Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla
Choosing between the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla is really a question of total cost, not sticker price. Below we compare both over five years — depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance — then let you run your own mileage.
Key assumptions for this page
Sources: Kelley Blue Book — figures are estimates last reviewed 2026; verify before purchase.
Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla: run the numbers
Cheaper to own over 5 years
Toyota Corolla
by $2,147 — Honda Civic: $36,072 · Toyota Corolla: $33,925
Lower 5-year total cost
🏆 Toyota Corolla
Lower fuel cost
🏆 Honda Civic
Lower depreciation
🏆 Toyota Corolla
Lower insurance estimate
🏆 Toyota Corolla
Lower cost per mile
🏆 Toyota Corolla
Baseline 5-year cost breakdown
MSRP + EPA efficiency · USD| Cost | Honda Civic | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | $14,130 | $12,906 |
| Fuel | $5,667 | $5,829 |
| Insurance | $11,025 | $10,290 |
| Maintenance | $5,250 | $4,900 |
| 5-year total | $36,072 | $33,925 |
| Cost per mile | $0.6 | $0.57 |
Customize your scenario
The baseline uses each car's MSRP, EPA-rated efficiency and segment-typical depreciation. Change the assumptions below to match how you actually drive — your result may differ from the baseline.
5-year cost by annual mileage
| Miles / year | Honda Civic | Toyota Corolla | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 mi | $34,183 | $31,982 | Corolla |
| 12,000 mi· now | $36,072 | $33,925 | Corolla |
| 15,000 mi | $37,488 | $35,382 | Corolla |
| 20,000 mi | $39,849 | $37,810 | Corolla |
| 30,000 mi | $44,572 | $42,667 | Corolla |
Estimates only, not quotes. Depreciation, insurance and maintenance use segment-typical assumptions; insurance is modeled from each model's risk factor against a national average, not a quote. Verify with dealers and insurers before deciding.
Good to know
Specific, useful answers for this page.
Is the Honda Civic or the Toyota Corolla cheaper to own?＋
Over five years, total ownership cost comes down to depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance. The breakdown above totals both side by side so you can see the real gap, not just the sticker difference.
What's the biggest cost difference between them?＋
Usually depreciation and insurance dominate. The Corolla depreciates faster, while insurance tracks each car's risk factor (Civic: 1.05×, Corolla: 0.98×).
Does the price gap between the Civic and Corolla matter long term?＋
The two start within about $2k of each other, so the sticker is close to a wash and running costs decide it. With similar drivetrains, fuel and maintenance land close, leaving depreciation and insurance as the deciders.