2016 Honda Civic vs. 2016 Toyota Corolla: Which Compact Sedan Reigns Supreme?

 

When it comes to compact sedans, the 2016 Honda Civic and 2016 Toyota Corolla have long been contenders in the market. Both offer reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, but they cater to slightly different preferences. In this comparison, we'll delve into key aspects such as performance, interior features, safety, and overall value to help you determine which model suits your needs best.

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Performance and Efficiency

2016 Honda Civic

• Engine Options:

  • 2.0L 4-cylinder: 158 horsepower, 138 lb-ft torque

  • 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder: 174 horsepower, 162 lb-ft torque(hamiltonhonda.com, hondaofchantilly.com)

• Fuel Economy:

  • 2.0L engine: 31 MPG city / 40 MPG highway

  • 1.5L turbocharged engine: 32 MPG city / 42 MPG highway (hondaofchantilly.com)

• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)(hamiltonhonda.com)

2016 Toyota Corolla

• Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder, 132 horsepower, 128 lb-ft torque(guideautoweb.com)

• Fuel Economy:

  • 28 MPG city / 37 MPG highway (autodetective.com)

• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)(hamiltonhonda.com)

Verdict: The 2016 Honda Civic offers more powerful engine options and superior fuel efficiency, especially with the 1.5L turbocharged engine.

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Interior and Comfort

2016 Honda Civic

• Interior Space: More spacious cabin with increased legroom and headroom

• Features:

  • Standard 5-inch display screen

  • Available 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  • Standard rearview camera

  • Available leather upholstery and heated seats(wheels.ca)

2016 Toyota Corolla

• Interior Space: Comfortable seating for five, though slightly less spacious than the Civic

• Features:

  • Standard 6.1-inch touchscreen

  • Standard Bluetooth connectivity

  • Available leather upholstery and heated seats(en.wikipedia.org)

Verdict: The Civic's interior is more modern and spacious, offering advanced tech features even in base trims.

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Safety and Reliability

2016 Honda Civic

• Safety Ratings:

  • 5-star overall rating from NHTSA

  • Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS(en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org)

• Standard Safety Features:

  • Honda Sensing suite (available on higher trims)

  • Collision Mitigation Braking System

  • Road Departure Mitigation(cars.com, en.wikipedia.org)

2016 Toyota Corolla

• Safety Ratings:

  • 5-star overall rating from NHTSA

  • Top Safety Pick from IIHS

• Standard Safety Features:

  • Toyota Safety Sense-P suite (available on higher trims)

  • Pre-Collision System

  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

Verdict: Both vehicles offer excellent safety ratings and features, but the Civic's Honda Sensing suite provides more advanced driver-assistance technologies.

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Pricing and Value

• 2016 Honda Civic:

  • Starting MSRP: $18,640

  • Resale Value: Historically higher resale value due to demand and reliability(cars.com)

• 2016 Toyota Corolla:

  • Starting MSRP: $17,300

  • Resale Value: Strong resale value, though slightly lower than the Civic(cars.com)

Verdict: The Corolla is more affordable upfront, but the Civic may offer better long-term value due to its higher resale value.

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• Choose the 2016 Honda Civic if you prioritize:

  • Higher performance and fuel efficiency

  • More spacious and modern interior

  • Advanced safety features

  • Better long-term resale value(youtube.com)

• Choose the 2016 Toyota Corolla if you prioritize:

  • Lower initial purchase price

  • Proven reliability and low maintenance costs

  • Comfortable and straightforward driving experience

Both vehicles are excellent choices in the compact sedan segment, and your decision should align with your personal preferences and priorities.

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For a visual comparison and further insights, you might find this video helpful:

2016 Honda Civic vs. 2016 Toyota Corolla Comparison

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