2024 Dodge Hornet vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was characterized by its chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a panoramic moonroof. The Type S Ultra trim featured luxurious interior elements such as quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it difficult to use certain controls. Despite its appealing aesthetics, the MDX's body design sometimes gave the illusion of a dented side, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

In contrast, the 2024 Dodge Hornet maintained Dodge's distinctive styling with a muscular front end and integrated heat extractors on the hood. The Hornet's grille featured a new Rhombi logo, and its tail lamp extended across the width of the crossover, emphasizing its bold design. The Hornet was available in four trim levels, with the R/T Plus trim offering a sporty Blacktop Package. Built alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet shared visual similarities with its Italian sibling but retained classic Dodge design elements. The interior, influenced by its Italian lineage, offered a modern feel with Alcantara upholstery and a driver-focused centre stack.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard MDX's 3.5-litre V6. The Type S featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, and the performance upgrades did not justify the increased fuel consumption.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet offered two powertrains: the GT with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and the R/T with a plug-in hybrid system generating 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T's electric AWD system and six-speed automatic transmission provided a different driving experience compared to the GT's mechanical AWD and nine-speed transmission. The Hornet R/T was quick, with a "Powershot" feature adding 30 horsepower for short bursts. The suspension balanced comfort and handling, and the steering was precise, though heavy. The R/T's all-electric range was approximately 53 kilometres, with a fuel economy rating of 3.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and flexible second-row configurations. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and did not provide the expected support during spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the interior design prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area was practical, with 461 litres of space behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passenger comfort, with good headroom and visibility. However, the rear seat felt cramped due to the high beltline and dark interior. The R/T's PHEV battery reduced cargo capacity, offering 648 litres behind the rear seat and 1,430 litres with it folded. The GT trims provided slightly more space, but both fell short of competitors like the Hyundai Tucson PHEV.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which was less intuitive. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system. The Platinum Elite and Type S Ultra trims included a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet boasted a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system running UConnect 5. The system was user-friendly and customizable, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Hornet also offered a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a wireless phone charger. The infotainment system was easy to personalize, allowing users to set up dedicated profiles and widgets.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as collision mitigation braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less preferred, and the adaptive cruise control could be slow to resume speed.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a robust set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tech Pack added level 2 autonomous driving functions, enhancing the Hornet's safety capabilities.