2021 Honda Civic vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially celebrated for its aesthetics, often compared to a less appealing alien visage. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint colour, the Corolla transformed into a more attractive compact sedan. The interior saw significant improvements, with Toyota replacing the previous model's cheap plastics with soft-touch surfaces, enhancing the perceived quality. Despite these upgrades, the Corolla's transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car roots, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia. The Corolla's pricing started at a base MSRP of $18,990, with various trims offering different features and power levels, including a hybrid option for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Honda Civic, known for its segment-defining models, continued to impress with its 10th-generation design. Available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, the Civic offered a range of options for buyers. The Civic sedan, particularly in the Touring trim with Cosmic Blue Metallic paint, presented a stylish appearance, though opinions on its design varied. Inside, the Civic's cabin featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing, though the infotainment screen size showed its age. The Civic's interior was spacious, comparable to a decade-old midsize car, providing comfort for passengers. The Civic's pricing started at $23,400 Canadian, with the Touring trim reaching $31,331, including fees.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful 169-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine, providing a sportier driving experience. The Corolla's independent rear suspension contributed to a smooth ride, though the lack of sound insulation and steering feedback were noted. The XSE trim, while sporty, struggled with acceleration, particularly in demanding situations. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the XSE rated at 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 on the highway.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a 2.0-litre engine with 158 horsepower for the LX, EX, and Sport trims, while the Touring trim featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering provided a gratifying driving experience, though the CVT was criticized for its droning and lack of engagement. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 6.8 L/100 km on a test loop, surpassing the estimated 7.1 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, smaller than a Camry, offered adequate space for a family of four, though rear passengers faced discomfort due to the lack of air-conditioning vents and USB ports. The driver's seat was comfortable, but the low seating position and lack of storage space were drawbacks. The trunk provided 371 litres of space, accommodating various luggage items.

The 2021 Honda Civic, with its low seating position, required effort to enter and exit. However, once inside, the Civic offered comfort and ample space, comparable to a midsize car. The centre console provided excellent storage options, and the trunk offered 428 litres of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered additional features like advanced voice recognition and satellite radio.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology showed its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation. The voice recognition system required specific prompts, and the premium sound system was a notable upgrade.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. The system included features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The Corolla received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Civic featured Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Civic's LaneWatch system provided right-side blind-spot monitoring, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA.