Jeep Compass vs Dodge Hornet

The 2024 Dodge Hornet was a testament to Stellantis' efforts to revamp the Dodge brand, showcasing a distinctive styling that echoed the brand's muscle car heritage. Despite not being a V8 muscle car, the Hornet's design featured a bold, muscular front end with integrated heat extractors on the hood, and a unique grille design with the new Rhombi emblem prominently displayed. The tail lamp extended across the width of the crossover, with oversized tailpipes hinting at its performance capabilities. The Hornet was available in four trim levels, with the R/T Plus trim offering a more advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain. Built alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet shared visual similarities with its Italian sibling but maintained classic Dodge design elements. Inside, the Hornet's interior benefited from a modern feel, with Alcantara upholstery and a driver-focused centre stack. However, some elements, like the steering wheel buttons, felt outdated.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, presented a more understated design, especially in the Sport trim, which lacked distinctive features apart from the seven-slot grille. The Compass Sport's exterior was generic, with similarities to other small crossovers. However, the interior design and quality improved significantly from previous models, with supportive cloth seats and a cohesive design. The Compass offered a comfortable ride, but its steering and handling were less precise compared to competitors. The Trailhawk trim provided additional off-road capabilities, but at a higher cost. Overall, the Compass prioritized utility and ease of use, with good visibility and ample interior space.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet offered two main powertrains across its trim levels. The GT model featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The R/T model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine with a 15.5-kWh battery and two electric motors, producing 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T's electric all-wheel drive system and six-speed automatic transmission provided a different driving experience, with features like Sport mode and Powershot for extra power. The Hornet R/T offered an all-electric driving range of approximately 53 kilometres and a fuel economy of 3.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode.

The 2024 Jeep Compass replaced its previous engine with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Compass offered improved performance and reduced engine noise. The Compass featured three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk trim added off-road capabilities with a low-range transfer case and additional driving modes. However, the Compass's steering and handling were less precise compared to competitors. Fuel economy was estimated at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 7.4 on the highway, and 8.8 combined.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passenger comfort, with good headroom and visibility. However, the rear seats 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 the seat folded, compared to the GT's 764 litres and 1,549 litres, respectively.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use, with clear analog gauges and a large colour display. The interior offered ample legroom and headroom, with rear vents, USB ports, and a fold-down centre armrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres when folded. The front passenger seat also folded for carrying longer items.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet featured a 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display with UConnect 5. The system was user-friendly and customizable, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. A premium Harman Kardon audio system and wireless phone charger were available, although the system occasionally experienced slow response times.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and Uconnect 5 software. The display was clear and easy to navigate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB-C ports. Factory navigation was optional, and a wireless charging pad was available on higher trims. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims and optional on others.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included a range of advanced driver assistance systems as standard, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with an optional advanced version available.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by NHTSA, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The 2023 Compass was awarded a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were standard on all but the base trim.