At Kunes CDJR of Sycamore, we know that choosing your next SUV is a big decision. The Dodge Hornet and Mazda CX-5 are two of the most talked-about compact SUVs on the market, and for good reason. Both offer a blend of everyday practicality, advanced safety, and modern styling. However, when you peel back the layers, the Dodge Hornet delivers a more spirited drive, a sportier design, and more features standard—making it a compelling choice for drivers who want more from their daily commute.

When it comes to performance, the Dodge Hornet wastes no time showing off its muscle.

• Dodge Hornet: Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.0L Hurricane4 engine delivering an impressive 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That power comes paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive—something you’d often have to pay extra for in other SUVs. The Hornet’s sport-tuned suspension and responsive steering make it equally capable in city traffic and on curving backroads.
• Mazda CX-5: The base 2.5L 4-cylinder engine puts out 187 horsepower, which is adequate for daily driving, but lacks the punch of the Hornet. While an available turbo engine narrows the gap, it still trails behind the Hornet’s standard output, and you’ll have to step up to higher trims to get AWD.

Verdict: The Hornet’s combination of standard AWD, higher horsepower, and confident handling means more excitement behind the wheel—right from the start.

Step inside either SUV and you’ll find quality materials and thoughtful layouts—but the Dodge Hornet pushes ahead in tech and driver convenience.

• Dodge Hornet: Boasts a 10.25-inch Uconnect® 5 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, along with an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for a modern, customizable driving experience. Soft-touch materials, well-bolstered seats, and smart storage solutions make it a comfortable ride whether you’re commuting or road-tripping.
• Mazda CX-5: Offers a 10.25-inch infotainment display as well, but instead of a responsive touchscreen interface, it relies on a rotary dial controller—a setup that some drivers find less intuitive.

Verdict: With a bigger, more user-friendly interface and additional digital display options, the Hornet makes your in-cabin experience feel truly high-tech.

Both the Dodge Hornet and Mazda CX-5 take safety seriously, offering a robust list of driver assistance features.

• Dodge Hornet: Comes standard with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Management, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Path Detection. The available Tech Pack adds Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist, and a 360-degree Surround View Camera.
• Mazda CX-5: Includes many similar safety features, but some advanced systems are reserved for higher trims, which increases cost.

Verdict: Both vehicles earn high marks for safety, but the Hornet makes more advanced tech available without forcing you into the top trim.

Your SUV should reflect your personality, and here’s where the Hornet takes a bold lead.

• Dodge Hornet: Sharp lines, aggressive LED headlamps, and a muscular stance draw from Dodge’s performance car heritage. The result is a compact SUV that looks as powerful as it drives.
• Mazda CX-5: Offers an elegant, minimalist design that leans more toward luxury than sport. It’s refined, but less attention-grabbing.

Verdict: If you want to turn heads and make a statement, the Hornet’s design brings unmistakable Dodge DNA to the compact SUV segment.

• Dodge Hornet: Starts with more power, AWD, and tech features included—delivering strong value without climbing the trim ladder. Plus, you get Dodge’s strong warranty coverage for peace of mind.
• Mazda CX-5: Requires upgrading to higher trims to match the Hornet’s performance and AWD, which can quickly raise the price.

The Mazda CX-5 is a capable and stylish SUV, but the Dodge Hornet offers a better mix of standard performance, tech, and aggressive style for drivers who want more excitement in their daily drive. From its class-leading horsepower to its bold design and advanced connectivity, the Hornet delivers more value right from the base trim.

The best way to see why the Hornet stands out is to feel it for yourself. At Kunes CDJR of Sycamore, we make it easy to compare models side-by-side and choose the SUV that’s right for you.

📍 Visit us in Sycamore today or schedule your test drive online to experience the Dodge Hornet’s unmatched performance and personality.