2024 Dodge Hornet vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches, certainly had a commanding visual presence. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned for 2023 with three paint options: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl.

Despite its imposing front, the GX's side profile seemed more compact, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. This design suggested a vehicle engineered for off-road adventures. The flared fenders added to its robust look, but the overall aesthetic leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blockier designs. Inside, the GX featured some luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, but the abundance of plastic materials was a letdown for a luxury SUV.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet, though not a V8 muscle car, still carried Dodge's distinctive styling. Its muscular front end, integrated heat extractors on the hood, and a new Rhombi logo on the grille gave it a tough look. The tail lamp extended across the width of the crossover, featuring an illuminated Rhomb at its center, and oversized tailpipes hinted at its performance capabilities.

Available in four trim levels—GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus—the Hornet shared visual similarities with the Alfa Romeo Tonale but maintained classic Dodge design elements. The interior, influenced by its Italian sibling, felt modern and sporty, with Alcantara upholstery and a driver-focused center stack. The steering wheel and seats, though stylish, had some outdated buttons and heavy bolstering that might not appeal to all shoppers.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in power and noise as the accelerator was pressed. With 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque from a 4.6-liter V8, the GX's performance stats weren't groundbreaking, especially compared to Toyota's newer engines. However, the V8's sound and satisfaction were unique to some drivers. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

Despite its weight, the GX's driving dynamics were manageable, with predictable roll through corners and strong, solid brakes. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard four-wheel drive system made it user-friendly in various conditions. The GX's off-road capabilities were further enhanced by features like downhill assist, hill-start assist, and traction control.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet offered different powertrains across its trim levels. The GT model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. However, it required premium fuel, increasing daily running costs.

The R/T model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a 1.3-liter 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. Despite its extra weight, the R/T was quick and offered features like Sport mode and Powershot for an extra boost of power. The suspension balanced comfort and handling, while the steering was precise but heavy. The R/T's all-electric range of about 30 miles was a plus for short commutes, though its fuel economy figures were yet to be released.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The physical controls, though numerous, were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens.

The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat option. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, even for children. The side-hinged, non-power-operated trunk door was cumbersome, and the cargo space was limited, offering 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 down.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passengers, offering good headroom and visibility. However, the back seat felt cramped despite decent legroom and headroom figures. The R/T's PHEV battery reduced cargo capacity, providing 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 50.5 cubic feet with the seat folded, compared to the GT's 27 and 54.7 cubic feet, respectively. Both fell short of competitors like the Hyundai Tucson PHEV.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. However, the system lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as those in newer Lexus models. The GX did include a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player, but its off-road capabilities were more impressive, with features like a two-speed transfer case, locking center differential, and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet boasted a best-in-class 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display. The UConnect 5 system was user-friendly and customizable, though it occasionally lagged. Standard features included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, and a wireless phone charger. The system's ease of personalization was a highlight, allowing users to set up dedicated profiles and widgets.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, these features helped enhance its safety profile.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet also lacked crash-test ratings but came with an impressive array of standard ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with a more advanced version available. The Tech Pack added level 2 autonomous driving functions, enhancing its safety capabilities.