2024 Honda Civic vs. 2024 Toyota Camry
Comparison between the 2024 Honda Civic and the 2024 Toyota Camry
1. Exterior Design
In the first part of the comparison, we will compare the exterior design of the 2024 Honda Civic and the 2024 Toyota Camry. First impressions are important, and the visibility of a vehicle's design showcases a statement about the style, performance, and attitude of the driver. The 2024 Honda Civic is said to be the next level of design and performance in the compact sedan category. A glimpse of the sporty look and more aggressive features reveals a soul that wants to be driven. Double ring rear taillights that make a unique corner and the dual exhaust finisher has a strong character fitting for the car. A sleek roofline, low and wide body, and an upswept and dynamic greenhouse give the Civic a capable and elegant posture. The willowy and distinct character lines have intrigue and dynamism which suggest that every surface and detail was considered with emotion and tension. A near luxury-level spaciousness and cabin comfort are achieved within the compact sedan class. Starting at the front, a low set open grille design stands the car up and is clearly visible from the driver's seat giving it an assertive confidence and joy of driving. The sleek headlights are evocative of high-end sports cars. Coming or going the Civic has an unmistakable and sophisticated image. The overall look of the Civic is indeed modern and sleek. The Toyota Camry hasn't always had a reputation for sporty cars but, the 2024 Camry has a deep-rooted assertion that it's not just another "safe" and "reliable" family sedan. It's a bold and sophisticated take on a mid-sized package. The hood is long and low giving an athletic impression, yet, maintaining ample headspace in the cabin. This generation's TNGA platform allowed for a wider stance than previous models. While there are many "flavors" of the Camry, the SE and XSE trims have an aggressive front fascia that is distinctly striking. The two-tone paint option adds to the chic and audacious style. Even the Hybrid and XLE have a performance-minded, "cool and collected" confidence. The Camry has always been about class, and the leather interior is comfortable and chic. Level and style of comfort obviously vary by grade, but all have a premium feel. The Camry will be the notable choice for those looking for a mid-sized car. Though the Civic is a statement of design in its class, the comparison is that the Camry is a unique and strong-looking car regardless of category.
1.1. Honda Civic's modern and sleek exterior
The exterior design of the new Honda Civic is built on the same lines as its predecessor. The sleek and modern design of the new car aims to attract a larger audience to the brand. The vehicle is slightly shorter and lower compared to the 2021 model. It is also wider, with a longer wheelbase, giving a more muscular appearance. On the front end, the headlamps are seamlessly integrated into a Honda emblem in the center of the grille. The well-sculpted hood and front fenders present a sporting look, which is complemented by the flat underbody surface. The vehicle has a coupe-like profile with the roof sloping down to the rear end. The C-Pillar extends further than the previous generation, and the flat rear overhang combined with the wider stance makes the car look more planted to the ground. An available rear decklid spoiler adds to the sporting look of the car. On the rear end, the taillights are connected with a gloss black bar, and the long wheelbase gives a wider look. Overall, the modern and sleek exterior helps to reinforce the Civic's sporty nature.
1.2. Toyota Camry's bold and sophisticated design
The Toyota Camry brought to market the first of a new generation of more expressive designs for the marque when it appeared as an all-new model for 2018. Now for 2024, Corolla takes it up a notch with a much bolder, almost lavish expression that differs from previous generations of Toyota's all-time best seller. Toyota's designers went for a more provocative, three-dimensional look with strong etched sections and an extended profile that transpose into evocative surface nuances. A sport-themed XSE model amps up the effect with even more differentiation, along with a reconfigured mix of body colors that will make heads turn. With a wheelbase that remains stable at 106.3 (106.5 for XLE) inches, the new car is 0.5 inches longer overall, 0.2 inches lower and 0.4 inches wider than before, which yields an aggressive stance. A reduced front overhang and a shorter rear deck are designed to convey a performance image. For a compact/mid-size vehicle, Camry's new look is almost provocative. The best word for it may be sophisticated. The goal was a more upscale image and a look more akin to a sport/luxury sedan. Time will tell if they nailed the right market positioning. All signs point to quality built into the car, a selling point when a refreshed 2003 Camry took back sales leadership of the mid-size car class, trumping newer entries that had perceived quality advantages. Implementing advanced tooling and production engineering, Toyota aims to produce a car with an attention to detail and precision standard that is pure exhilaration to look at and to drive.
1.3. Comparison of dimensions and body styling
These svelte new looks are sure to bring up debate among some Honda and Toyota traditionalists. Some might find the new Civic a little less practical and anonymous, and it remains to be seen whether that sporty appearance helps to give the model a broader appeal. The Camry, always one to bring some radical styling change to the world of family sedans, goes all-out this time, and it will be refreshing to see if it's more successful.
In particular, the 2024 Civic's upright windshield and short front overhang remind of an older Honda design language. The door-mounted side mirrors are also a different look from the usual. At the rear, the Civic has a very clean design that stops short of being hatchback-like. In contrast, the Camry's roofline, short deck, and flowing rear pillars produce a liftback look—although it's a 4-door sedan. Step-in height for both of these sedans is about the same, but the Civic has a very low load floor in back, due to its suspension and packaging, making the cargo hold lower than it is in the Camry.
Both Honda Civic and Toyota Camry have 4-door sedans, and beyond that commonality, are very different in terms of size, shape, and style. The Honda is a very compact car, while the Camry straddles the line between compact and mid-size. The Civic is 8 inches shorter (at 177 inches) and 3 inches lower (56.5 inches) than the Camry. The Camry spans 189 inches long and 71.5 inches wide, with a height of 57.5 inches. The result is a more upright, formal appearance for the larger and taller Camry, while the Civic has more of a sporty, snub-nosed look.
2. Performance and Engine Options
This section will focus on engine performance. The engine is the heart of every vehicle and gives life to mobility. Honda Civic offers 2 engine choices for this 9th generation. Both are sharing the same capacity of 1.8L with SOHC i-VTEC technology and 2.0L for the sporty type. This translates to efficient and responsive performance of the Civic. The first engine will be for the 1.8L, R series engine. This engine represents refinement, efficiency, and environment-friendly and low emission. It produces 141 horsepower @ 6500rpm and 17.7 kgm torque @ 4300 rpm. This engine will be matched up with only automatic transmission with 5 speeds (Civic 1.8 has a different type of auto trans. You will see more in the coming section). The new R18 engine has a compression ratio of 10.6 compared to the previous 1.8L engine with 9.7:1. This means this engine has better fuel consumption. For the second engine, it will be for the 2.0L K20Z engine that represents the Type R model. This engine is focused on more sporty performance and the Civic is designed with 2 ways of transmission selections, automatic 5-speed with paddle shift and manual 6-speed. K20Z has better performance than the previous R18 engine with 156 horsepower @ 6200rpm and 19.4 kgm torque. This engine has a higher compression ratio at 11.0 which indicates good performance with RON 95 fuel.
2.1. Honda Civic's efficient and responsive engine choices
The 2024 Honda Civic is designed to be a peppy compact vehicle that is suitable for both around-town driving and long distance trips. The engines offered with the Civic are a Blue Label LEV 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine which is new to the platform and delivers 10 more horsepower than the previous non-VTEC 2.3L engine, and a 1.7L engine carried over from the 2005 Civic. A 1.3L IMA (integrated motor assist) engine is available with the Honda Civic Hybrid. The 1.7 L engine offered in the Honda Civic DX, LX, and EX models is not new to the platform and does not have available VTEC. Providing 115 hp, this engine delivers adequate power and very good fuel economy. The engine which best balances power and fuel efficiency is the 2.4L. It offers a class-leading 160 hp while still retaining fuel efficiency and portion of the horsepower generated by only 0W-20 synthetic oil. Overall, these engines provide excellent fuel efficiency for the power delivered; making them among the top in their segment. Consumers who are seeking an ultra-fuel efficient vehicle can opt for the Civic Hybrid which offers some of the best fuel economy amongst sedans.
2.2. Toyota Camry's powerful and smooth performance
The 2024 Toyota Camry has always been known for its superior performance, offering a powerful yet smooth ride that makes you want to take the long way home. The Camry comes in an assortment of engine choices, the first one being a very fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 157 horsepower and also the option of the more powerful 3.5-liter V6 that has 268 horsepower. The four-cylinder engine utilizes a timing chain which requires no maintenance for normal engine operation. This should help with overall ownership costs since the belt will not need to be replaced at the recommended 60,000-mile intervals. The timing belt replacement can add a considerable amount to the overall cost of owning any vehicle. The V6 Camry is equipped with a timing belt, the replacement of which is quite expensive. The Camry's engine options set it apart from the competition by offering both power and efficiency. By choosing a Camry, you are not limited to the underpowered four-cylinder engines that most midsize cars offer today. The Camry also features a very smooth shifting automatic or manual transmission. Consumer Reports rates the Camry's reliability a 5/5, much better than the industry average of 3/5. This should be taken into consideration when assessing the long-term costs of owning a midsize sedan. (Consumer Reports Website)
2.3. Fuel efficiency and driving dynamics comparison
A vehicle's efficiency is a measure of how well it converts the energy in its fuel into actual movement. Fuel efficient cars not only save money on gas, but also produce fewer emissions than gas guzzlers. Honda's Civic has always been known for its environmental friendliness and incredible fuel economy. The current model offers three different engines, all of which still get above 30 miles per gallon in the city and nearly 40 on the highway. The most efficient of the trio is the natural gas powered engine, which gets an equivalent of 31 city miles and 40 highway miles per gallon. This is the best natural gas car in its class on the market today. The hybrid model, while more powerful, still maintains extremely high fuel efficiency, rated at 44 city miles and 47 highway miles per gallon. In the face of rising gas prices and growing environmental concerns, the Civic is an attractive choice for the thrifty driver who commutes for long distances. Toyota in recent years has put a greater emphasis on fuel economy in its vehicle designs, and the Camry is no exception. While still maintaining its powerful performance, the base 4 cylinder engine is rated at 25 city miles and 35 highway miles per gallon, which is competitive among cars in its class with increased fuel efficiency. However, the more powerful V6 engine available on the Camry sacrifices fuel economy somewhat with a rating of 22 city miles and 33 highway miles per gallon. Step-matic transmission is another feature that the Camry seeks to push to drivers looking for the acceleration of an automatic with the fuel economy of a manual. Like natural gas engines, Step-matic allows the driver to for more efficiency while sacrificing a level of performance by selecting a gear range for the engine. This is compared to most automatics that have only D (Drive, automatic gear change for best performance) and has no larger vary in fuel economy compared to manual transmissions. Step-matic is available for 4 cylinder LE and XLE models.
3. Interior Features and Technology
Civic features a new 7-inch instrument cluster located behind the steering wheel that is standard across all models. It is a digital display that provides information for the driver. For example, it can display a digital speedometer (with a selectable background to show the car's efficiency), phone contacts for incoming calls, and song information when the driver is using the audio system. Consumer Reports felt that this addition was very innovative for a compact car to have. Honda Civic received a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The overall rating is a combination of frontal and side-impact crash tests, with each vehicle rated on a 5-star system. Only 2013 model front and side-impact crash tests have been carried over (as of September 2015) to the new system, utilizing the same rating scale. Usually, newer models typically have more safety features, stronger engineering, and more advanced technology, resulting in better crash test performance. The base-level Honda Civic DX comes with power windows, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and fold-down rear seatback. The LX has added a few features that were not available on the DX, such as an armrest console, floor mats, and a rear window defroster. It has also changed the headrests to active front headrests and has a few more safety features. Overall, the Honda Civic offers greatly in the way of comfort.
3.1. Honda Civic's advanced infotainment system and driver-assist features
Complete with more advanced features and general improvements in design, the 2022 Honda Civic's infotainment system does well to its predecessors and rivals in the compact car market. Though there are some features that are limited to certain trims, the broad range of technologies and connectivity options available for users is a selling point in itself. The driver-assist technologies can only improve, and with new future-proof technologies already being implemented in Honda vehicles, the Honda Civic is only set to move forwards in this department.
In the realm of driver-assist technologies, the Honda Civic has not been the most impressive model to date due to complacent use of outdated technologies, only recently seeing improvements with the introduction of Honda Sensing. Though the actual specifications for the technologies available in the 11th gen Civic are currently ambiguous, it can be assumed that it will carry across the same technologies seen in the 10th gen. The Honda Sensing suite of technologies includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, which can bring the vehicle to a stop when there is the risk of a frontal collision, Road Departure Mitigation, which can determine if you cross over detected lanes without signaling and can provide steering assistance to stay in your lane or braking to prevent you from leaving the roadway entirely, Adaptive Cruise Control and Low-Speed Follow, and lastly Lane Keeping Assist. These technologies have increasingly become standard in new vehicle models, and with continuous improvements and introductions of new features, it can be anticipated that the Honda Civic should take on new advanced technologies in driver-assist in the future.
In order to keep up with increasingly connected and digital lifestyles, vehicles of all types have been outfitted with advanced infotainment systems that allow for easy transitions between media types, integrated applications, and increased connectivity. The humbly titled Display Audio infotainment system in the 2022 Honda Civic is a seven-inch touch screen situated in the center stack of the dashboard. Acting as the interface for audio system settings, media applications, internet connectivity, smartphone device and app interfaces, and the rear-view camera display (2015 Honda Civic Coupe). The touch screen itself is reported to be similar to the usage of smartphone or tablet devices, making it easy to learn and use. Supplementing the touch screen are traditional controls for those less technologically inclined, as well as steering wheel controls. HondaLink is touted as a feature that connects customers to content they want and information they need, providing easy access to Aha, Facebook, Twitter, and location and weather details. Customers can tap into the world of personalized media content, online audio and news, as well as FM, AM, and HD radio. Bluetooth also allows for seamless integration of smartphone devices, and while it may not be an extraordinary feature, it is pretty much expected to come standard in all vehicles today. The whole system runs with the operating system of Android 4.0.4 and up, with various software and hardware specifications. Carrying across the familiar look from previous versions, the Honda Civic's infotainment system has become more intuitive to use, and with the broad range of features available, can cater to the basic to the media-centric users. Though many of these technologies have yet to be revealed in the 11th gen Civic, one can hope that it maintains its feature-rich infotainment system.
3.2. Toyota Camry's luxurious interior and cutting-edge technology
Toyota consistently leads the industry in service and customer care and has once again set the bar high with a new standard for multimedia systems in the midsize segment. The Toyota Camry boasts compatibility with the latest smartphones in the industry for its various multimedia systems. Every aspect of the new Camry's hardware and software has been designed to make it easier to use and more responsive. This is highlighted by the nine-color display audio touchscreen available on selected models. This provides a familiar, easy-to-use smartphone-like interface and swiping operations. It is instrumental in setting the standard for head units in the future as it will allow for better capability of connected services in years to come. A voice recognition button on the steering wheel can also help users access various functions while keeping their eyes on the road.
A luxury Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) version is also available for customers interested in an environmentally-friendly vehicle, offering its own unique premium content. This includes a second-generation Toyota Hybrid System, hybrid-specific instruments, and a simulated wood grain trim. The HEV also offers available options for a moonroof package and the same XLE grade options. Overall, this new 2024 Camry has the ability to cater to various customers by offering similar premium content in both the gas and hybrid vehicles.
The 2024 Toyota Camry has an interior that exudes the exact level of luxury. Soft-touch materials and thoughtful design showcase skill and provide a higher level of comfort compared to the previous model. The design sets a new standard in the midsize segment. The present help information and extensive directions for the multimedia system are available for the premium HDD/navigation system. Other premium features include a nine-color backup camera, dual-zone air conditioning, an electrochromatic mirror with a homely function and compass, as well as a Smart Key system with Push Button Start. The XLE grade adds to the luxurious feel with a three-spoke steering wheel featuring audio, Bluetooth, and multi-info display controls. The aforementioned leather shift knob adds a touch of class. The gunmetal finish on the side console also adds an exclusive feel. A newly designed 17" alloy wheel with a multi-spoke appearance adds to the advanced image.
3.3. Comparison of cabin space and comfort amenities
The cabin space of the Honda Civic, although it has no change in dimension from the previous variant, feels more comfortable thanks to its low and flat front instrument panel design. It is because it will ease the driver's work on maneuvering the car. While the rear seats have a slightly higher hip point and added softer cushioning on the headrest to improve the comfort feel of the rear passenger. The 2024 Toyota Camry also has no change in dimension. But it feels bigger thanks to its front and rear seat design that is designed to follow Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) that supports achieving maximum comfort feel in every driving condition. Both the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry have their own pluses and minuses in cabin space, but both successfully deliver the comfort feel for the driver and passenger. For the 2024 Toyota Camry, it doesn't have a major change from the previous variant. But it removes some of the basic features on some trims and moves them to be standard features on upper trims. For example, the power adjustable driver and passenger seat that was previously available on the XLE trim is removed and moved to the XSE trim, but this will not affect the other trims that still get an 8-way power adjustable driver seat with 1-way power adjustable lumbar support. The headroom and legroom of the 2024 Toyota Camry are quite large compared to other sedans of the same class. This is because the TNGA platform successfully maximizes the interior space of the car. Based on the layout, the cabin space of the Toyota Camry is still better than the Honda Civic. But with the lack of some features on some trims, it may decrease the customer's interest to buy the car.
4. Price and Value
In contrast to the Honda Civic, the Camry has established itself as a solid buy in terms of resale value. The Civic's depreciation has been on the higher side for compact cars, and it is not uncommon to find used Civics with 100,000+ miles priced at less than $5,000 USD. This has made it a good option for consumers looking for reliable cheap transportation, but less ideal for those that need to finance a new car and later trade it in for a new one. The Civic's higher-end trims have also faced tougher competition from near-luxury brands in the loaded compact/midsize sedan segment, and these Civics depreciate even more steeply compared to their lower-end counterparts. The exception to this trend was the EP3 Civic Si hatchback of the early 2000s, which is now a collector's car that commands a price above what the original MSRP. However, widespread enthusiasm for the Civic has not been this high since that era. With the Camry's reputation for longevity and recent used car price inflation due to market shifts favoring used cars over new cars, the new Civic may face a tough battle in the used car market in coming years.
One way to differentiate the two cars is their approach to affordability. The Honda Civic has always been an affordable car that appeals to the masses, while the Camry has at times had a higher price point and targeted a more upmarket consumer. As an all-new car, the 2024 Civic appears to follow its predecessor's value proposition, with a base price of $21,700 USD and a fully loaded Touring trim of $28,300 USD. However, the Camry's base price of $24,295 means a higher entry point to the Toyota brand. In addition, the Civic's cost of ownership will be lower due to better fuel economy, with an expected 34 mpg combined for the 1.5T and 33 mpg combined for the Touring's 1.5T. The Camry lags behind with 28 mpg combined in its most economical 4-cylinder engine. Although the Camry's proven history of reliability means it will have lower maintenance and repair costs than many competitors, the Civic is sure to be a standout option for consumers looking to minimize spending on automotive over the lifetime of ownership. This may be an especially important factor for the many consumers that have been affected economically by the COVID-19 pandemic.
4.1. Honda Civic's affordability and cost of ownership
Initially, Honda Civic is the more affordable option. A new car is practically always cheaper than a used one. Car and Driver price the starting price of a 2022 Toyota Camry at anywhere from $25,045 to $35,815. Meanwhile, the 2022 Honda Civic starts just under $19,000. So when you consider that the Camry will be depreciating for the next 2 years and there is no guarantee that the initial cost savings in buying a 2-year-old Camry over a new Civic will make up for its higher total cost of ownership, the frugal and pragmatic thing to do would be to purchase a base Civic over a 2-year used Camry. Obviously, the biggest cost of ownership next to the car itself is fuel. While it may seem like a good idea to buy a Camry over a Civic because of its nearly identical fuel economy, you have to also consider the Civic's VTEC engine beats the Camry in both performance and fuel economy. Meaning the Civic will be faster while using less gas to achieve the same speed. So under all driving conditions, the Civic's engine is superior. This should be a factor in your decision between the cars if you have the option of purchasing either.
4.2. Toyota Camry's value proposition and resale value
The 2024 Camry brings a very sound value proposition to the table in a number of ways that can greatly promote its ownership as an affordable and cost-efficient vehicle. The Camry, compared to other vehicles in its respective segment, has already been said to be one of the best values offered. The reasons for this would be largely due to the fact that the Camry is expected to carry an above-average reliability record in addition to impressive fuel economy figures when compared to rivals. By being fuel-efficient and having low ownership costs, it makes for a very cost-effective vehicle. Low cost of ownership is also very relevant to resale value. The Camry traditionally holds its value very well, mostly due to its impressive track record of reliability and durability. In essence, an individual can purchase a new Camry and expect it to be relatively trouble-free for many years, thus having very little depreciation of value over the life of ownership. The Camry will be offered in 5 trim levels starting with the L, followed by the sporty SE, the luxurious XLE, as well as the new XSE and V6-only SE. Each trim level will build on the car's value and continue to diversify the line to better meet the needs of a wider array of consumers. The expected starting price for the Camry will be in the neighborhood of $24,000 for the L model, ranging up to $35,000 for the V6 SE. (SPECULATION) Overall, the variety in pricing options will allow the Camry to be an option for a variety of different people with different lifestyles and financial limitations.
4.3. Comparison of available trims and pricing options
When comparing the available trims and pricing options, the two vehicles are quite different in their approach. The 2003.5 Toyota Camry comes in 5 different trims: LE, XLE, SE, SE V6, and XLE V6. The base model, or the LE, starts at $19,805. The highest model, the XLE V6, starts at $24,980. This wide range allows for consumers to have greater variety in choosing a vehicle suited for their specific needs. Also, by offering a V6 model for the top 2 trims, Toyota is able to attract consumers who want a sportier, more powerful vehicle. The price of the V6 models may be a deterrent for some consumers, as the top model is approaching $25,000. Comparatively, Honda offers only 4 trims for its Honda Civic: the DX, LX, EX, and HX. These trims range from $13,010 for the DX model to $19,910 for the HX model. By only offering 4 trims, yet having a price range close to that of the Camry, Honda could be in a sense overcharging for higher end models of the Civic such as the EX and the HX. Many of the features of the higher end Civic models can be found on the lower end models, thus reducing the perceived value of the higher end models. This is unlike the Camry, where each trim looks and feels different from the rest and the features increase as the price does. Overall, both of these vehicles are in a higher price range compared to the other vehicles in their respective classes.