Same car,
better deal.
Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla: Canada's Compact Car Showdown
If you're in the market for a compact car in Canada, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are two names you’ve definitely come across — and for good reason. These two are the best-selling compact sedans in the country, offering a great mix of reliability, fuel efficiency, and value.
So which one should you choose? Let’s break it down.
1. Performance & Driving Experience
Honda Civic
- Engine options: 2.0L 4-cylinder (158 hp) or 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder (180 hp).
- Smooth, sporty handling with confident steering.
- Available manual transmission on certain trims (Si & Sport models).
- Feels nimble and engaging on Canadian roads.
Toyota Corolla
- Engine options: 2.0L 4-cylinder (169 hp) and a hybrid 1.8L engine for maximum fuel savings.
- Comfortable and composed ride, more focused on daily commuting.
- CVT standard on most trims; no turbo option.
- Corolla Hybrid is a favourite among city drivers.
Winner: Civic for spirited drivers, Corolla for commuters who want a calm, fuel-efficient experience.
2. Interior & Comfort
Honda Civic
- Sleek, modern interior with upscale materials and clean design.
- 7-inch to 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
- Excellent driving position and roomier rear seats.
- Quiet, refined cabin even on the highway.
Toyota Corolla
- Practical, no-nonsense layout with soft-touch materials.
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (wired).
- Rear seat space is a bit tighter.
- Comfortable seats and reliable climate control.
Winner: Civic wins with a more premium feel and slightly more space.
3. Technology & Safety
Honda Civic
- Honda Sensing standard on all trims: adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning.
- Higher trims offer a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and Bose audio system.
- Strong infotainment setup with excellent user interface.
Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard: pre-collision system, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise.
- Some trims include wireless charging and JBL audio system.
- Offers more standard safety features at lower trims.
Winner: Tie — both cars come packed with safety tech, but Civic pulls ahead in tech interface and audio.
4. Fuel Efficiency
Honda Civic
- Around 6.9 L/100km combined for base models.
- Turbocharged engine remains efficient without sacrificing power.
- No hybrid option in Canada yet (except Civic Hybrid coming soon).
Toyota Corolla
- Around 6.7 L/100km combined with the gas engine.
- Corolla Hybrid: as low as 4.5 L/100km combined — one of the best in class.
- Great option for fuel-conscious buyers or daily commuters.
Winner: Corolla Hybrid dominates on fuel efficiency. Gas-only trims are a close match.
5. Pricing & Value
Honda Civic
- Starts at approx. $28,000 CAD.
- Civic Touring and Si trims can exceed $35,000.
- Holds strong resale value and popular among younger buyers.
Toyota Corolla
- Starts slightly lower around $26,000 CAD.
- Corolla Hybrid starts at about $30,000 CAD.
- Excellent long-term reliability and affordable ownership costs.
Winner: Corolla is the more affordable entry point, but Civic offers more value per dollar at higher trims.
Final Thoughts
- Choose the Honda Civic if you value a sporty drive, modern tech, and a more premium interior.
- Choose the Toyota Corolla if you want unbeatable fuel economy (especially with the Hybrid), reliability, and value-focused trims.
Both are fantastic compact sedans trusted by Canadians for decades. You can’t go wrong — it all depends on your priorities!
Already Driving a Civic or Corolla? Time to Refinance?
If you’re already making monthly payments on your Civic or Corolla, you might be overpaying. With interest rates rising and resale values holding strong, refinancing your current car loan could lower your rate, cut your monthly bill, or help you own your car sooner.
Refinance your Honda or Toyota at CarRefinancing.ca:
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