2021 Honda Civic vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially considered attractive, resembling a hungry alien. However, when equipped with SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint color, it presented a more appealing look. The interior quality saw significant improvements, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the previously cheap plastics. Despite these enhancements, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car status, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia. The Corolla's pricing started at $19,600, with the XSE trim reaching around $28,800, offering various trims and a hybrid option for those prioritizing fuel economy.

The 2021 Honda Civic, known for its segment-defining models, continued to impress with its 10th-generation design. Available in sedan, hatchback, and Type R formats, the Civic offered a range of trims, with the Touring sedan priced at $29,690. The Civic's design, while polarizing, had become familiar on the roads. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, provided a stylish appearance. Inside, the Civic's adventurous design and quality materials were evident, though the infotainment system showed its age with a maximum screen size of 7 inches. Despite this, the Civic maintained its reputation as a trendsetter in the compact car segment.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 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-hp, 2.0-liter engine, providing a sportier experience with paddle shifters and 18-inch wheels. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, offering a smooth ride with its independent rear suspension. However, the lack of a turbocharger limited its acceleration capabilities. The Corolla XSE achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, though real-world testing averaged 29.8 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Civic's LX and Sport trims came with a 2.0-liter engine producing 158 horsepower, while the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering provided an enjoyable driving experience, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the CVT detracted from the driving pleasure, with its droning nature and ineffective paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a 140-mile loop, surpassing the EPA estimate of 33 mpg combined.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a spacious interior for a compact car. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports made it uncomfortable for rear passengers, especially during hot weather. The front seats were comfortable, with the driver's seat offering 8-way power adjustment. The trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of space, accommodating several bags and a compact stroller, though storage bins and cupholders were limited.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, with its low seating position, required some effort to enter and exit. Once inside, the Civic offered a roomy interior, comparable to a decade-old midsize car. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment, while the rear seats provided excellent thigh support. The center console offered ample storage space, and the trunk measured 15.1 cubic feet, 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 compatibility but lacking Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered additional features like advanced voice recognition, HD Radio, and a JBL premium sound system. The Corolla also included Amazon Alexa compatibility and various trial services, though Android users might find the system less accommodating.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated, with the LX trim offering a basic 5-inch LCD screen. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim added HD Radio and SiriusXM, while the Touring trim included navigation and a 10-speaker audio system. The Civic's voice recognition system was less sophisticated, but the infotainment system's familiar interface made it user-friendly.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, featuring advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and pedestrian detection. The system operated with refinement, though the lane-departure warning's aural alert could be irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Civic included Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic's LaneWatch system provided right-side blind-spot monitoring, though it lacked a traditional radar-based system. Honda Sensing was effective but could be abrupt at times. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS for the Touring trim and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all assessments.