Jeep Compass vs. Dodge Hornet: Which Compact SUV is Right for Navigating Downtown Belleville and Beyond?

When you're choosing between two capable compact SUVs from the Stellantis family, understanding how each model fits your lifestyle makes all the difference. Both the 2025 Jeep Compass and 2025 Dodge Hornet offer all-wheel drive capability and advanced technology, but they serve different priorities. The Compass emphasizes proven off-road capability with its legendary 4x4 systems, while the Hornet focuses on dynamic performance and sporty handling.

For drivers in the Belleville area, these differences translate into real-world advantages depending on your typical routes. Whether you're parking at the Saturday Farmer's Market, taking weekend trips to Potter's Creek Conservation Area, or navigating Highway 401 to Toronto, each vehicle offers distinct benefits worth considering.

Power and Performance: Different Approaches to All-Weather Confidence

Jeep Compass: Trail-Ready Power

The 2025 Compass comes standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Jeep Active Drive 4x4 system across all trim levels. The system provides four-wheel drive capability with Selec-Terrain modes including Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud settings. The Trailhawk trim upgrades to Jeep Active Drive Low 4x4 with a class-leading 20:1 crawl ratio and adds Rock mode for serious off-road situations.

Natural Resources Canada rates the Compass at 9.9L/100km city, 7.4L/100km highway, and 8.8L/100km combined. The vehicle can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped and features engine stop-start technology to improve fuel efficiency during city driving.

Dodge Hornet: Performance-Focused Efficiency

The 2025 Hornet GT delivers 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-litre Hurricane4 turbocharged engine. This powertrain connects to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive system. The Hornet accelerates from 0-96.5 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 225 km/h.

Natural Resources Canada rates the Hornet GT at 11.3L/100km city, 8.1L/100km highway, and 9.9L/100km combined. The R/T PHEV hybrid model achieves 3.1L/100km combined fuel consumption with 53 km of electric range.

Sport Mode enhances the driving experience by engaging the electronic limited slip differential and adjusting throttle response, steering feel, and transmission shift points. Dynamic torque vectoring comes standard, automatically directing power to specific wheels for improved cornering performance and stability.

Technology and Connectivity: Modern Interfaces for Every Drive

Compass: Proven Uconnect Experience

The Compass features the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on base models and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on Latitude and higher trims. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Available options include a 10.25-inch frameless digital cluster display and wireless charging pad.

Safety technology comes standard with over 80 available features, including Forward Collision Warning, Drowsy Driver Detection, Active Lane Management, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Path Detection. Available advanced features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, and a 360-degree surround view camera system.

Hornet: Premium Tech Integration

The Hornet provides a 12.3-inch full-colour digital cluster display and 10.25-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. This creates what Dodge calls the "Best-in-Class Total Standard Screen Size" for the segment. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, hands-free communication, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

Standard safety features mirror many found in the Compass, including Forward Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path Detection, and Lane Keep Assist. The R/T trim adds an available 360-degree surround view camera and Harman Kardon premium audio system with 14 speakers.

Interior Space and Cargo: Practical Solutions for Different Needs

Compass: Versatile Family-Friendly Layout

The Compass interior focuses on practical storage solutions with 770 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,693 litres with seats folded down. Additional features include a rear cargo underfloor storage tray, full-length floor console, and various convenience features. Seating comes in cloth on base models, with available heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start on Latitude and higher trims. The Limited trim offers leather-appointed seating with available ventilated front seats.

Climate control starts with manual air conditioning on the Sport trim and upgrades to dual-zone automatic temperature control on all other models. The available dual-pane panoramic sunroof adds an open-air element to the cabin experience.

Hornet: Driver-Focused Cabin Design

The Hornet provides up to 765 litres (27 cubic feet) of cargo space with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats down. Additional under-floor storage offers extra space for smaller items. The cabin features an all-black interior with red accent stitching and metallic dashboard accents for a performance-oriented appearance.

Standard features include heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on both GT and R/T trims. The R/T adds ventilated front seats and wireless charging capability. Both models include front and rear floor mats and a rear-seat armrest for passenger comfort.

Off-Road and Driving Capability: Where Each Vehicle Excels

Compass: Proven Trail Credentials

The Compass earns its reputation through the Trail Rated Trailhawk model, which includes specific off-road enhancements. These features encompass a one-inch factory lift, skid plates, aggressive off-road tires, and red tow hooks. The Trailhawk achieves impressive approach (30 degrees), breakover (24 degrees), and departure (34 degrees) angles, plus up to 19 inches of water fording capability.

Hill Descent Control helps maintain safe speeds on steep descents, while the Selec-Terrain system optimizes traction for different surface conditions. The system's Rock mode provides maximum capability for challenging terrain like the trails around Potter's Creek Conservation Area.

Hornet: Road-Focused Performance

The Hornet emphasizes on-road driving dynamics with class-exclusive Koni Frequency Selective Damping shocks on both GT and R/T models. These high-performance dampers improve vehicle control and ride comfort during spirited driving. The independent front and rear suspension features optimized MacPherson front geometry and a unique rear three-link Chapman setup.

Best-in-class dynamic torque vectoring works with the electronic limited slip differential to enhance cornering performance. The system manages power delivery to individual wheels, reducing understeer and improving stability through corners. This setup proves beneficial for navigating winding county roads or highway on-ramps around Belleville.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Finding Your Value Point

Compass Canadian Lineup

The 2025 Compass offers six trim levels starting with the Sport at $37,440. The North trim begins at $39,716, followed by the Altitude at $42,118. Off-road capability peaks with the Trailhawk at $44,363 and Trailhawk Elite at $47,391. The luxury-focused Limited tops the range at $48,190.

Each trim builds upon the previous level's features, with the Latitude adding heated seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start for 2025. The Trailhawk provides maximum off-road capability, while the Limited emphasizes premium comfort and convenience features.

Hornet Canadian Options

The 2025 Hornet lineup includes the GT starting at $44,285 and GT Plus at $46,680. The R/T performance hybrid model begins at $57,045, with the R/T Plus topping the range at $61,550. The R/T includes a unique PowerShot feature that provides an additional 30 horsepower for 15 seconds, reducing 0-96.5 km/h acceleration times by 1.5 seconds.

Making Your Choice for Belleville Driving

Your decision between the Compass and Hornet depends on how you plan to use your compact SUV. The Compass suits drivers who value proven off-road capability, whether for weekend adventures to conservation areas or confidence during harsh Canadian winters. Its legendary 4x4 systems and Trail Rated capability provide reassurance for varied terrain and weather conditions.

The Hornet appeals to drivers who prioritize dynamic performance and modern technology. Its sport-tuned suspension, powerful engines, and driver-focused interior create an engaging experience for daily commuting and highway driving. The advanced infotainment system and premium audio options enhance every journey.

Both vehicles deliver the all-wheel drive confidence needed for Eastern Ontario's varied weather conditions, but they approach that capability differently. Visit Belleville Chrysler to experience both models and discover which compact SUV aligns with your driving priorities and lifestyle needs.