Verdict
At RM133,900, the Honda Civic costs RM10,900 less than the Toyota Corolla yet brings 180 hp and 240 Nm against 137 hp and 172 Nm, plus a quoted 0-100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds. Its 497-litre boot and 2,735-mm wheelbase also give it a practical edge. Honda Sensing adds autonomous braking, collision warning and steering correction, where the Corolla has none of those listed. The Corolla answers with 17-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control and a full-size spare. For most Malaysian buyers, the Civic is the stronger buy.
Pick the Honda Civic if you want the lower purchase price, 43 hp more power, Honda Sensing and the larger 497-litre boot.
Pick the Toyota Corolla if a 360-degree camera, dual-zone air-conditioning, power driver’s seat and a full-size alloy spare matter more than outright performance.
Key differences
- Price: Honda Civic RM133,900; Toyota Corolla RM144,800.
- Power and torque: Honda Civic 180 hp and 240 Nm; Toyota Corolla 137 hp and 172 Nm.
- Boot space: Honda Civic 497 litres; Toyota Corolla 470 litres.
- Wheelbase: Honda Civic 2,735 mm; Toyota Corolla 2,700 mm.
- Wheels and spare: Honda Civic 16-inch alloys with a space-saver; Toyota Corolla 17-inch alloys with a full-size 17-inch alloy spare.
- Driver-assistance braking: Honda Civic has Honda Sensing autonomous braking; Toyota Corolla has no autonomous braking listed.
Civic
- 180 hp and 240 Nm, versus 137 hp and 172 Nm.
- Honda Sensing autonomous braking, collision warning and steering correction.
- 497-litre boot, 9-inch screen with Google services and eight speakers.
- No 360-degree camera; the Corolla has one.
- Manual front-seat adjustment and single-zone climate control, versus the Corolla’s power driver’s seat and dual-zone system.
- 16-inch wheels and a space-saver spare, versus 17-inch wheels and a full-size alloy spare.
Corolla
- 360-degree camera and front and rear foglamps.
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.
- 17-inch alloy wheels, full-size alloy spare and driver’s knee airbag.
- 137 hp and 172 Nm trail the Civic’s 180 hp and 240 Nm.
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or lane-keeping steering correction listed.
- 470-litre boot and 2,700-mm wheelbase are smaller than the Civic’s 497 litres and 2,735 mm.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM133,900✓ | RM144,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90✓ | RM279 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 180 hp✓ | 137 hp |
| Torque | 240 Nm✓ | 172 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 73 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 7 Speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.3 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,678 mm | 4,630 mm |
| Width | 1,802 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Height | 1,415 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,735 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,349 kg | 1,365 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 497 litres✓ | 470 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R16 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R16 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Continental MaxContact MC5 | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-fold | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 9.0" Advanced Display Audio Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, 8 Speakers, Wired Android Auto, Wired and Wireless Apple CarPlay | 9.0" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Front Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Civic & Corolla for sale
Civic vs Corolla FAQ
Is the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla better?
The Honda Civic is the better all-round choice: it is RM10,900 cheaper, has 180 hp and 240 Nm, a larger 497-litre boot and Honda Sensing autonomous braking. Choose the Corolla for its 360-degree camera, power driver’s seat and dual-zone climate control.
What is the price difference?
The Honda Civic costs RM133,900 and the Toyota Corolla costs RM144,800, so the Corolla is RM10,900 more expensive.
Which car is more practical for luggage and family use?
The Civic has the advantage on paper, with a 497-litre boot against 470 litres and a 2,735-mm wheelbase against 2,700 mm. Both are five-seat, four-door sedans with 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
