When it comes to the world of compact saloons, two names have consistently vroomed their way to the top: the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. This age-old tango has had car enthusiasts debating for decades.
This got us thinking, when you’re about to fork out some cash on a new vehicle, which is the better choice? Is it the sharp aesthetics of the Civic that steal your heart or the reliable charm of the Corolla that beckons you?
At Sell2Swansway, we know a thing or two about cars, so we’ve pulled all the information together to help you decide. Let’s get into it.
Civic vs Corolla: Pricing
Navigating the world of car pricing can be quite the adventure, and when we put the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla side by side, it's clear both have a lot to offer.
The Honda Civic has a starting price that is slightly higher than the Toyota Corolla's base model. However, it's important to note that the Civic comes with more standard features, which can justify the higher price.
In terms of second hand models, Corolla prices can start at roughly £16,000 (or £240 per month), while a second hand Civic can come in with a starting price of £24,650, or £215 per month.
Civic vs Corolla: Performance
When it comes to performance, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla bring their A-game to the table, ensuring drivers get a blend of power and speed for their daily drives.
The 2022 Civic boasts a 2.0-litre four-cylinder base engine that churns out 158-hp, giving it a slight advantage over the Corolla's 1.8-litre engine with its 139 horsepower. When it comes to upgraded engines, the Civic offers a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. This takes over the Corolla's upgraded option of 169-hp, which only narrowly outperforms the Civic's base engine.
This being said, while the Corolla falls slightly behind the Civic, it is by no means a slouch, and both vehicles offer drivers great options, whether they prioritise horsepower, torque, or sheer acceleration.
Civic vs Corolla: Fuel efficiency
This is a key consideration for many drivers, especially with ever-increasing prices in fuel and a growing environmental concern. So, with this in mind, the tussle between the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla becomes interesting.
With its 2.0-litre base engine, the 2022 Honda Civic offers an estimated 30-38 mpg, something which only increases with its turbocharged 1.5-litre engine to 32-42 mpg.
The latest Corolla model, and its 1.8-litre base engine, delivers between 30-38 mpg like its Honda counterpart, dipping only when equipped with its upgraded engine option, which takes it between 29-37 mpg. This isn’t mentioning the Corolla’s hybrid variant that boosts the potential MPG to around 53.
All of this to say that both cars show great fuel efficiency and will both serve you well depending on your driving habits and preferences. For those who prioritise standard gas engines and most MPG on motorways, for example, the Honda Civic’s turbocharged variant takes the lead.
However, the Corolla Hybrid is a tough one to beat if you’re open to hybrid models and largely drive in the city.
Civic vs Corolla: Reliability
The years have been friendly to the Honda Civic and its reputation for steadfast reliability. Owners often praise the Civic for its durability, with many units driving up over 200,000 miles without any issues of note.
The 2022 model does well continue this legacy, with initial reviews pointing to a robust build quality and resilient engineering. Though that isn’t to say that it is entirely immune to problems. Older models especially have reported problems related to electronics and infotainment glitches, though drivers would largely agree that these count more as inconveniences rather than major mechanical setbacks.
When looking at the Corolla, this is another model that holds a high banner of reliability for Toyota, charting well in surveys across the world. And the latest model is no exception, enjoying fewer reported problems per 100 vehicles compared to the industry average.
Oil consumption problems have cropped up in the past, but these have been largely addressed in newer iterations of the Corolla. Thanks to its extensive dealership network, maintenance and repairs are relatively affordable and accessible, too.
Both, then, are frontrunners for reliability in the segment of compact saloons. And whilst individual experiences may vary, both offer a high-likelihood of a fairly trouble-free ownership.
Civic vs Corolla: The final verdict
In an arena where fierce rivalries abound, the tussle between the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla stands out as one of the most iconic, with each bringing a unique blend of qualities that make for a hard match-up.
From a pricing perspective, the additional standard features of the Honda Civic largely justify the higher point of entry. In the performance realm, however, the Civic edges out the Corolla by a hair’s width, particularly thanks to its turbocharged variant, but the Corolla’s hybrid option provides a certain advantage for city dwellers.
When it comes to reliability, nothing can be said on either of these models that hasn’t already been said, both cars shine brightly and carry a justified legacy of dependability with them.
Convinced? Check out the regularly updated selection of used Honda civics for sale or browse our Honda Civic deals.
Alternatively, you can find Toyota Corolla for sale at Motor Match.
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