Rely on reliability, but don’t be bad yourself: we compare used Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla

Which compact sedan is better?

When it comes to small compact sedans, it is certainly impossible not to highlight the two most popular cars in this class: Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, which have become popular not only in our country, but throughout the world. These two cars are eternal competitors, fighting for their market share, each trying to be better. Which car is actually better? Foreign experts tried to answer which one is more economical and which one is more profitable to buy. Our online publication offers you a detailed test comparison of two cars, the 2014 Honda Civic and the 2014 Toyota Corolla, based on the results of which each reader can conclude which car really deserves the highest ratings.

Let us recall that since the beginning of last year, Honda began selling a new generation of Civic, while Toyota continued to sell the previous generation of Corolla. At this point, the 2014 Honda Civic was noticeably superior to Toyota in terms of style, design and technology. But in the middle of the year, the Japanese company released a new generation of 2014 Toyota Corolla, significantly updating not only the appearance of the car, but also much more.

Content

• What's under the hood
• Who wins in terms of equipment?
• Who has the better chassis?
• What problems are they selling with?
• Which car is better

It would seem, what do they have in common? Corolla has a classic design and calm dynamics, while Honda Civic has a driver's character and futuristic appearance. However, buyers often choose between them.

We compared the opponents and determined which one is better to take in the secondary. When comparing, they relied on a price tag of 550 thousand rubles. It fits into the eighth generation of the Civic and the tenth generation of the pre-restyling Corolla.

Update vs. Revolution

One of the biggest problems with the last generation Honda Civic (2012) was the minor update compared to the previous version, which ultimately disappointed many fans of this brand. For example, the 2006 update changed the idea of ​​this model, thanks to a new extreme design. So, everyone expected something more from the 2012 model. Therefore, in 2013, Honda decided to once again update the Civic, by changing the taillights, chrome trim, and some new body lines. And we must admit, even though the updates were not grandiose, the new generation 2014 Honda Civic began to look modern and attractive.

Toyota, apparently, observed the market reaction to the competitor's 2012 model, so it did not rush to introduce a new generation of Corolla, introducing the 2014 model only in the middle of last year. Unlike the 2014 Honda Civic, the new 2014 Toyota Corolla has significantly moved away from the design of the previous generation of the car, making a new product with a new aggressive appearance.

It is worth noting that the new style of the 2014 Corolla is a bold decision by the Japanese manufacturer. What will come of this, of course, time will tell, but no matter how sales of the new model turn out, we must give credit to the Japanese company for the decision to radically change the style of the legendary Corolla.

The new Toyota Corolla has become much more modern, more progressive and nicer to look at. The test comparison involved a Toyota Corolla S, with 17-inch wheels that resemble the wheels from the Scion FR-S. Like many modern compact cars, the new Corolla has a large grille that fits perfectly with the new, modern headlights. It's worth noting that unlike other cars in its class, Toyota offers the Corolla with LED headlights as standard.

Technology vs Luxury

Dramatic changes also affected the interior of the new 2014 Toyota Corolla. The company had no choice but to almost completely update the interior of the new car.

If we recall the previous generation of cars, then, unlike the body, the interior was somewhat behind modern trends. This time the manufacturer decided to take a big step forward. And I must admit, the new interior design exceeded all possible expectations. Modern ultra-fashionable design, high-quality finishing, thanks to new expensive finishing materials and a modern new dashboard allow the new Corolla to become a leader in its class in the future.

Despite the fact that the Toyota's interior is superior to that of the Honda Civic, in which it seems simple and a little "gray", you should not discount the Civic. After all, for the 2013 model, Honda has updated many interior finishing materials.

Albeit, of course, not like in the Corolla, but still changes have occurred and only for the better. So all the plastic used inside has become of higher quality, which gives the material a significantly different, more expensive look. It is worth paying attention to the display located in the center of the console, which can display various information, from navigation to the multimedia control system.

According to many foreign experts, this system surpasses the new Toyota Corolla in its characteristics.

Despite the fact that the body dimensions of the two cars are almost similar, the engineering solutions are completely different. For example, the new Toyota Corolla has much more space for rear passengers compared to the Honda Civic (12.5 cm more). Also, the new 2014 Toyota Corolla surpasses the 2014 Honda Civic in terms of trunk volume, which is 12 liters more, which is a significant advantage that can play an important role in the decision to purchase a car by a pragmatic buyer, especially given the similarity of these two cars in in his class.

Salon and capacity

Honda civic ix
Honda Civic is shorter than Corolla by 4.5 cm. 4570 versus 4620 mm. However, this has absolutely no effect on the length of the cabin. But the height of the sportier Civic is lower by 3 cm. Taking into account the higher ground clearance of 165 mm (for Honda it is 150 mm for Toyota), the cabin height decreases by 4-5 cm, which is noticeable when a tall person sits in the rear seats.

In general, the interior of the car feels that the Civic was created more for the driver than for the passengers, while in the Corolla comfort is divided equally between all passengers. Therefore, Toyota is often preferred as a family car.

The trunk volume of Toyota is also more spacious than that of the Civic, 452 and 440 liters. However, the extra 12 liters can actually only be useful in extreme cases. Overall, both cars sacrifice trunk space for interior space.

Both cars offer good interior space with comfortable seating for four adults. Good ergonomics make it easy to use all the amenities of a car (window lifters, air conditioning or climate control, multimedia system). However, each car has its own nuances.

• Advantages of the Civic: high ground clearance, sporty design, high comfort for the driver and front passenger.
• Advantages of the Corolla: Roomy interior, spacious trunk, more convenience for rear passengers.

Keeping in mind the saying that there is no dispute about taste, it is worth recognizing the equality of both cars. However, the Korola shows more features of a family car, and the Civic will certainly be of interest to individualists.

Engine

Unfortunately, you shouldn't expect anything new under the hood. In fact, there are all the same 1.8 liter engines that were equipped with previous car models. So Honda has a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine under the hood with a power of 141 hp. and maximum torque of 174 N.m.

As before, the Civic comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. In a more expensive configuration, the car is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission (in Russia only a continuously variable variator is available).

The Corolla also uses a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine available in two variants. An engine with Valvematic (VVi) technology is available, which is designed to save fuel and increase power to 140 hp. For example, an engine without this technology produces 132 hp. and consumes much more fuel.

Toyota offers three transmission options: a six-speed manual, a four-speed automatic and a cheaper CVT. Depending on the configuration, the new Corolla is equipped with one or another gearbox, either as a basic option or as an additional option. In our country, a full-fledged automatic transmission is not required for cars. So, you’ll have to be content with either a manual transmission or a CVT.

Comparing Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V crossovers

In the photo: Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V RAV4 CR-V Difference:

• The appearance of the RAV4 is inferior to the more modern CR-V, which has many small but striking elements introduced into its design.
• The RAV4 is equipped with three types of engines (petrol 2 and 2.5 liters, equipped with a choice of CVT or 6-speed manual, vehicle versions - front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; diesel 2.2 liters with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a 4x4 formula). The CR-V offers 2 and 2.4 liter engines with a CVT and all-wheel drive.
• The ground clearance of the CR-V (208 mm) is greater than that of the RAV4 (190 mm), but the sharp, sporty dynamics of the Honda have diminished, while the Toyota still has a “soft” suspension when driving.
• The trunk volume of the RAV4 is fifty liters more.
• In the CR-V, the rear seats fold automatically when you press a handle in the cabin, but in the normal version it can be a little tight for three people in the back seat.
• The ergonomics of the RAV4 are not bad in general, the car is comfortable and cozy, the lateral support of the seats is especially pleasant, but in the CR-V the interior is a little more elegant.
• Rear seat passengers in the CR-V are more comfortable, as there is 60 cm more space.
• The RAV4 has a very competent all-round viewing system with information transmitted to the screen from four cameras, including the front wheels. To this luxury we would add the cleaning of the anterior chamber, which gets dirty after a couple of minutes - and there would be no price for this “feature”. The CR-V has only one camera, broadcasting the road behind the car.
• Even the top version of the CR-V is clearly inferior to the average RAV4 in terms of adapting cruise control, stabilization and hold systems, and monitoring blind spots.
• With equal engine size and power, the price difference reaches half a million in favor of the CR-V.

Compare cars

Honda Civic

Honda Civic is a roomy C class car. Available in different equipment options. One of the strongest points is the chassis. The car is devoid of ultra-modern technologies, but stands out for its reliable and proven engine.

Today the 2008 modification is popular. It is characterized by the following operational parameters:

• The type of fuel the car runs on is AI-95 gasoline.
• The body part is made in the form of a sedan.
• Automatic transmission installed 5.
• Front-wheel drive is used.
• Power is 140 hp.
• The fuel capacity is 50 liters.
• There are 4 doors.
• The trunk is designed for 389 liters.
• Dimensions: height – 143.5, length – 454.5 cm.
• The weight of the transport is 1194 kg.
• Ground clearance is 14.5 cm.
• The wheelbase is 270 cm.
• Fuel is consumed in the amount of 6.7 liters per 100 km.
• The car can accommodate 4 passengers and a driver.

The owners of this model speak positively about the car. They especially note the powerful and reliable power unit, high-quality chassis, beautiful design, and spacious interior. Motorists call the low seating position a disadvantage.

The cost of a new vehicle of this brand in car dealerships starts from 780,000 rubles.

Same in characteristics, different in life

Almost identical in technical characteristics, the cars are completely different on the road. For example, according to manufacturers, the fuel consumption of the Corolla is 8.3 l/100 km in the urban cycle and 5.3 l/100 km on the highway, and in the Civic, 8.2 l/100 km in urban mode and 5.1 l/100 km when traveling outside the city. . In real conditions, during the comparison test, the fuel consumption results turned out to be completely different.

For example, the Corolla uses much less fuel than the Civic. So the average gasoline consumption in the combined cycle for the Corolla was 6.8 l/100 km, while for the Civic this figure was 7.1 l/100 km.

You shouldn't look for any sporty manners in driving both cars. The cars are not designed for aggressive driving, but for calm city driving with an emphasis on efficiency. However, the Honda Civic offers more driver flexibility than the Corolla, which feels a little too soft. Despite the lack of a sporty character in these cars, those who are not indifferent to sports cars will like the Honda more than the Corolla.

What you should pay attention to?

Due to the fact that the new Honda Civic has a much lower dashboard than the Corolla, visibility in the car is significantly better. But during our test drive, a tall driver felt uncomfortable in the new Civic because the instrument panel is positioned very low, making it difficult to see the necessary information on the panel. But on the other hand, the high-mounted instrument panel in the new Coroll can make it difficult for a person with short stature to view the information on the instrument cluster.

Predictability on the road

The steering wheel of the Honda Civic has a small diameter, which is a little frustrating, contrary to expectations. However, steering feedback is predictable and gives confidence on the road. There are no complaints about the handling of the Corolla either. The car behaves decently and reliably on the road. The only thing worth noting is that a car with an engine equipped with a Valvematic system and an automatic transmission, despite serious fuel economy, does not change gears very quickly, which causes a little irritation, especially at the moment when maximum acceleration is required.

The noise of the Corolla engine is also a little disappointing when paired with a CVT, however, the car in this version of the equipment accelerates to the desired speed much faster than a car equipped with a classic automatic.

Result:

Prices for the 2014 Honda Civic (1.8 liter and manual transmission) start at 779,000 rubles, which is 120,000 rubles more than the base Corolla with a 1.33 liter engine and manual transmission (price 659,000 rubles). When fully equipped, the Civic will cost 939,000 rubles, while the Corolla S will cost 935,000 rubles.

Given the lack of initial funds for the purchase of a top-end configuration, buyers will most likely prefer to buy a new Toyota Corolla, since it is much cheaper than its competitor Honda Civic, which does not have a low-power engine, due to which the price of a new car will cost more than 100 thousand rubles than the Corolla.

Despite the fact that the Honda Civic has some advantages over the Toyota Corolla, nevertheless, indicators such as efficiency, space and comfort for passengers, trunk volume, and price play an important role in the buyer’s final decision to purchase a car in this class. Therefore, the winner of this comparison test is undoubtedly the new 2014 Toyota Corolla.

Toyota Corolla IX 1.6 – typical faults

Play in the steering

Many cars have already covered more than 200,000 km; in their case, they have to take into account the wear of the steering rods. Sometimes there is play in the rack. Fortunately, the steering mechanism is equipped with a hydraulic booster, which does not cause problems.

Wear of stabilizer bushings

The suspension has a very simple design and is highly durable. Only with high mileage does it become necessary to replace bushings and stabilizer struts. The cost of a new set does not exceed several thousand rubles.

Rapid brake wear

The brake system components are not very durable. Brake pads, as a rule, require replacement after 30 thousand km, and brake discs after 45 thousand km. Original spare parts for the brake system are very expensive. Fortunately, substitutes are quite affordable.

Increased oil consumption

At high mileage, the 1.6-liter engine begins to consume a lot of engine oil. Therefore, in older cars, regular checking of its level is required.

Thus, the Toyota Corolla IX is quite an expensive car compared to its competitors, but among long-standing small cars it is difficult to find a more reliable design. The 1.6-liter engine provides good dynamics, but the comfortable chassis lends itself more to a relaxed driving style. The main disadvantage is the relatively small trunk.