Conclusion
Really, you can’t go wrong. Both promise a high probability of reliable, efficient, safe motoring (okay, the Civic has the edge here with an IIHS Top Safety Pick and NHTSA 5 Star ratings, while the Corolla only manages the NHTSA 5 Star) and extensive features in the mid-twenties (and no doubt a variety of lease and finance rates that you’ll have to research thoroughly as they change monthly). These are both very good cars, the Civic keeping its edge by updating the styling and adding a CVT to this Canadian favourite, while the Corolla has finally shaken its driving doldrums and beige reputation while retaining the excellent value and practicality Toyota has always packaged into the world’s bestselling car.
But here at Autos.ca, we always pick a winner, and this time it is the Toyota Corolla for its better value, impressive efficiency, affordable practicality and newfound charms both on the road and in its curbside appeal.
  2014 Honda Civic Touring & 2014 Toyota Corolla S. Click image to enlarge |
Pricing: 2014 Honda Civic Touring
Base Price (LE): $15,690
Base Price (Touring): $25,200
Options: None
A/C Tax: $100
Freight & PDI: $1,495
Price as tested: $26,795
Pricing: 2014 Toyota Corolla S
Base Price (CE): $15,995
Base Price (S): $19,215
Options: CVT – $985; Technology package – $3,900 (17-inch alloys, rear disc brakes, Auto climate control, Integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Premium Navigation, 8-way Power Adjustable Driver Seat, SofTex Leather Seating Surfaces, Push-Button Start, Smart Key System, Electrochromic Rear View Mirror with Compass, Power slide/tilt moonroof)
A/C Tax: $100
Freight & PDI: $1,520
Price as tested: $25,720
Competitors:
Chevrolet Cruze
Dodge Dart
Ford Focus
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte
Mazda3
Mitsubishi Lancer
Nissan Sentra
Subaru Impreza
Volkswagen Jetta
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
