2022 Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla

The compact car segment of the auto market is one of the most dynamic and competitive segments because it provides an amazing set of characteristics. Contemporary compact cars have great fuel mileage, advanced tech and safety features, a balance of luxury elements and value, a good drive profile, and other important aspects.

The Corolla and Civic by Toyota and Honda respectively are two highly sought-after models in the compact car segment. Both are enduring staples of the market and have earned their status as timeless classics. The latest 2022 models have garnered high praise from critics and are considered among the top choices for compact cars. With strong value propositions, top-notch performance, abundant features, and impressive quality, it's hard to go wrong with either option. However, there are distinct differences between the two that will appeal to different buyers. Additionally, the availability of various trim levels adds to the complexity of choosing between these two models. This article delves into the key differences between Corolla and Civic, respectively.

The Powertrain

The Corolla has two engines to choose from in the 2022 model year. The base engine comes with the L, LE, and XLE trims. It is a V4 rated for 139 horsepower. If you opt for the SE or XSE trims, you will get a slightly more powerful V4 that is rated for 169 horsepower. Both engines have a default CVT as far as transmission goes, and there is a six-speed manual available as an option to go with the upgrade engine. It gets 32 miles per gallon in city conditions and 41 on highways, and those numbers drop a bit for the upgrade engine.

For the Civic, there are also two engines. The base engine on this car is a V4 that gets 158 horsepower. The upgrade pushes the horsepower up to 180 by adding a turbocharger. The standard CVT can be replaced with a manual on the upper trims. The base engine manages 31 MPG for cities and 40 on highways, and the upgrade turbocharged engine has a little more efficiency, getting 33 and 42 MPG respectively.

In terms of fuel economy, the two models are almost indistinguishable. A few points each way does not make a big difference in the long run, because at that point it is road conditions and other factors that matter more. However, they both some of the most efficient cars in a highly efficient segment.

For performance, the Civic has a distinct edge, especially when comparing upgraded engines. The turbocharger gives the Civic more power and acceleration, changing the feel of the car from something basic and pedestrian to a fun, powerful ride. There is nothing wrong with the Corolla's engines, but they don't feel as engaging and enjoyable as the Civic's options because of their lower power output.

Drivability

There is a lot to discuss when it comes to overall drivability for these cars, but the bottom line and the most important factor is that the Civic has just gone through a total redesign with lots of updates, while the Corolla was resigned in 2020. Its interior is more advanced and fresher, with higher-quality materials. The Civic also has a larger trunk. On the face of it, when comparing equivalent trims, the Civic is a better choice than the Corolla based on interior quality and related elements.

The Corolla's infotainment system is equipped with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, which includes essential software such as Android Auto, Alexa, CarPlay, and a good audio system, as well as USB ports and knob controls.

The Civic, in comparison, has a larger 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen with a more modern and responsive graphical interface. It also offers enhanced features like wireless device connectivity, voice recognition, digital instrument display, navigation, and other additional upgrades not found on the Corolla. Both vehicles offer similar base infotainment, but the Civic provides a wider range of advanced options.

The Corolla's interior boasts a minimalist and sleek design with a clean and unified look, lacking in elaborate features but not appearing purely functional. The Civic, on the other hand, showcases stylish elements such as black accents and a mesh vent cover that enhances its appearance and provides a modern vibe.

Although, both the cars offer epic designs, the Civic in particular provides more options to its consumer that are looking for features beyond base trims. In order to stay competitive, the car giant had to introduce a well-designed vehicle such as the Civic.

Safety

These models have set the bar for safety standards, being recognized as a top contender by both The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their impressive suite of features has been highly praised with each receiving highest honors when evaluated crashworthiness - standing among an elite few in terms of quality assurance and protection.

Toyota Corolla keeps you safe and in control with an array of standard safety features, such as lane departure warning, auto emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. For added peace-of-mind driving experience, consider the optional blind spot monitoring system or rear cross-traffic alert to help keep your passengers protected on their journey.

The Honda Civic stands out for its comprehensive range of features, both standard and additional. From Traffic Sign Recognition to Road Departure Mitigation as part of the baseline package, you can also opt in extras like Parking Sensors and Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers - giving your ride a convenient edge on every journey.

The two compact cars are at the forefront of contemporary safety, and notable key features include the automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. These provide a lot of value and they are standard, not optional, which adds considerably to the value of the cars. It is also a point in the favor of both models that such a large share of the safety features are standard, so you don't need to pay more or get a higher trim in order to get them all.

When comparing the two models side by side, the minor differences in their safety offerings should not be a big factor one way or the other. They overlap with most of their features and where they differ, the elements are not notable enough to base a purchasing decision on. Drivers and their families should feel safe taking either car out on the road and can rely on their build quality and emergency features if they do get into an accident or collision when they are driving.

Which Has the Best Value?

When comparing the Corolla and Civic, price is just one factor to consider- although it's worth noting that for its base model, the latter will set you back around 10% more. However when looking at their respective trim levels, this gap widens slightly with an additional $1,500 in cost. Looking beyond dollars and cents though reveals a wealth of features both cars bring to the table - definitely making them stand out as great value propositions.

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla offer customers two distinct vehicles, each making a compelling choice in the mid-sized sedan market. While the Civic is priced slightly higher than its competitor, it offers powerful engines and abundant options within its base trim; conversely, Thrifty shoppers might prefer to go with the lower sticker price of Corolla's trims featuring fewer features but still respectable engine power.

When it comes to deciding between the Civic and Corolla, your personal preferences come first. If you prioritize features over affordability, then opting for a higher trim of the Civic may be right for you as there is an increased selection of extras without having to pay too much more. But if budget is most important in making this decision, selecting the base model Corolla could offer great value while not compromising on quality.

Which is Better?

Both the Civic and the Corolla are exceptional choices. Both vehicles have earned high accolades from critics for their unwavering focus on safety, build quality, and exceptional features.

When it comes to an unbeatable performance, the Civic is your best option. Its turbocharged engine gives you a high-octane driving experience with added fuel efficiency for even more value. The Corolla's also no slouch-- both cars are excellent investments that prioritize safety, quality and features in spades. No matter which one you select, rest assured knowing top-of-the line power lies under its hood.

While both the Civic and Corolla are reliable cars with a lasting appeal, those looking for something more recent will be drawn to Honda's 2022 model. This innovative design boasts sleek styling along with an enlarged trunk; maintaining its edge over Toyota’s current generation of Corollas which won't receive any new updates in the foreseeable future.

As you weigh the decision between a 2022 Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, your budget should be top of mind. Fortunately for savvy car shoppers, both models promise unbeatable quality and value - their decades-long legacy as automotive industry standards speaks to this fact! The hunt is on: search out who can give you best deal in terms of pricing and performance features so that whichever option you ultimately choose will have everything desired.