2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2024 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased a bold design that was unmistakably Dodge, with its aggressive front end featuring a wide "raccoon mask" face, bulging hood, and dual extractors. The illuminated Rhombi logo on the taillights added a distinctive touch, ensuring the Hornet stood out in traffic. However, from the side and rear, the Hornet bore a resemblance to the Porsche Macan or Cayenne, which might have felt less Dodge-like but added a premium feel due to its Alfa Romeo Tonale roots. The choice of standard silver 17-inch wheels was divisive, with some finding them cheap-looking, though upgrades were available for those seeking a more robust appearance. Inside, the Hornet emphasized performance with red stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, while seating options ranged from standard black cloth to more luxurious leather and Alcantara options.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained a contemporary look despite its age, offering a smooth exterior with a modest grille that provided a refreshing alternative to its flashier competitors. The Pacifica's design was clean, with hidden sliding-door tracks and no unnecessary styling features. Available in various trims, the Pacifica offered LED lighting and wheel options up to 20 inches. The interior was distinctive, with a minimalist dashboard and well-integrated controls. The Pinnacle trim featured luxurious brown Nappa leather upholstery, though some interior elements felt less premium. The Pacifica's design choices emphasized comfort and practicality, appealing to those seeking a refined minivan experience.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted impressive performance stats, with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This outperformed many competitors, with only the Mazda CX-30 coming close in terms of power. The Hornet's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and steering, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. While the base model was peppy, it experienced some lag at higher speeds, which was less noticeable in the hybrid R/T version. The Hornet's performance was characterized by a menacing rumble and responsive acceleration, making it a standout in its class.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, offered a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The engine, known as the Pentastar, was a reliable choice, providing ample power for acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. The Pacifica's chassis tuning prioritized comfort and stability, with a suspension that effectively absorbed road imperfections. While some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration, the Pacifica remained quiet and refined, living up to Chrysler's reputation for offering a step above mainstream vehicles.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's interior offered a driver-focused layout, with comfortable leather seats in the GT Plus trim providing four-way powered lumbar adjustment and memory settings. The cockpit's design favored the driver, with well-placed controls and screens. However, the A-pillar's angle occasionally obstructed the view of oncoming traffic. The Hornet's interior was designed for performance, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in interior space and versatility, featuring Chrysler's Stow 'n Go seating system that allowed second-row seats to fold flat into the floor. This created ample storage space and flexibility, though it required strategic option choices. The Pacifica offered seating for seven or eight, depending on the configuration, with power-folding third-row seats available in higher trims. Passenger space was generous, with competitive headroom and legroom across all rows. The Pacifica also provided substantial cargo space, with up to 140.5 cubic feet available with seats folded. Additional features included a Stow 'n Vac vacuum cleaner and a power liftgate.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet featured a driver-centric cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 system. The infotainment system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim added a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and navigation. The Hornet's technology package was comprehensive, though some features required touchscreen access.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering similar connectivity options as the Hornet. The Pacifica's system was user-friendly, with sharp displays and minimal menu navigation. Available features included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV, and a FamCam rear-facing camera. The Pacifica's technology offerings were extensive, though some features, like the 360-degree camera, could benefit from easier access.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet included standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The Tech Pack added advanced features like a 360-degree camera and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. However, the Hornet had not yet been rated by major safety organizations.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree camera and park assist systems. The Pacifica also introduced an Emergency Vehicle Alert System for 2024.