2023 Chevy Trailblazer vs 2023 Dodge Hornet

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  • 2023 Chevy Trailblazer

    A white 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is angled left.

    Starting at

    $22,100[a]

    2023 Dodge Hornet

    A blue 2023 Dodge Hornet is shown angled right.

    Starting at

    $30,590

    137Horsepower (hp)265
    162Torque (lb-ft)295
    54.4Max Cargo Volume (cu.ft.)55

    With so many vehicles to choose from, it can seem like an almost impossible task to narrow it down to just one. Since choosing the right vehicle is such an important decision, you want to ensure you have all the facts to make the best decision possible. It can be especially difficult when you have two rival vehicles ready to hit the road in the ultimate SUV showdown. That's exactly what we're looking at comparing the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer vs 2023 Dodge Hornet.

    Both compact SUVs are coming in hot for 2023, but the Chevy Trailblazer seems to check more SUV boxes than the Dodge Hornet. The Chevy Trailblazer offers an array of options, with four available trims and a slew of available packages. And, although the Dodge Hornet is quite the eye candy, you better have a sweet tooth because, with only two trims and a few optional packages, there isn't much in the way of options.

    Additionally, if you're looking for an SUV that can handle itself on and off the pavement, a vehicle equipped with some rugged and effective features will take the win. The Dodge Hornet has some nice power under its hood, but unfortunately, it takes more than that to take to the trails. With ample cargo space, roof rails, and a body built for tough terrain, the Trailblazer won't have you stuck in first gear. Plus, with the Trailblazer's starting MSRP of $22,100 compared to the Hornet's $30,590, you'll have enough money to tack on every single one of the Trailblazer's packages and still come under the Hornet's stinging price tag.[a]

  • Design

    A silver 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is shown from the side.

    SUVs have evolved, but they are still sport utility vehicles at their core. Designed to fit a variety of roles, SUVs are known for having a rugged design to match their utility insides. Their "take on anything" attitude is half the fun of owning an SUV, which is why having one that looks more like a sedan takes away some of the fun. After all, if you wanted a sedan, you wouldn't be considering an SUV, would you? That's why the design of an SUV, both inside and outside, can often make or break the vehicle.

    A Look at the Trailblazer’s Design

    It doesn't take more than a glance to see that the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is a true SUV. With a square tout frame, the Trailblazer has an aggressive stance that has become expected and valued in an SUV. Muscular, sculpted sides are highlighted by the individual accents that change with each trim. The Trailblazer is available in four trim levels, giving you plenty of options to choose the right model. The LS is the base trim, and with a starting MSRP of $22,100, the Trailblazer is not only easy on the eyes but is also extremely affordable.[a] The LS has all the classic appeal of the Trailblazer, which is accentuated in the next trim. The LT is identified by the silver-painted front fascia, a black mesh grille, and added roof rails for additional cargo or recreational equipment.

    Moving to the next trim tier, the ACTIV lives up to its name. With sporty dual-outlet exhausts reminiscent of a high-end sports car, the ACTIV emphasizes the sport in sport utility vehicles. An added front skid plate for undercarriage protection and off-road tires make the ACTIV feel at home on the road or the trail. The RS is the top trim and offers the same great off-road features as the ACTIV, along with a little extra ruggedness added with its larger mesh grille and 18-inch gloss black machined-aluminum wheels. The Trailblazer offers plenty of options, whether you're looking for a sporty and sleek exterior look or need a more off-road-focused traveler for your adventures in the wilderness.

    A Look at the Hornet’s Design

    The 2023 Dodge Hornet doesn't look quite as much like an SUV as you would expect but still has some impressive styling. The Hornet looks compact and low, with bubbly side sculpting. Front body-colored fascias and a black mesh grille are consistent on both available trims. There are two trims to choose from, the GT or the R/T. The main difference between these two models is that the R/T is a plug-in hybrid, so in terms of design choice, the Hornet sticks to one basic design, which is appealing but limiting. For those looking for a variety of exterior customization, whether it's wheel size or off-road protection, the Trailblazer gives you plenty of choices.

  • Features

    The black interior of a 2023 Chevy Trailblazer shows the infotainment screen in close up.

    We all like to have options; it's what makes life interesting. Being able to choose something different helps us remain individual, which is why having the ability to customize your vehicle is so great. An SUV that offers an array of trims and packages offers a greater opportunity to make it fit you instead of the other way around. There is a reason that "a la carte" is so popular; after all, why pay for something you don't want when you could pick something you do?

    The Trailblazer’s Abundance of Features and Packages

    Four trims and multiple packages mean that the Chevy Trailblazer is a fully customizable experience. With a low starting MSRP, you will feel comfortable customizing your Trailblazer as you see fit. You can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive across all four trims. A turbo engine is also available across the board, with the option to choose between the EcoTec 1.2L Turbo engine and the EcoTec 1.3L Turbo engine on the three top trims.

    There are eight packages available with some great features. The Sun and Liftgate package includes a panoramic dual-pane sunroof and a hands-free liftgate. With a comfortable interior and plenty of room for cargo, a hands-free liftgate is a great feature to get the most out of your SUV. Whether packing up for a camping trip or loading groceries, the combination of interior spaciousness and convenient technology will make both a breeze. Plus, with a panoramic sunroof, you can enjoy the view of a star-filled night sky. Other packages include the Technology package, which offers a host of innovative entertainment and connectivity tech, while the Convenience package equips you with great comfort features like automatic climate control and an inside auto-dimming rearview mirror.

    The Hornet's Limited Feature Options

    The Hornet sports a powerful 1.3L Turbo engine, producing some exciting horsepower; however, with only four packages to consider, you are given limited opportunity to make the Hornet distinctly yours. The Track Pack includes a few flashy design upgrades and improved suspension for handling; though improved handling equates to a fun drive, that is the only thing it offers in this case. The Cold Weather package also offers a variety of heated features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel that are perfect for those winter mornings.

    With limited cargo space, a low-to-the-ground stance, and no off-roading abilities, the Hornet may only appeal to those with very basic SUV needs. Much like design, variety is the name of the game, and the Trailblazer offers an array of useful features to choose from in a variety of packages. With double the amount of available packages to truly make the Trailblazer customized to your needs, it's clearly the winner when it comes to feature choices.

  • Safety

    A yellow 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is shown from the rear parked in front of a lake during a 2023 Chevy Trailblazer vs 2023 Dodge Hornet comparison.

    Unless you're looking for a vehicle to show off once a year when the moon is full, and the planets have aligned, you want a vehicle that is not only safe but offers comfort. Nothing makes you feel more secure than an automobile company with a track record that spells safety. Knowing you're driving a vehicle that will keep you driving for years to come means more than anything else. Plus, doing it with the convenience of space and comfort wouldn't hurt either.

    The Chevy Safety Assist Suite

    With newer model vehicles, it can be hard to tell how safe they will be, but thankfully the Trailblazer has already been showing its colors, and we've got good news; it delivers. Since the Trailblazer reentered the scene a couple of years ago, it has received glowing safety remarks. It has even been named the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for the last couple of years. Its standard Chevy Safety Assist suite offers a host of useful features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist to give you maximum confidence on the road.

    Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the Trailblazer an overall rating of five stars for the last several years. With standard and optional safety tech, the Trailblazer may not win any races, but it will certainly continue to win safety awards. With such comforting safety and a comforting interior, this is a fantastic SUV for those with families.

    The Trailblazer is a bit smaller than the Blazer, meaning it's easier to maneuver and park. However, it's larger than the new Trax, which means it has a bit more cargo space, offering a maximum cargo volume of 54.4 cu.ft. Plus, with added roof rails, you can also carry cargo outside the vehicle. Fold flat cargo space along with a convenient folding front passenger seat means more space for whatever you may need.

    The Hornet's Standard Safety Features

    Since the Dodge Hornet isn't well-established like the Trailblazer, there is limited safety information on it. This will change with time, but that doesn't change the fact that not knowing how safe your vehicle is will be concerning to many drivers. Like the Trailblazer, the Hornet comes with various standard safety features, like forward collision warning and blind spot monitoring; however, the Chevy Safety Assist package offers a bit more assurance on the road and the reviews to back it up.

    The Hornet has some nice space in the front, with roomy bucket seats; however, the back is a bit cramped and doesn't offer any features for cargo inside or out. With a spacious front seat area, the back seat isn't the only thing to take a hit. The maximum cargo area of the Hornet is even with the Trailblazer, providing a maximum space of 55 cu.ft.; however, this slightly larger space is hardly a win for the model. For a trusted set of safety features and ample cargo room, the Trailblazer is the obvious choice when considering the two models.

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