Video: 2026 Honda Civic vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla: Auto Show Faceoff

In almost every case, the Corolla is the more affordable of the two. It starts at under $25,000 and works its way up to the 30 to $31,000 range. The most affordable Civic starts at over $25,000. The hatchback is close to $30,000 at least, and then you can get up to over $34,000 for a fully-loaded hybrid model. The Civic is the choice for driving enjoyment. It's fun to drive, engaging, and the hybrid is more powerful, more fuel efficient, and downright sporty. The Corolla isn't as enjoyable to drive as the Civic, but it's still fairly engaging. Where it really shines is fuel economy and in the availability of all-wheel drive. The Corolla's interior is pretty basic, very cheap feeling, but it does have decent tech for the price, including a larger screen and a digital instrument panel. Some of the Civic's added costs definitely goes to the interior. The cockpit is much more stylish. I like it a lot better. It feels more put together. The exception is the technology, which is a little bit more outdated. Price and fuel efficiency are crucial, but the Corolla and Civic are close enough in that regard that what's most important to me still stands out, and that's smiles per mile. I'm gonna take the Civic. For more expert reviews and the latest from the auto show floor, subscribe to cars.com's YouTube channel.