2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding visual presence, thanks to its huge spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by massive headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with three paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink when viewed from the side, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs, making it look engineered for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury touches and disappointing plastic materials, reflecting its low sales and the need for easy manufacturing.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased its Dodge DNA with a wide, aggressive "raccoon mask" face, bulging hood, dual extractors, and the signature Dodge "mail slot." The illuminated Rhombi logo and taillights spanning the vehicle's width made it unmistakable. From the side and rear, the Hornet resembled a Porsche Macan or Cayenne, with upward-pointing windows adding a premium feel. The standard silver 17-inch wheels looked cheap from afar, but the Blacktop and Track Pack packages offered more appealing options. The Hornet continued Dodge's "High Impact Paint" tradition with seven vibrant exterior colors. Inside, red stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel emphasized its performance roots, with various seat options providing comfort and style.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in noise and power as the accelerator was depressed. With 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque from a 4.6-liter V8, the GX didn't win many battles on paper but offered a satisfying driving experience. Its 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable, though it lagged behind other SUVs. Fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but its predictable and controllable nature made it manageable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted "best-in-class performance" with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This outperformed most competitors, with only the Mazda CX-30 coming close. The Hornet's base model emitted a low, menacing rumble, and Sport mode sharpened throttle responses, steering, and upshifts, achieving a zero-to-60 time of 6.5 seconds. The base Hornet GT was peppy from a standstill but exhibited lag at higher speeds. The Hornet R/T's hybrid powertrain improved pickup pace, making it a more responsive option.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a handy space for a phone, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A ports. The physical controls were a blessing, with hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid's sliding mechanisms allowed for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open. Cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's GT Plus trim featured comfortable leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and two memory settings. The Alcantara seats in the Track Pack offered similar features. The driver-oriented cockpit layout, with a screen angled toward the driver, enhanced the driving experience. Visibility was generally good, though the A-pillar angle occasionally blocked the view of traffic. The front passenger seat matched the driver's for adjustability, and both seats were heated and ventilated in the GT Plus trim.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary. Three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo were included. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as in competing models. The GX's off-road capabilities, including a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control, were more impressive. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Off-Road Package added further off-road enhancements.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's cockpit featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. The Uconnect 5 system was intuitive and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim added a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium system, wireless charging pad, and navigation. The nav system worked well, though it occasionally continued giving instructions after ending a route.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its 2010 engineering, its safety features were up-to-date.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet came standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, a rear backup camera, and a rear park-assist system. The Tech Pack added front, side, and rear park-assist, driver-attention monitoring, a 360 "ParkView" surround-view camera, and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. The Hornet had not yet been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA.