Buying a used car is draining. There is an overwhelming number of options and many pitfalls you risk falling into. When it comes to finding reliable, practical and fuel-efficient vehicles, two options consistently come up: the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla.

Both vehicles have earned a reputation as best-selling cars that offer longevity, great gas mileage, and features in an affordable package. This often leads the Corolla and Civic to be compared when buyers are looking for a reliable used car. This begs the question, which option is better?

The answer isn’t quite that simple. But UsedCars.com is here to help you make an informed decision by comparing the Civic and Corolla so you can decide which popular compact sedan is right for you.

Toyota Corolla vs. Honda Civic Specs

Engine

• Civic: 2.0L, 1.5L turbo, 2.0L turbo, 2.0L hybrid;
• Corolla: 2.0L, 1.8L hybrid

Fuel Economy

• Both achieve 30+ city / 40+ highway MPG; Hybrids: Civic up to 50 MPG, Corolla up to 52 MPG

Horsepower

• Civic: 158 - 330 hp;
• Corolla: 169 hp (non-hybrid)

Cargo Space

• Civic Sedan: 14.8 cu ft, hatchback: 24.5 cu ft;
• Corolla Sedan: 13.1 cu ft, hatchback: 17.8 cu ft

Starting Price

• Civic: ~$25,000;
• Corolla: ~$22,000

What Oil Does the Honda Civic Use?

Honda highly advises using 0W-20 synthetic oil. This is what the factory installs in new Civics, and it's made to give your engine the finest protection and performance possible.

What Oil Does the Toyota Corolla Use?

The maintenance needs of Corollas and Civics are quite similar, as both typically use 0W-20 synthetic oil. However, older Corollas (pre-2008) require 5W-30 synthetic oil.

Gas Mileage

Now let's compare the fuel efficiency of both cars.

The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are both famous for being economical vehicles. Their MPG ratings are very competitive. The Corolla Hybrid tends to outperform the standard Civic and sometimes even the Civic Hybrid.

If you care more about performance than fuel efficiency then the Civic Si and Type R will give you more thrills at the cost of better gas mileage. The Corolla Hybrid, on the other hand, beats the competition in fuel economy.

Let's take a look at two UsedCars.com models for comparison.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback has a combined fuel economy of 35 MPG and 70,736 miles. On the other hand, with 30,665 miles, the 2022 Toyota Corolla has a fuel economy of 37 MPG.

Both cars have great gas mileage. While the used Corolla offers better fuel efficiency at 37 MPG combined versus the Civic's 35 MPG combined, the fact that it has fewer miles makes it a more attractive option for those prioritizing longevity and fuel savings.

Maintenance Costs

Used cars often require frequent maintenance, which can be a headache for many potential buyers. Both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are notable for their strong engineering system and high-grade parts, minimizing the necessity for frequent repairs.

The primary parts for both vehicles are widely available and inexpensive, with a potential slight price advantage for used Toyota Corolla cars.

Repairpal.com places the yearly upkeep on a Corolla at $362 and a Civic at$388, further showcasing their economic appeal.

Proper care and regular maintenance are essential to reducing any major repairs and therefore lowering overall expenses. With good maintenance, both cars can surpass 200,000 miles easily which makes them great for long-term owners.

Safety Features

Both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla stand out with their safety standards. They include front, side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control and rearview cameras.

The Honda Civic also offers Honda Sensing on models produced after 2016. The sensor includes lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

With Toyota Safety Sense introduced in 2015, the Toyota Corolla offers features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control.

Both cars score high on crash-test ratings by companies such as the IIHS and NHTSA and are perfect options for high safety and protection on the road.

How Much Is a Used Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla?

An advantage of owning a Honda Civic or a used Toyota Corolla is that they depreciate at a slower rate compared to other cars in the market.

Corollas do better at holding their value over time, especially those with fewer miles - a good investment if you plan to resell it in the future. Both the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic offer affordable prices in the used car market, with the base Toyota Corolla Hybrid being cheaper than the Civic Hybrid.

You can find used Civics and Corollas ranging from around $10,000 to $27,000, depending on trim levels and model year.

On average, used Civics range in price from $8,000 to $30,000. Relatively newer models usually cost between $18,000 and $28,000. Depending on condition and mileage, older Civics can be purchased for less than $15,000, with some even falling below $10,000.

You can find Toyota Corollas ranging from $15,000 to $24,000, with older models often priced around $12,000.

Higher trim levels, such as the Civic Sport Touring or Corolla XSE are usually more expensive because of more features.

Check out more models and their prices here.

Looks and Design

Both Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla cars offer models and trims to suit different tastes. If you're searching for a vehicle with a sleek appearance and a more sporty driving experience, the Honda Civic is the perfect choice.

In contrast, the Corolla offers a more traditional driving experience and conservative design. With the exterior more rounded it has a simple and elegant look. This car appeals to those who prefer comfort and simplicity over fancy and sharp design.

How the Different Trims of Each Car Vary in Terms of Design and Features

• Corolla LE/Civic LX: Basic styling. Corolla is more conservative, Civic more modern.
• Corolla SE/Civic Sport: Sportier look. Corolla adds blacked-out accents, Civic gets more aggressive lines and wheels.
• Corolla XSE/Civic EX/EX-L: Up-scale experience. Corolla offers a more chrome aesthetic. Civic projects a more premium look.

Performance

The Civic has a few engine options that range from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder to a more potent 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, providing an exciting drive. Its suspension strikes a nice mix between comfort and sportiness, so it's enjoyable to drive.

The Toyota Corolla generally has a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powerplants on sportier trims but offers a smooth, cushioned ride over sporty speed. The Corolla is designed for a smoother and easier ride, but the Civic is geared toward buyers who would like a bit more fun out of their car.

Tech Features

Let's break down the features available across the standard and higher trims of both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

Standard Trims (Corolla LE/Civic LX)

Corolla

• Basic infotainment touchscreen
• Bluetooth
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Focus on essential connectivity

Civic

Larger touchscreen

Apple CarPlay

Android Auto standard

More USB ports

Higher Trims (Corolla XSE/Civic EX/EX-L)

Corolla

• Larger touchscreen
• Navigation
• Premium audio (JBL)
• Wireless charging

Civic

• Large, high-resolution touchscreen
• Advanced navigation
• Premium audio
• Wireless charging
• Digital driver's display
• More Advanced Connectivity Features
• Head-up Display

Both cars offer good tech and comfort. High-end features are a key highlight of the Civic, particularly in the Touring and Sport variants. The Corolla, meanwhile, has good enough features for a little less money, making it a more compelling value if all you want is a simple, comfortable car.

Warranties

Making an informed purchase decision requires knowing the nuances of each brand's warranty offerings. These can increase the car's resale value and offer peace of mind by covering possible repair expenses.

While both brands provide solid coverage for used Corolla and Civic models, there are a few differences when you check the manufacturer's warranties.

New cars come with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Honda provides a comparable 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

For used vehicles, both manufacturers offer Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs that extend warranty coverage. Toyota's CPO program includes a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original purchase date.

Honda's CPO program also offers a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original purchase date.

Who Should Consider the Honda Civic?

The Honda Civic has a big consumer base due to its varied trim levels. First-time drivers and those on a tight budget are the main targets of the LX and Sport cars.

For college students or anyone seeking a fun, affordable and performance-oriented vehicle, older Honda Civic Si models are perfect.

Families and individuals who require additional cargo room are the primary target market for the Toyota Corolla hatchback. Then, there is the hybrid model, which is ideal for environmentally conscious buyers.

Who Should Consider the Toyota Corolla?

Toyota Corolla also attracts a wide range of customers. Its cars are popular with buyers valuing little maintenance and functionality.

Families are particularly drawn to the Corolla because of its excellent safety ratings, consistent performance and simplicity.

The Corolla appeals to anyone seeking a long-term investment in a vehicle that will last for many years as it emphasizes comfort, dependability and value.

Both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Are Great Used Car Options. Here's Why:

• Proven reliability: Strong reliability ratings over decades translate into reduced ownership costs and fewer repairs.
• Fuel efficiency: Fuel costs are reduced by better gas mileage.
• Affordable price: Competitive pricing makes them accessible to more buyers.
• Low maintenance: Fewer repairs and easily accessible parts keep the costs down.
• Strong resale value: They are a wise investment because they retain their value well.
• Easy maintenance: Parts and services are widely available.

The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic provide a range of features that cater to different driving needs. While the Corolla is commendable for its comfort, practicality and better fuel efficiency, the Civic is known for its more dynamic design and dynamic performance. Your unique preferences should ultimately guide the decision between the two.