2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive iterations of the model. The SE and XSE trims enhanced its appeal with sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, making the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall aesthetic. The Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more subdued appearance, while the Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable path to better fuel efficiency. The Corolla XSE's interior was a significant improvement over previous models, featuring soft leatherette, padded door panels, and a minimalist design, though it lacked practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Honda Civic, with its long history of segment-defining models, continued to impress with its 10th-generation design. Available in sedan, hatchback, and Type R formats, the Civic sedan came in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims. The Touring sedan, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, offered a striking appearance, though opinions on its styling varied. The interior, once daring, showed signs of aging, particularly with its 7-inch infotainment screen. However, it maintained quality materials and thoughtful detailing. The Civic's spacious interior and trunk, comparable to a decade-old midsize car, provided ample room for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT and paddle shifters, the Corolla offered a Sport driving mode. The XSE's CVT, with its mechanical first gear, minimized the typical CVT slip, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE delivered predictable handling and was quick enough for spirited driving. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 7.6 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque in the LX, EX, and Sport trims. The turbocharged 1.5-litre engine in the Touring trim delivered 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering made it a delight to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the CVT detracted from the driving experience with its droning and ineffective paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 6.8 L/100 km on a 225-kilometre loop.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, heated front and rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The interior provided good support and comfort, though rear headroom and legroom were tight. The Corolla's trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, with no interior handle for the trunk lid.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan sat low to the ground, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The Civic's interior was spacious, with excellent rear seat support and a comfortable backrest angle. The centre console provided remarkable storage space, and the trunk offered 428 litres of cargo space, reduced to 416 litres in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured an impressive infotainment package with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard. The SE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE included Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons, though the radio knobs could be more accessible.

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 upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation. The voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system was a nice addition, though the eight-speaker setup sufficed.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though new airbags required re-testing for 2021.

The 2021 Honda Civic featured Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. LaneWatch was available on the EX trim, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and 5-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.