2017 Honda Civic vs 2017 Toyota Corolla: Which Compact Car King Reigns Supreme?
There’s a unique peace of mind that comes from driving a car known for its reliability, and for decades, two names have defined that feeling: the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla.
When you’re choosing a compact car, you’re not just picking a way to get from A to B. You’re selecting a partner for your daily commute, your road trips, and your life. The 2017 model year was a fascinating time for this legendary rivalry. One car, the Civic, was fresh off a complete redesign. The other, the Corolla, was a refined veteran. So, which one deserves a spot in your garage? Let’s get behind the wheel and find out.
Under the Hood: Power and Fuel Economy
This is where these two cars take very different paths. One offers you more power, while the other focuses on doing just enough, efficiently.
Horsepower and Performance
Get ready for a clear winner in this category. The 2017 Honda Civic gives you two engine choices. The standard 2.0-liter engine delivers a solid 158 horsepower. If you want more excitement, an available turbocharged 1.5-liter engine kicks out a peppy 174 horsepower. You’ll feel this power when you need to merge onto the highway or pass a slow-moving vehicle.
The 2017 Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, makes do with a single 1.8-liter engine producing 132 horsepower. It has enough power for city driving, but it can feel sluggish when you ask for a burst of speed. The Civic’s turbo engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds, while the Corolla takes a more relaxed 9.8 seconds.
The All-Important MPG
Despite its power advantage, the Civic is also the champion at the fuel pump. Here’s a quick look at how their fuel efficiency stacks up according to EPA estimates:
| Car and Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic (2.0L) | 31 | 40 |
| Honda Civic (Turbo 1.5L) | 32 | 42 |
| Toyota Corolla (Base) | 28 | 36 |
| Toyota Corolla LE Eco | 30 | 40 |
The 2017 Honda Civic manages to be both the more powerful and the more fuel-efficient car, a winning combination for any driver.
Safety and Tech: Peace of Mind on the Road
Both of these cars have stellar safety reputations, but they pack different standard equipment.
Standard Safety Tech
The 2017 Toyota Corolla stood out for making advanced safety features standard on every model. This means even the most basic Corolla came with a full suite of systems including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. This was a huge win for safety-conscious buyers on a budget.
The 2017 Honda Civic offered a similar suite of features called Honda Sensing. However, it was typically an optional add-on for most trims and only came standard on the top-tier Touring model. If you wanted the latest active safety tech in a lower-priced Civic, you often had to pay extra.
Crash Test Scores
When it comes to surviving a crash, both cars earned top marks. Both the Civic and Corolla received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2017 Corolla its highest honor of Top Safety Pick+, while the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick rating. The difference came down to the Corolla’s headlights, which earned a better rating than the Civic’s.
Comfort and Interior Design
You spend all your time inside the car, so this matters more than you might think.
“Honda’s engineering philosophy balances everyday practicality, advanced technology, and a fun-to-drive spirit that has won over millions of drivers worldwide.”
The 2017 Honda Civic’s interior feels modern, clean, and driver-focused. The materials look and feel high-quality, and the controls are laid out logically. One clever feature is the sliding volume control on the steering wheel, which makes up for the lack of a physical volume knob on the dashboard.
The 2017 Toyota Corolla’s cabin is comfortable and incredibly roomy, especially in the back seat. Rear-seat legroom is a strong point for the Corolla, making it a great choice for families who often carry adult passengers. However, the interior design was starting to show its age, with some critics noting the use of more hard plastics compared to the Civic.
Here’s a quick look at how their key interior dimensions compare:
| Feature | 2017 Honda Civic | 2017 Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | 97.8 cu ft | 97.1 cu ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 41.4 in |
| Cargo Space | 15.1 cu ft | 13.0 cu ft |
Driving Experience: Daily Commute or Daily Joy?
This is the area where the difference between these two cars is most dramatic.
The Honda Civic is simply more fun to drive. Its steering is more responsive, and its multi-link rear suspension helps it feel composed and confident around corners. It feels like a car that enjoys being driven. The ride is settled and comfortable, making it a great partner for long journeys.
The Toyota Corolla prioritizes simplicity and comfort. Its main goal is to get you where you’re going without any fuss. Some reviewers found its ride to be a bit firm and noted that it lets in more wind and road noise than the Civic. The steering is light and easy for parking, but it doesn’t give you much feedback or connection to the road. As one expert put it, the steering can feel artificial, “like a rubber band was being stretched as you turned the wheel.”
Value and Reliability
You can’t go wrong with either car’s long-term reputation, but their value propositions differ.
The Toyota Corolla has a legendary reputation for being nearly bulletproof, and this 2017 model is no exception. It’s a smart, low-worry choice that will provide years of dependable service.
The Honda Civic, however, often delivers more for your money. It gives you more power, better fuel economy, a more modern interior, and a more engaging driving experience. When you consider its lower long-term running costs thanks to its excellent MPG, the Civic’s value becomes even clearer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more reliable, the 2017 Civic or Corolla?
Both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla have outstanding and very similar reputations for long-term reliability. You can be confident in either car’s ability to provide years of dependable service.
Does the 2017 Honda Civic have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes! The 2017 Civic came standard with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on its supported trims, letting you easily connect your smartphone.
What is Honda Sensing?
Honda Sensing is a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive features. It includes systems like collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
Does the 2017 Toyota Corolla have a backup camera?
Yes, a backup camera was made a standard feature on all 2017 Toyota Corolla models.
Which car has more rear-seat space, the Civic or Corolla?
The 2017 Toyota Corolla has a clear advantage in rear-seat legroom, offering 41.4 inches compared to the Civic’s 37.4 inches, making it very spacious for passengers in the back.
The Final Verdict
So, which one should you choose? Your decision comes down to what you value most.
Choose the 2017 Toyota Corolla if: Your top priorities are a reputation for bulletproof reliability, a super-spacious back seat, and having advanced safety features standard on every model. It’s a comfortable, sensible, and smart choice.
Choose the 2017 Honda Civic if: You want a car that does it all. It delivers fantastic fuel economy, more power, a more modern and higher-quality interior, and a driving experience that is genuinely engaging. It’s the compact car that feels a class above.
In the battle of these two Japanese automotive icons, the 2017 Honda Civic emerges as the more complete and rewarding package. It proves you don’t have to sacrifice fun for practicality.
Which compact car king has won your heart? Are you Team Civic or Team Corolla? Share your own driving story in the comments below!
