When it comes to compact sedans, the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic have long been two of the most popular choices for car buyers. Both offer reliability, fuel efficiency, and value in an affordable package. But which one is the better option for you? Let’s take an in-depth look at how these two compact car stalwarts compare across several key categories.
Design and Styling
Toyota Corolla
The latest generation Corolla features a sleeker, more modern design compared to previous models. It has a lower, wider stance with a large grille and sharp LED headlights that give it a sportier look. The interior has also been upgraded with higher quality materials and a cleaner, more premium feel overall.
Honda Civic
The Civic has a more aggressive, athletic exterior design with a sloping roofline and bold character lines. Inside, it offers a driver-focused cockpit with an upscale feel and intuitive controls. Many reviewers praise the Civic’s interior for its spaciousness and use of high-quality materials.
Winner: This category comes down to personal preference, but the Civic’s more distinctive styling may give it a slight edge for buyers seeking a sportier look.
Performance and Handling
Toyota Corolla
The base Corolla comes with a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower. Higher trims get a more powerful 2.0L engine with 169 hp. While not the most exciting performer, the Corolla offers a comfortable, composed ride with predictable handling.
Honda Civic
The Civic’s base engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder with 158 hp. An optional turbocharged 1.5L engine bumps that up to 180 hp. The Civic is widely praised for its responsive handling and sporty driving dynamics that make it more engaging to drive than many competitors.
Winner: The Honda Civic takes this category with its more powerful engine options and sportier driving feel.
Fuel Economy
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is highly fuel-efficient, with EPA ratings of up to 31 mpg city / 40 mpg highway for the base engine. The hybrid version pushes that even further to 53 mpg city / 52 mpg highway.
Honda Civic
The Civic is also very efficient, achieving up to 32 mpg city / 42 mpg highway with its base engine. The turbocharged engine option maintains good efficiency at 32 mpg city / 38 mpg highway.
Winner: While both are excellent, the Toyota Corolla’s hybrid option gives it the edge in fuel economy.
Interior Space and Comfort
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla offers a spacious interior for its class, with comfortable seating for up to 5 passengers. It provides 42 inches of front legroom and 34.8 inches in the rear. Cargo space is 13.1 cubic feet in the trunk.
Honda Civic
The Civic is known for its roomy interior, offering 42.3 inches of front legroom and 37.4 inches in the rear – one of the best in its class. Its trunk is also more spacious at 14.8 cubic feet.
Winner: The Honda Civic offers more interior space, especially for rear passengers, making it the winner here.
Technology and Features
Toyota Corolla
All Corollas come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard.
Honda Civic
The Civic offers Honda Sensing as standard, with similar driver assistance features to the Corolla. Its base infotainment screen is also 7 inches, with an available 9-inch upgrade. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on all but the base trim.
Winner: This category is largely a tie, with both cars offering competitive tech features.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla has a legendary reputation for reliability. It typically has very low maintenance costs and strong resale value. Toyota also offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Honda Civic
The Civic is also known for its reliability, with low ownership costs and good resale value. Honda matches Toyota’s warranty coverage with 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties.
Winner: Both cars excel here, but the Corolla’s slightly better reputation for longevity gives it a marginal win.
Price
Toyota Corolla
The 2024 Corolla starts at an MSRP of $22,050 for the base LE trim, ranging up to $27,150 for the top XSE trim.
Honda Civic
The 2024 Civic has a starting MSRP of $24,250 for the base LX trim, going up to $31,750 for the top Touring trim.
Winner: The Toyota Corolla has a lower starting price, making it more accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are excellent compact sedans that offer great value, efficiency, and reliability. Your choice will likely come down to personal preferences and priorities:
Choose the Toyota Corolla if:
- You prioritize fuel economy, especially with the hybrid option
- You want the lowest possible starting price
- You value Toyota’s reputation for reliability above all else
Choose the Honda Civic if:
- You want more engaging performance and handling
- You need maximum interior space, especially for rear passengers
- You prefer a sportier exterior design
Ultimately, both cars are class leaders for good reason. We recommend test driving both to see which one feels best for your needs and driving style. Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a high-quality compact sedan that should serve you well for years to come.