2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially praised for its aesthetics, often compared to a menacing alien. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint color, it presented a more appealing look. The Corolla's interior saw significant improvements in quality, replacing the previous model's cheap plastics with soft-touch surfaces, although the transmission shifter still reminded drivers of its economy car status. The Corolla's pricing started at $19,600, with various trims available, including a hybrid version promising 52 mpg in combined driving.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Civic was celebrated as the standout model in Honda's lineup, offering a sharp design across its sedan, coupe, and hatchback body styles. The Civic's exterior was visually stimulating, with sleek lines and LED lighting enhancing its appeal. The interior was simple yet high-quality, featuring soft-touch materials and a well-organized center console. The Civic's design updates for 2020 included new wheels and lighting changes, maintaining its modern and attractive appearance.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for its L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims provided a more spirited 169-hp, 2.0-liter engine, with options for a manual gearbox. The Corolla's driving dynamics were well-tuned, offering a smooth ride with its independent rear suspension. However, the XSE trim struggled with acceleration, lacking a turbocharger, which limited its performance potential. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined.

The 2020 Honda Civic offered a range of engines, starting with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower for the base LX and Sport trims. The EX and higher trims featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 174 horsepower, while the Sport Touring hatchback offered 180 horsepower. The Civic Si and Type R models delivered even more power, with 205 and 306 horsepower, respectively. The Civic's engines were praised for their smoothness and responsiveness, with the Si and Type R providing thrilling driving experiences. Fuel economy varied, with the Si rated at 26 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being classified as a compact car, offered a spacious interior, though it lacked rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports. The front seats were comfortable, but the low seating position was not favored by all passengers. The Corolla's trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of space, accommodating several pieces of luggage. However, the interior storage was limited, with small cupholders and few storage bins.

The 2020 Honda Civic provided a roomy interior, especially for rear passengers, with ample legroom and headroom. The trunk space was generous, with 15 cubic feet in the sedan and up to 46 cubic feet in the hatchback with seats folded. The Civic's interior featured a well-designed center console with configurable storage options, enhancing its practicality. However, the lack of rear air vents was noted as a drawback.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Additional features included Amazon Alexa compatibility, a 3-year trial of various services, and optional wireless charging for higher trims. The Corolla's infotainment system was comprehensive, though Android users might find it lacking.

The 2020 Honda Civic's infotainment system was considered outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on most models. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to bypass the factory interface. The Civic Si introduced Active Sound Control, while all models featured automatic climate control and Honda Sensing safety features. The Civic's technology offerings were functional but could benefit from an update.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The Corolla received a 5-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims, though rear cross-traffic alert was not included.

The 2020 Honda Civic featured Honda Sensing, with forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings in all crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Civic five stars in most categories, with a four-star rating for the passenger frontal crash in the coupe.