Honda Civic Versus Toyota Corolla: Which Is the Better Compact Car for You?
Performance
Both cars have a four-cylinder engine lineup. Toyota’s trusted 1.8-liter engine comes standard on the Corolla. While this engine has a reputation for being extremely long-lasting, its 139-horsepower output results in sluggish acceleration. Performance is much better with the Corolla’s newly available 2.0-liter, which cranks out 169 horsepower.
While the Corolla has become more entertaining to drive, it still can’t match the Civic’s fun factor. Even the Honda Civic’s base 158-horsepower engine feels quite lively. An available turbocharged engine raises the performance bar with 174 horsepower. A performance-tuned version of this same engine is found on the racy Civic Si, which kicks out 205 horsepower.
Not only does the Civic offer stronger acceleration, but it also handles better. While the Corolla feels stable, it’s simply not as agile as the new Civic. The sports-tuned Civic Si is especially athletic. Ride comfort is close between these vehicles. They do an admirable job of soaking up rough patches of pavement.
Reliability & Fuel Efficiency
In the past, these two compact cars were equally reliable. However, the Honda Civic’s dependability has taken a hit in recent years. While the Toyota Corolla offers above-average reliability, the Civic is just average. Corolla owners rarely report any major mechanical issues. Mechanics also recommend the Corolla for its low-maintenance design.
Regardless of which car you choose, look forward to getting good fuel economy. Like the Civic, the Corolla can return up to 40 mpg on the highway.
Interior
These small cars provide an impressive amount of passenger room. Most families will have plenty of space to spread out. Seat comfort is excellent. While both cars offer heated front seats, only the Civic can be equipped with heated rear seats.
The edge in cargo space goes to the Civic. This is especially true for the Civic hatchback. It offers just as much storage space as some SUVs, thus allowing you to pack a lot of extra gear.
Features
The Corolla’s list of standard equipment makes it a serious bang for the buck. Even the budget-friendly base Corolla features a touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone support. A built-in Wi-Fi hot spot is also on the Corolla’s list of standard equipment. To get a modern touchscreen with advanced smartphone connectivity, Civic buyers must move up to a higher trim level. A premium sound system is optional on both cars.
Safety
Excellent crash protection enables these cars to provide a strong sense of security. They both received a class-leading, five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. You also don’t have to pay extra from valuable driving aids, like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
In terms of overall safety, an available blind-spot monitor gives the Toyota Corolla and edge over the Honda Civic. By detecting unseen vehicles approaching from the rear, this feature helps you to safely change lanes. Although the Civic offers an exclusive LaneWatch camera system, it’s not as effective as a true blind-spot monitor. Some drivers view the system as more of a distraction.
Which Car Wins This Head-to-Head Comparison?
When choosing between the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, it’s important to consider what you care about the most. If you want a car that’s extremely reliable and cheap to maintain, the Corolla is hard to beat. On the other hand, driving enthusiasts who demand the most performance will be happier with the Civic. Lastly, for all your Auto Repair needs, Contact Triangle Car Care.
