2025 · Compact Sedan
Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla
Sport Sedan vs LE Sedan - specs, true cost of ownership and safety, side by side.
Lower 5-year cost
Corolla
saves ~$1,453
Lower price
Corolla
$2,780 less upfront
More cargo
Civic
+1.7 cu ft
Fewer recalls
Corolla
0 vs 2 (NHTSA)
Verdict
The Corolla is the value pick: lower MSRP and slightly better fuel economy keep its 5-year cost below the Civic's. The Civic answers with sharper handling, a roomier trunk and a nicer interior. Buy the Corolla as an appliance, the Civic if you actually like driving.
Pick the Civic if
- • first car that's still fun to drive
- • city + highway commuting
Pick the Corolla if
- • cheapest path to a reliable new car
- • first car / student budget
Specs side by side
| Spec | Honda Civic | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $26,300 | $23,520better |
| MPG combined | 34 | 35better |
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 169 hpbetter |
| Cargo space | 14.8 cu ftbetter | 13.1 cu ft |
| NHTSA overall rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
Cost of ownership - for your driving
Adjust the numbers to your life. They're saved on this device and applied to every comparison on the site.
With your driving, the Toyota Corolla saves about $1,453 over 5 years.
Honda Civic
$31,744 over 5 years
Fuel $7,059 · Insurance $9,250 · Maintenance $3,600 · Depreciation $11,835
Toyota Corolla
$30,291 over 5 years
Fuel $6,857 · Insurance $9,250 · Maintenance $3,600 · Depreciation $10,584
Insurance, maintenance and depreciation are class averages - see how we calculate. Your quotes may differ.
Who each car is for
Honda Civic
Good fit
- ✓ First car that's still fun to drive
- ✓ City + highway commuting
- ✓ Low running costs
Look elsewhere if
- ✗ Hauling bulky cargo
- ✗ Rough roads - low ground clearance
Toyota Corolla
Good fit
- ✓ Cheapest path to a reliable new car
- ✓ First car / student budget
- ✓ Set-and-forget ownership
Look elsewhere if
- ✗ Anyone who cares about acceleration
- ✗ Tall rear-seat passengers
Risks, recalls & what to check
Recall and complaint data is pulled from official NHTSA records for the 2025 model year.
Honda Civic
2 recalls · 57 NHTSA complaints filed
- STEERING: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback...
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, and 2025 Honda Civic and Civic...
Before you buy
- • Sport trim uses the base 2.0L - if you want the punchier turbo, you need EX or above
- • Firm ride on larger wheels
Toyota Corolla
0 recalls · 22 NHTSA complaints filed
Before you buy
- • Base LE interior is plasticky and the seats are flat on long trips
- • CVT drone under hard acceleration
Questions to ask the dealer
Honda Civic
- What's the out-the-door price with every fee and dealer add-on itemized in writing?
- Can I see the window sticker and a list of any dealer-installed options I'm being charged for?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2025 Civic - can you show written proof the recall work has been completed on this VIN?
- If I'm not financing through you, does the price change - and by how much?
Toyota Corolla
- What's the out-the-door price with every fee and dealer add-on itemized in writing?
- Can I see the window sticker and a list of any dealer-installed options I'm being charged for?
- If I'm not financing through you, does the price change - and by how much?
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