Honda Vs. Toyota
Toyota Vs. Honda: In-Depth Brand Comparison
Honda Vs. Toyota: The Showdown Begins
Welcome to our Honda vs. Toyota comparison. We will dive deep into these two OEMs, reviewing their vehicles' specs, efficiency, reliability, safety features, and more. These brands are extremely popular in the United States, with vehicles like the Honda Civic and Toyota RAV4 landing at the top of the sales charts year after year. Read on to learn more about these two vehicle manufacturers, courtesy of Muller Honda Highland Park.
Honda Vs. Toyota Vehicles
Compact Sedans
Some of the most recognizable models in the Honda and Toyota lineups are the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic. The Honda Civic is available with two powertrain options. The entry-level configuration is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 158 horsepower. The upgraded option is a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that makes 180 horsepower. Both versions come with front-wheel drive and a slick automatic transmission.
The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, has a single non-hybrid powertrain available. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 169 horsepower. While this beats out the base engine of the Honda Civic, it loses out to the turbocharged version. The Honda Civic is also more fun to drive with its sporty suspension and dynamic handling. There's a reason, after all, that more gearheads turn the Honda Civic into their dream vehicle.
Compact Sedan Performance Comparison
Honda Civic LX |
Toyota Corolla LE Sedan |
|
| Engine | 2.0L four-cylinder | 2.0L four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 | 169 |
| Torque | 177 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Midsize Sedans
The next models we'll look at are the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The latter boasts more standard horsepower than the former but has worse fuel economy numbers and less interior space for your passengers and cargo. The Honda Accord gets 192 horsepower with its standard turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and earns an EPA-estimated 30/38/33 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 The Toyota Camry makes 203 horsepower with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but only scores an EPA-estimated 28/39/32 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
The 2023 Honda Accord boasts 105.6 cubic feet of passenger room and 16.7 cubes of space in the trunk. The 2023 Toyota Camry, on the other hand, has just 100.4 cubes of passenger room and 15.1 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk. Whether you're looking to haul people comfortably or stuff the trunk full during a cross-country trip, the Honda Accord is a better option for you and yours.
Midsize Sedan Performance Comparison
Honda Accord LX |
Toyota Camry LE |
|
| Engine | Turbo 1.5L four-cylinder | 2.5L four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 192 | 203 |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Honda vs. Toyota SUVs
SUVs are some of the most popular vehicles in the country. Both OEMs in this battle have top-rated SUV models in their lineups. We'll compare the most commonly purchased models, the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. The Honda vehicle is ahead in this matchup out of the gate, boasting more standard features. Every model has a snow driving mode and hill descent control, which are not standard on the Toyota RAV4. The Honda CR-V also enjoys more passenger space.
The Honda CR-V is new for the 2023 model year, whereas the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is still a fifth-generation model. The difference is felt in the interior, which is more upscale in the Honda vehicle. While both SUVs can carry you and your friends around town in comfort, the Honda car offers more standard amenities, such as dual-zone climate control (compared to manual single-zone A/C in the Toyota RAV4).
SUV Performance Comparison
Honda CR-V LX |
Toyota RAV4 LE |
|
| Engine | Turbo 1.5L four-cylinder | 2.5L four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 190 | 203 |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Toyota vs. Honda Sports Cars
For this section of our Honda vs. Toyota matchup, we're looking at the Toyota GR Supra and the Honda Civic Type R. It's telling that Toyota has a specialized sports car model while Honda offers the Honda Civic Type R as its sporty performance sedan – the base model of the Honda Civic is so well-designed that it can fit this vehicle class with some upgrades. The entry-level Toyota GR Supra gets 255 horsepower with its standard engine, whereas the Honda Civic Type R makes 315 horsepower with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
The Honda Civic Type R is available with a manual transmission, whereas the Toyota GR Supra has an automatic – regardless of the engine you select. Folks who want a sports car tend to value their ability to make their own decisions about when to switch gears, so we count this as a huge plus in favor of the Honda Civic Type R. The Honda vehicle also seats four, compared to just two in the Toyota sports car. You can learn more by checking out our Toyota GR Supra vs. Honda Civic Type R comparison.
Sports Car Performance Comparison
Honda Civic Type R |
Toyota GR Supra 2.0 |
|
| Engine | Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder | 2.0L four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 315 | 255 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 2 |
Honda vs. Toyota Hybrids
Both Honda and Toyota offer a number of vehicles with hybrid powertrains. There are more Toyota hybrids available in part because the company has been making them for longer. We'll examine how the Toyota RAV4 hybrid models compare to the Honda CR-V hybrid option. The Honda CR-V hybrid uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a lithium-ion battery, and a pair of electric motors to produce 204 horsepower. This hybrid Honda SUV can tow up to 1,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Toyota RAV4 is available as a mild or plug-in hybrid. The mild-hybrid version gets 219 horsepower, while the plug-in hybrid gets 302. It's worth noting that the entry-level version of the plug-in Toyota RAV4 Prime costs thousands more than the entry-level model of the Honda CR-V hybrid. While the Toyota hybrid has more power, the Honda SUV offers better value to drivers.
Hybrid Performance Comparison
Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE |
|
| Engine | 2.0L four-cylinder | 2.5L four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 204 | 219 |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Honda Vs. Toyota Performance
Honda and Toyota use four-cylinder engines across their lineup. Many of them are equipped with a turbocharger, which allows these cars to perform well without guzzling gasoline. The Honda Civic can be had with a normal four-cylinder and a turbocharged option that produces 180 horsepower. The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, has only a standard four-cylinder that gets 169 horsepower.
The most popular SUVs from these automakers also use four-cylinder engines. The Toyota RAV4 gasoline-only vehicle gets 203 horsepower from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while the Honda CR-V gets 190 horsepower from its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. While the Honda SUV makes less horsepower, it's worth noting that this model has an entire liter less displacement, generally making for better fuel economy.
Honda Vs. Toyota Fuel Efficiency
In the course of our Honda vs. Toyota comparison, we have already broached the topic of fuel efficiency. The Honda Accord scores better fuel economy marks from the EPA than its competitor, the Toyota Camry. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have similar scores, with the 2023 Honda CR-V getting an EPA-estimated 28/34/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) 1 when equipped with front-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive Toyota RAV4 scores an EPA-estimated 27/34/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
The trend holds for trucks made by these respective companies. The 2023 Honda Ridgeline scores an EPA-estimated 18/24/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined). 1 This vehicle comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Toyota Tacoma comes with two-wheel drive, but models that have all-wheel drive – a feature that costs some extra money – score an EPA-estimated 19/22/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) 2 when equipped with the standard 2.7-liter engine. Honda vehicles often get better gas mileage than their Toyota counterparts.
Honda Vs. Toyota Reliability
Both Honda and Toyota are well-known for making durable cars that last a long time. When we compare Honda vs. Toyota models, we see that both have long potential lifespans. For the 2022 model year, RepairPal calls Honda the top car brand.3The company makes vehicles that can break the 200,000-mile mark with regular maintenance (and a little bit of luck). The same can be said for Toyota cars, however.
Our new Honda vehicles for sale are durable and long-lasting. The company's lineup is extensive but not bloated. Whether you need a durable and sporty sedan like the Honda Accord, a two-row SUV like the Honda CR-V, or a larger vehicle, there's something in the Honda stable that can meet your needs. The company's three-row SUV, the Honda Pilot, is great for folks with a gaggle of kids to cart around town.
Toyota also makes a three-row SUV, the Toyota Highlander. Both of these cars offer plenty of space to drivers, but the Honda Pilot has more passenger space and a strong base engine. You can learn more about the Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander.
Honda Vs. Toyota Safety
Honda vehicles come standard with a wide array of safety features. The Honda Civic, for example, comes standard with:
- Collision mitigation braking system
- Road departure mitigation system
- Multi-angle rearview camera
- Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
- Lane-keeping assistance system
- Traffic sign recognition
These technologies work hard to try and keep you secure as you travel down the roads and highways in our region. The lane-keeping and mitigation systems can step in when you cross road lines, potentially preventing you from veering off course. A rearview camera is also there to help you navigate tight parking spots. Honda automobiles are well-equipped with the features you want when you're trying to be safe on the road.
Toyota cars are also replete with safety features. Many of them have adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigation system, lane departure alerts, and road sign reading abilities. This is one part of our Honda vs. Toyota comparison where the cars are more or less evenly matched.
Honda Vs. Toyota Maintenance
The last stop in our Honda vs. Toyota matchup is the question of vehicle maintenance. As noted above, RepairPal rated Honda as its top brand for reliability in 2022.3 Since maintenance is an important part of a vehicle's reliability, this is a significant point in favor of the Honda lineup. Both brands offer warranty coverage with the purchase of a new automobile. You'll enjoy three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, of new vehicle limited warranty coverage when you buy a Honda or Toyota car.4
Thank you for reading our Honda vs. Toyota comparison. We've discussed the companies' engine performance, safety features, and more. We hope we've helped you answer the question, "Which SUV is better: Toyota or Honda?" Honda automobiles offer better value for your money. You can see more of this for yourself by reviewing our Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Passport page. Our team looks forward to working with you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Honda have safer cars than Toyota?
Honda vehicles come equipped with excellent safety features. The Honda Civic, for example, has standard lane-keeping assistance, collision mitigation systems, a multi-view rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and a road sign information system. Toyota cars are also well-equipped, but Honda machines tend to offer better value for your money. Visit our dealership today to check out the Honda safety features.
Are Honda cars more reliable than Toyota cars?
RepairPal, a well-known automotive reviewing organization, named Honda as its most reliable brand for 2022.3 You can generally expect a Honda automobile to crack the 150,000-mile mark – if not 200,000 – with care and all the recommended maintenance. Toyota vehicles are also known for their reliability, but Honda sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans are the cream of the crop.
Which OEM has cheaper cars: Honda or Toyota?
Honda and Toyota cars have relatively similar price points. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, both of which are two-row SUVs, have very similar starting prices, for example. Top-tier Toyota models can cost more, however, even though they don't offer enough extra features to justify the difference. Generally speaking, Honda cars can deliver better long-term value for your hard-earned money.
Toyota or Honda: Which brand has lower maintenance costs?
Both of these brands offer shockingly low maintenance costs, on average – the specific numbers will vary from model to model and year to year, however. What we can say is that Honda cars offer excellent value for your money. They have efficient engines, durable designs, and numerous standard safety features that work to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
Honda or Toyota: Which has more fuel-efficient cars?
While fuel mileage estimates vary from vehicle to vehicle, it's possible to say that Honda vehicles get better fuel economy ratings. Both companies offer trucks, for example, but the Honda Ridgeline scores better EPA estimates than the Toyota Tacoma. The same is true when we compare the Honda Accord to the Toyota Camry – the base model of the latter has a better rating.
Who makes the best engine: Honda or Toyota?
Honda has a superior engine design to Toyota. Honda vehicles tend to score better fuel economy results without significant discrepancies in performance. The Honda Civic Type R actually bests the Toyota GR Supra in terms of horsepower output without getting a terrible fuel economy rating. Please reach out to the Muller Honda Highland Park team to learn more about Honda engines and performance.
Why is Honda better than Toyota?
Honda automobiles offer better value for your hard-earned money than their competitors from Toyota. The Honda Accord, for example, has comparable fuel economy estimates and performance ratings when compared to the Toyota Camry. It also manages to pack significantly more passenger and cargo room into a sedan in the same size class. This pattern is repeated across the Honda vs. Toyota lineups.
View Other Toyota Vs. Honda Model Comparisons
- Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Passport
- Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Supra GR vs. Honda Civic Type R
- Honda Accord vs, Toyota Camry
- Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander
1Based on 2023 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See fueleconomy.gov.
3https://www.motorbiscuit.com/honda-vs-toyota-reliability-affordable-car-brand-more-dependable/
4Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.