Overtrail trims went further with features like a locking rear differential for better traction and an advanced Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) that enhanced stability and wheel articulation.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front seat comfort and space, with decent visibility despite its robust hood. The rear seats, however, felt cramped due to the high beltline and dark interior. The GT offered 27 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 54.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The R/T, due to its PHEV setup, had slightly less cargo space at 22.9 cubic feet and 50.5 cubic feet, respectively. The 2024 Lexus GX’s interior was redesigned for a minimalist and sophisticated look, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential ones for off-road functions. Front and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable legroom of 41.2 inches and 36.7 inches, respectively. The third-row space was adequate for children but not adults. Cargo capacity was notable: 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 76.9 cubic feet in total. Overtrail models, lacking a third row, offered up to 90.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet catered to tech-savvy users with a 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display running on the UConnect 5 system. Features included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a wireless phone charger. Although some features were a bit slow initially, the system was highly customizable and user-friendly. In the 2024 Lexus GX, a 14-inch touchscreen dominated the dashboard, accompanied by USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands via the Drive Connect subscription service. While the infotainment system was sleek and functional, ongoing subscription costs post the initial three-year trial could be a downside for long-term owners.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The optional Tech Pack added level 2 autonomous driving functions. The 2024 Lexus GX, previously rated poorly for safety, saw a significant improvement with the new model. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 became standard, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. Despite the lack of crash-test ratings, the advanced safety features and GA-F architecture inspired confidence.