Drivers looking for a sensible subcompact SUV that can add a little zip to their drives have only a few options. Two of the strongest choices are the 2025 Dodge Hornet R/T and the 2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo.
The Hornet R/T is an even spicier version of Dodge’s recently launched Hornet SUV. The R/T leads the class in power and has muscular looks to match. The interior feels more like a sports car’s cockpit than an SUV’s, and it comes with a nice list of standard features, including a configurable digital dash, Dodge’s latest infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
The CX-30 Turbo is the boosted version of Mazda’s athletic subcompact SUV. A sumptuous interior and taut body lines give it a decidedly premium feel for a less-than-premium price. For 2025, the Turbo Premium trim includes Mazda Online Navigation with live traffic and over-the-air updates.
Let’s see how these two small sporting SUVs compare.
2025 Dodge Hornet R/T
This Hornet variant utilizes a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. With 288 horsepower and an impressive 383 lb-ft of torque, the Hornet R/T pushes further into the sporty side of the subcompact SUV market than rivals. That kind of power is good for a sprint to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds when using PowerShot mode, which provides an extra boost of 30 horsepower. The Hornet R/T is no slouch in the handling department, either. All-wheel drive is standard, and prices start at $43,240, including destination charge.
Dodge Hornet R/T Highlights
Sport-tuned upgrades: The Hornet R/T offers an optional Track Pack that includes red 4-piston Brembo front brakes, active suspension, 20-inch wheels, Alcantara-trimmed seats, a sport steering wheel, and other racy interior accents. Mazda offers the Carbon Turbo version with some unique features, but none are performance upgrades.
Fuel economy: The plug-in hybrid powertrain lets the Hornet R/T cruise up to 32 miles on electric power before the gas engine kicks in. That means you can run short-trip errands around town without ever having to visit the gas station if you can plug in. The Hornet R/T can also return an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city and highway driving on the gas engine. The CX-30 Turbo has a larger gas-only engine that gets 25 mpg combined.
More space: As a subcompact SUV, there’s not a ton of space in the Hornet R/T, but 38 inches of rear legroom beats the CX-30’s 36.3 inches. Cargo room is also better at 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats versus 20.2 in the CX-30 and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded compared with the Mazda’s 45.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Hornet R/T models for sale near you.
2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo
Another member of Mazda’s famously great-handling family, the CX-30 sports a turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when using premium gas. It sprints to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, only a fraction off the Dodge. It has a long list of desirable standard features, and the interior far exceeds expectations for its price point, thanks to its high-quality materials and stylish ergonomic design. Pricing starts at $34,360 for the Carbon Turbo, including destination charges.
Mazda CX-30 Turbo Highlights
Tailored interior: It’s impossible to overlook how nice the CX30’s cabin is, especially on the Premium Plus trim, which rivals some luxury brands. Soft-touch materials are throughout, and everything is beautifully laid out, with driver controls logically positioned. It feels like a class above the Hornet R/T.
Lower price: With a starting price that’s nearly $9,000 less than the Hornet R/T, the CX-30 Turbo is the winner in the value equation. Even the most expensive CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim comes in cheaper than the entry-level Hornet R/T without any extra cost options. While these two SUVs have similar performance and equipment levels, the CX-30’s premium cabin bumps it to a higher level.
Polished style: Looks are always subjective, but we think the Mazda CX-30’s elegant lines and curves are more fashion-forward than the Hornet R/T’s hood vents and bulging muscles.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 Turbo models for sale near you.
Similarities
Standard all-wheel drive, close performance numbers, 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreens, warranties.
Pricing
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Dodge Hornet vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Dodge Hornet R/T | 2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.3-liter turbo-4 plus electric motor | 2.5-liter turbo-4 |
| Horsepower | 177 hp @ 5,750 rpm (gas), 44 hp + 121 hp (electric); 288 hp (combined) | 250 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm (gas) 37+ 184 lb-ft (electric); 383 lb-ft (combined) | 320 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 29 combined mpg/77 combined MPGe | 22 city/30 highway/25 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 103.8 inches | 104.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 178.0 inches | 173.0 inches |
| Width | 82.0 inches (w/ mirrors) | 70.7 inches (w/o mirrors) |
| Height | 63.0 inches | 62.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.8 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.8 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.7 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 53.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 22.9/50.5 cubic feet | 20.2/45.2 cubic feet |
Conclusion
As a plug-in hybrid, the Dodge Hornet R/T shines as a subcompact SUV with good fuel economy and the ability to make short jaunts only on EV power. It also offers more comfortable rear legroom and cargo room, making moving more people and things easier. So if you need a vehicle with more practicality than a sports car but aren’t ready to give up muscle-car looks, racy Alcantara seats, big wheels, and Brembo brakes, the Hornet R/T might be calling your name.
While not quite as spacious or efficient, the Mazda CX-30 is a more refined package. We sing the praises of Mazda’s steering feel and driving enjoyment for a reason, and the upscale interior appointments make the experience all that much better. If you value performance more than an extended features list, the Carbon Turbo model is the best buy in the bunch, but all three CX-30 Turbo models deliver plenty of desirable equipment and a sporty drive for less money than any version of the Dodge Hornet R/T.
