2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased a bold design that was unmistakably Dodge, with its aggressive front end featuring the signature "raccoon mask" face, bulging hood, and illuminated Rhombi logo. The rear design, however, drew comparisons to the Porsche Macan or Cayenne, which some felt deviated from traditional Dodge styling. Despite this, the premium design language was seen as a positive evolution for the brand. The Hornet offered a range of exterior color options and wheel upgrades, allowing buyers to customize the vehicle to their taste. Inside, the Hornet emphasized performance with red stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, while offering a variety of seating options, including leather and Alcantara, to enhance comfort and style.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a more geometric and aggressive design compared to its predecessor. The new model featured a less pronounced spindle grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and a more vertical front fascia. The GX's side profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, enhancing visibility for off-road adventures. The interior of the GX was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons and a focus on essential controls. The spacious cabin accommodated adults comfortably in the first and second rows, while the third row was best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering impressive capacity with the third row folded.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted impressive performance figures, with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This power output surpassed many competitors in the CUV segment, making the Hornet a standout performer. The vehicle's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and steering, achieving a zero-to-60 time of 6.5 seconds. While the Hornet excelled in acceleration from a standstill, it experienced some lag when accelerating at higher speeds. The hybrid powertrain in the Hornet R/T addressed this issue, providing smoother pickup.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This new powertrain offered more power and torque than its predecessor, with torque available low in the rev range for off-road capability. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX provided a stable and composed ride both on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time four-wheel drive system ensured excellent traction. The Overtrail trims added advanced suspension technology for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's interior offered a driver-oriented cockpit with a focus on comfort and adjustability. The GT Plus trim featured leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and memory settings, enhancing comfort for long drives. The layout of the controls favored the driver, although the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed visibility. The Hornet's interior was designed with performance in mind, providing a sporty and engaging driving experience.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, featuring a more minimalist and sophisticated design. The cabin provided ample space for front and second-row passengers, with generous legroom. The third row, however, was best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering impressive capacity with the third row folded. The Overtrail models provided even more cargo space, making the GX a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet featured a driver-focused cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The Uconnect 5 system was intuitive and easy to use, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim added a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and navigation. The Hornet's technology package provided a comprehensive suite of features for a connected driving experience.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a voice assistant and subscription services for navigation and remote connectivity. The GX offered a 10-speaker audio system, with the Luxury and Overtrail+ trims featuring a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, some features required subscription plans after the initial trial period.

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

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant upgrades in safety features, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. The GX's proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While the GX had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, its modern architecture and comprehensive safety suite inspired confidence.