AutoGuide: 2014 Honda Civic vs 2014 Toyota Corolla

 

Last year we compared the just-introduced 2014 Toyota Corolla against the revised 2013 Honda Civic. Synonymous with value-packed motoring, these two compact cars are the top sellers in the segment thanks to a reputation for giving customers exactly what they want.
After the launch of the 2012 Honda Civic, consumers, dealers and the automotive press panned the car for not being the class leader it had once been. Knowing that Toyota was about to launch an all-new Corolla for the 2014 model year, Honda quickly updated the Civic for 2013 and addressed many of its shortcomings.

Back to Drawing Board, Again

But that didn’t matter very much because the new Corolla still beat the 2013 Civic in AutoGuide.com's comparison test last year. Our main complaints with the Civic were its small back seat, comparatively poor fuel economy, higher price tag and unrefined five-speed automatic. Not happy with being second best, Honda went back to the drawing board once again and for 2014, is introducing an unprecedented third straight year of significant revisions to the Civic. The interior is tweaked once again with new styling and the addition of an available seven-inch Display Audio system, Honda’s “Lanewatch” blind spot camera and smart entry with push button ignition. But the biggest news has to do with the transmission. Much like the Corolla last year, the Civic gains a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for 2014. Not only does this improve the vehicles refinement, but also bumps up fuel economy as well.

Efficiency Dead Heat

Our tester, a Civic EX-L with Navigation, is now officially rated at 30 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. That is a two MPG improvement in the city over the 2013 Civic EX-L Navi and a one MPG advantage in both categories over the 2014 Corolla S. In real world testing however, the cars are dead even. Both returned a 32.7 MPG mixed driving average after a week in our hands.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Honda Civic Review - Video

Even if it’s a wash in terms of fuel economy, the Civic does hold an edge in power. Already making more power than the Corolla last year, the Civic’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine receives a modest bump of three hp and one lb-ft of torque this year bringing the totals to 143 hp and 129 lb-ft. Although that isn’t a huge advantage over the Corolla’s 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, it is still noticeable. There is a more powerful and more efficient version of Toyota’s 1.8-liter engine, but it is only available on the LE-ECO trim level. Some of the power advantage the Civic possesses is eaten up by a curb weight 65 lbs. heavier than the Corolla. On the road, we were divided over which vehicle was easier to drive. Both cars feature highly boosted steering but the Civic’s smaller diameter steering wheel makes the car feel more nimble.

Two CVTs, Two Different Behaviors

Honda’s new CVT is designed to feel like a traditional automatic much more than the Toyota CVT does. Noticeable shift points complete with momentary pauses have been programmed into the car’s mapping and probably affects fuel economy if only a little.
In the Corolla S, there are paddle shifters and a sport mode included if you want to pretend that you’re shifting gears. The Civic can also come with paddles, but only in the coupe model.
The Civic does feel more capable in corners and tracts straighter at high speeds. However, neither of these are even remotely sporty automobiles. They are simple to drive, reliable cars for general car consumers and as always, both excel at the task.

Space vs Comfort

Honda could only do so much when refreshing the Civic and rebuilding the entire body was out of the question. That means the Civic still trails the Corolla when it comes to interior space. Rear seat passengers in the Toyota enjoy 41.4 inches of legroom, which is more than a five-inch advantage compared to the cramped Civic. It’s the same story with cargo space: the Corolla has an extra half cubic foot of cargo carrying capacity over the Civic’s 12.5 cubic foot trunk.

Even with less space, the Honda’s ergonomics are better. The seating position and dashboard are better placed for comfortable driving than the Corolla’s ridiculously tall dashboard and comparatively less comfortable seats. Many found the sightlines in the Civic to be better thanks to the side mirrors being mounted to the door and not the A pillars.

Compare Specs

		vs
Vehicle	2014 Honda Civic	Advantage	2014 Toyota Corolla
Engine	1.8 Liter Inline-4	-	1.8 Liter Inline-4
Horsepower	143 hp	Civic	132 hp
Max. Torque	129 lb-ft	Civic	128 lb-ft
Fuel Economy	30 MPG city / 39 MPG hwy	Civic	29 MPG city / 38 MPG hwy
Observed Fuel Economy	32.7 MPG	-	32.7 MPG
Weight	2,930 lbs.	Corolla	2,865 lbs.
Front Legroom	42.0”	-	42.3”
Rear Legroom	36.2”	Corolla	41.4”
Cargo Capacity	12.5 cu. ft.	Corolla	13.0 cu. ft.
Starting Price	$19,180	Corolla	$17,610
As Tested Price	$25,030	Corolla	$23,570

Technology vs. Ease of Use

The Civic’s optional LaneWatch side-view camera that is infiltrating its way into every Honda product and we couldn’t be happier about that.  Honda’s Display Audio system lacks buttons in favor of an iPhone-like control interface that isn’t as straightforward to use as the Corolla’s system.

While on the topic of Display Audio, it allows owners to access to a limited number of applications including a $60 navigation app. Not only is this convenient, but it actually makes the trim of our test car, the EX-L with Navigation, sort of obsolete. And that brings us to issue of price. The Corolla begins at a price of $17,160 after destination charges which is over $1,500 cheaper than a base Civic’s price of $19,180. As tested, the gap remains the same with our Corolla S Premium featuring the driver convenience package priced at $23,570 compared to the Civic EX-L with Navi commanding $25,030.

The Verdict

Unlike last year, there is no clear cut winner anymore. The 2014 Honda Civic has closed the gap on the 2014 Toyota Corolla. While the Corolla is cheaper and offers more room inside, the Civic is more enjoyable to drive and features more leading edge technology. It really comes down to personal priorities and preferences as to which car makes better sense for you. Neither is a bad choice and it’s safe to say their sales battle will rage on for years to come.

2014 Honda Civic

LOVE IT Improved efficiency Better technology More powerful engine Better driving position

LEAVE IT Small backseat More expensive

2014 Toyota Corolla

LOVE IT Efficient Rear seat space New interior Cheaper price

LEAVE IT Still dull to drive Not as much tech New engine only on LE ECO Steering too loose

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/car-comparisons/2014-honda-civic-vs-2014-toyota-corolla-3920.html

AUTOGUIDE: 2013 Toyota Camry vs 2013 Honda Accord

By Mike Schlee, April 23 2013. Photos and Video by Stephen Elmer.

If the thought of a Camry versus Accord comparison test doesn’t get your heart racing, we understand. This is not exactly a battle of thoroughbred horses. Want speed, flair and style? Look elsewhere. What we have here, are two vehicles designed for the masses.

Both the Toyota and Honda mid-size sedans are built for people who aren't particularly interested in driving, but who need an easy to drive car, that is spacious, predictable, efficient and reliable. Built more for peoples’ needs than their wants, think of them as the sensible shoes of the automotive world.

Last year three of the top selling six vehicles in America were mid-size sedans with the Camry third overall and the Accord fourth (The only models above them were trucks). The mid-size sedan segment is huge and these two vehicles represented nearly three-quarters of a million vehicle sales last year in America alone. It goes without saying then that the stakes are high. So which is our pick between these two segment leaders?

NEW, BUT NOT DIFFERENT

All new for 2013, at first glance it may not appear that the Honda Accord has changed much since last year. With evolutionary styling not straying far from the 2012, a closer look is need to reveal subtle changes here and there. The LED daytime running lights, dual LED headlights (standard on our EX-L trimmed Accord) and LED taillights all give the Accord a little exterior flash. The rest of the vehicle lines have been sharpened up to give the Accord a fresh, modern look.

Compare Specs

		vs
Vehicle	2013 Honda Accord	Advantage	2013 Toyota Camry
Engine	2.4 L Inline-4	-	2.5 L Inline-4
Transmission	CVT	-	6-Speed Auto
Horsepower	185 hp	Accord	178 hp
Max. Torque	181 lb-ft	Accord	170 lb-ft
Fuel Economy	27 MPG city / 36 MPG hwy	Accord	25 MPG city / 35 MPG hwy
Observed Fuel Economy	25.3 MPG	Accord	23.5 MPG
Weight	3,365 lbs	Camry	3,245 lbs
Front Legroom	42.5 in.	Accord	41.6 in.
Rear Legroom	38.5 in.	Camry	38.9 in.
Cargo Capacity	15.8 cu-ft	Accord	15.4 cu-ft
Front Headroom	37.6 in.	Camry	37.9 in.
Rear Headroom	37.0 in.	Camry	38.0 in.
Starting Price	$22,470	Accord	$23,030
As Tested Price	$30,785	Camry	$28,520

The Camry received its last significant overhaul just last year. Again, it was a case of evolving the styling cues opposed to reinventing the Camry. This is definitely the most dramatic looking Camry to date, but that is not saying much since the Camry has always been more conservative than a one piece bathing suit. The new Camry does feature some nice design cues like the sideways ‘L’ shaped taillights, chrome fog light bezels and sloping front grill. That said, the Accord looks more upscale on the outside and was voted the more stylish vehicle according to our staff.

Both of our test vehicles came equipped as fully loaded four cylinder models. The 2013 Toyota Camry XLE features a 2.5-liter engine producing 178 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission and is officially rated by the EPA at 25 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. The Accord features a similar setup by utilizing a slightly smaller 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that develops a peppier 184 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via continuously variable transmission (CVT) and it also offers an edge in the fuel economy department at 27 MPG city and 36 MPG highway.

ENGAGING vs PREDICTABLE

Much has been made about the Accord switching to a CVT from a conventional automatic. The good news is, this is one of the better gear-less units on the market. It is quiet and constantly changing rpm speeds to avoid any of that dreaded CVT drone. Under hard acceleration it will simulate gear changes as well which helps break up the monotonous groaning associated with many CVTs.

Both vehicles offer a sport mode, but only the Toyota features a ‘manual’ mode that allows for driver selectable gearing. Despite a 105 lb. weight advantage, the Camry is not as fast as the Accord in a straight line; a result from slightly more power and the CVT. As well, the Accord achieved better fuel economy during our test period (during the cold winter months) by averaging 25.3 MPG compared to the Camry’s 23.5 MPG average.

Overall, the Accord is the more engaging car to drive of the two. It does excel at throttle response, steering feel and chassis dynamics, but is missing that magical something that makes the Camry feel incredibly easy to drive. The Camry’s ride felt rougher on imperfect pavement and more noise protrudes into the cabin; but that could be due to winter tire choice more than anything else. Overall, the Accord ends up feeling more refined when plodding down the road.

COMFORTABLE vs LUXURIOUS

Inside, the Camry has the upper hand. Although the Accord features a well laid out dashboard design, it cannot match the Camry’s more premium feel. The cross-stitched multi-angled dashboard of the Camry and all the switch gear are crafted out of quality materials.

Both cars feature well thought-out center cluster designs that place all the controls where you would expect them to be. The Camry’s user interface is easier to use, but the Accord’s second infotainment screen, which is dedicated for audio use only, is a nice touch. It is refreshing not having to exit out of various menus just to change the radio station. Speaking of which, the Camry wins the audiophile competition with a nice, bassy sound system.

The Accord was rated as having the better front seats which are wide, squishy and comfortable. Both cars have nearly identical rear seat legroom, but the Accord trumps the Camry’s front seat legroom by roughly an inch with 42.5-inches total. In the trunk it is a similar story with the Accord’s 15.8 cu-ft of cargo space edging out the Camry’s 15.4 cu-ft space.

See Also: 2012 Toyota Camry SE Review

There is a major, albeit curable, downfall in the Accord; the Interface Dial Feedback. If you own a 2013 Accord, best to turn it off. Using a text to speech function it will read out every menu choice and/or radio station selection. If you’re at all quick through the controls it gets so far behind it will freeze the system for 10-15 seconds and lock out any inputs during that time. It is beyond infuriating; how could Honda design such a beautiful gauge cluster, but screw up the text to speech so much?

The base 2013 Honda Accord LX starts at a lower price of $22,470 post-delivery charges thanks to the availability of a 6-speed manual transmission. That under cuts the automatic-only base Toyota Camry L’s post-delivery charge price of $23,030. However, as tested, the Camry becomes the pricing champion with a favourable $28,520 for our loaded up XLE Camry compared to our Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation equipped Accord EX-L which topped out at $30,785.

THE VERDICT

 

Either of these vehicles are a great choice. If refinement, curb appeal and efficiency are important to you, pick the Accord. If a luxurious interior, ease of use and lower MSRP are your top priorities, take the Camry.

However, like with any comparison test, there can only be one winner. Just like the epic sales battle these two vanilla gladiators partake in year after year, it was a very close finish with the edge going to the Accord thanks to better exterior styling, a more comfortable interior and some trick features like the lane watch camera. The fact it's better to drive and more efficient in the real world are just an added bonus.

2013 Honda Accord

LOVE IT Solid driving dynamics Attractive exterior Comfortable interior Fuel efficient

LEAVE IT Interface dial feedback Less premium interior than Camry

2013 Toyota Camry

LOVE IT Easy to operate Luxurious interior Attractive price Well laid out controls

LEAVE IT Bland styling Somewhat rough suspension Not as efficient as Accord Dull to drive

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/gallery.php/v/main/comparison/2013ToyotaCamryVS2013HondaAccord/2013-Honda-Accord+_2_.JPG.html