Compare the2025 Dodge HornetVS 2025 BMW X3

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Dodge Hornet are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X3 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Hornet’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The X3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Hornet and the X3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

Dodge’s powertrain warranty covers the Hornet 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the X3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the X3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 7 times as many Dodge dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Hornet’s warranty.

The Hornet GT’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 13 more horsepower (268 vs. 255) than the X3 30 xDrive’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the Hornet running on electricity gets better mileage than the X3:

On the EPA test cycle the Hornet R/T running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the X3 M50 (29 city/29 hwy vs. 25 city/30 hwy).

The Hornet R/T can travel with zero emissions for 32 miles. The X3 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Dodge Hornet uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The X3 M50 xDrive requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Hornet has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The X3 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Dodge Hornet, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the X3.

For better maneuverability, the Hornet R/T’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the X3’s (37.9 feet vs. 40 feet). The Hornet GT’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the X3’s (38 feet vs. 40 feet).

The Dodge Hornet may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 450 pounds less than the BMW X3.

The Hornet is 9.2 inches shorter than the X3, making the Hornet easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Hornet has 1.5 inches more front legroom and 1.7 inches more rear legroom than the X3.

The Hornet has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the X3.