Cars: Honda Civic vs. Toyota Corolla
Quick Verdict
Both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are excellent compact cars with their own strengths. The Civic excels in performance and passenger space, while the Corolla offers slightly better fuel efficiency and a lower entry price. The best choice depends on individual priorities.
- The Honda Civic generally offers more powerful engine options, especially in its hybrid and performance trims.
- The Toyota Corolla boasts slightly better fuel efficiency in some of its hybrid models and a lower starting price.
- Both vehicles offer comprehensive safety suites and standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- The Honda Civic provides more passenger volume and significantly more cargo space in its hatchback configuration.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Honda Civic | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency (City/Highway MPG) | LX (32/41), Sport (31/39), Hybrid (50/47) | LE (32/41), SE (31/40), Hybrid LE (53/46) |
| Engine Horsepower | 150 hp (2.0-liter four-cylinder), 200 hp (Hybrid) | 169 hp (2.0-liter four-cylinder), 138 hp (Hybrid) |
| Infotainment System (Touchscreen Size, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) | 7.0-inch standard, 9.0-inch optional, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | 8-inch standard, 10.5-inch optional, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Safety Features | Honda Sensing suite (ACC, LDW, FCW, CMBS, RDM, LKAS, Traffic Jam Assist) | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) (Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams) |
| Cargo Space (Trunk Volume) | 14.8 cubic feet (Sedan), 24.8 cubic feet (Hatchback) | 13.1 cubic feet |
| Starting Price | $24,595 (2026) | Around $23,520 |
| Passenger Volume | 99.0 cubic feet | 88.6 cubic feet |
| Maintenance Costs | $368 (average annual) | $350 to $441 (average annual) |
Overall Comparison
Fuel Efficiency: Corolla Hybrid slightly better; Horsepower: Civic higher; Price: Corolla lower; Space: Civic larger
Pros and Cons
Honda Civic
Pros:
- Agile handling and a well-balanced ride
- Spacious cabin with ample legroom
- Stellar maintenance record
- Problem-free vehicle
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Effective advanced safety features
Cons:
- Nonhybrid model is not particularly quick
Toyota Corolla
Pros:
- Predictable and unfussy driving experience
- Nimble for city driving
- Known for its reliability
- Low maintenance costs
- Comfortable seating
- Good resale value
Cons:
- Engine power may require patience for merging and passing
User Experiences and Feedback
Honda Civic
What Users Love
- Offers agile handling
- Well-balanced ride
- Spacious cabin
- Ample legroom
- User-friendly infotainment
- Effective safety features
- Holds its value well
- Stellar maintenance record
- Pretty much a problem-free vehicle
Common Complaints
- Nonhybrid model is not particularly quick
Value Perception
- One of the best values on the road
User Recommendations
- The Civic offers agile handling and a well-balanced ride. It feels perky enough to keep up with urban traffic.
- The infotainment screen and climate controls are well-placed and easy to reach from the driver's seat.
- The spacious cabin boasts ample legroom of 42.3 inches in the front and 37.4 inches in the back seat, so you and your passengers can travel in style and comfort.
- The Honda Civic has been one of the best values on the road for ages. It holds its value well, its maintenance record is stellar, and it's pretty much a problem-free vehicle.
Toyota Corolla
What Users Love
- Real-world MPG can closely match EPA estimates
- Infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Toyota Safety Sense suite is designed to minimize accidents
- Trunk space is suitable for grocery trips and luggage for weekend getaways
- Average annual maintenance cost is lower than the industry average
- Ample front legroom (42 inches) and reasonable rear legroom (34.8 inches)
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- SE trim offers a good balance of features and sporty styling