Honda Civic vs Toyota Camry | 2023 Comparison + The Best Model Year For Every Budget

Although the Civic and Camry represent different segments in their respective automaker’s lineup, they are both classified as mid-size vehicles according to the EPA (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). This determination is based on interior passenger volume and cargo space, which is what keeps the Civic in the game against the Camry. 

Based on manufacturer data, the Honda Civic Sedan has 96.6 cubic feet of passenger volume (99 cubic feet for the Hatchback) compared to 100.4 cubic feet for the Toyota Camry. If you’re curious, the Toyota Corolla sedan falls far short, with 88.6 cubic feet of interior space. 

One of the factors that separates the 2023 editions of the Civic and Camry is body style. The Honda is available as either a five-door hatchback or a four-door sedan. On the other hand, the Camry is strictly a sedan. If hatchback versatility is a must-have, then don’t bother visiting a Toyota showroom.

Engine Options & Specifications:

The differences between the Civic and Camry begin under the hood. Honda applies a “small but mighty” formula, while Toyota believes “bigger is better.” 

Honda relies on turbocharging to get extra oomph out of its Civic engines in the higher-end trims. However, the base 2.0-liter engine keeps things simple and unremarkable. Its 158 horsepower won’t win any stoplight races, but that’s not the point; up to 40 miles per gallon is. 

The proof of turbocharging comes from a look at the output specs in the chart. Despite dropping 25% in engine displacement, the 1.5-liter turbo engine gains a healthy 22 extra ponies in the higher trims (Sedan: EX and Touring, Hatchback: EX-L and Sport Touring). The results are even more impressive with the Civic Si Sedan, with the tiny engine pushing out 200 horsepower. 

But the benefits of turbocharging are even more evident with the Civic Type R. Honda engineers transformed the base 2.0-liter engine into a screaming powerhouse with double the output (315 horsepower). Admittedly, the Type R’s engine gets more than turbocharging; upgraded pistons and connecting rods handle the extra stress. 

Not a single 2023 Camry comes with a turbocharger. But that’s not to say these engines lack capability. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower (203-206 HP) than the comparable base engine in the Civic. And it comes very close to matching the Honda’s fuel economy (up to 30 MPG). 

If you like the confidence of solid acceleration, the base Camry hits 0-60 MPH in 7.5 seconds, compared to 8.8 seconds for the base Civic. You’d need to step up to a higher Civic trim to achieve the same results. 

Higher performance for the Camry comes from a tried-and-true Toyota V6. The 3.5-liter unit delivers 301 horsepower, which enables the Camry to reach 60 MPH in a snappy 5.6 seconds. Even the Civic’s least-expensive performance trim, the Si, needs 6.6 seconds for the same task, says Car & Driver.

We’ll discuss the Camry Hybrid later on in the section about fuel economy, but the ability of any vehicle to deliver up to 53 MPG is remarkable. Add in that the Camry is a spacious midsize sedan (not a smallish Prius), and the achievement is even more notable.

Transmission Options & Specifications:

While transmissions are often an afterthought for car buyers, it’s vital to know your choices if you’re thinking of getting a Civic. Honda goes old school and high-tech at the same time. Automotive purists will appreciate that the Civic still comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. You’ll just need to get the Hatchback in either the Sport or Sport Touring trim. And performance enthusiasts selecting the Si or Type R have no other choice than a do-it-yourself shifter.

Otherwise, the 2023 Civic comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that doesn’t require shifting. This gearbox is a marvel of motoring technology that balances economy with performance, depending on the driving situation. 

Toyota’s “stick with what works” approach continues with the Camry’s transmission. You can have any gearbox you want, as long as it’s an eight-speed automatic. 

When it comes to the drivetrain, it’s Honda’s turn to be simple. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the sole drivetrain for this Honda. It’s a tradition that dates back to the early days of Civic from half a century ago. 

Key:

S = Standard

Taking a cue from European manufacturers, Toyota added all-wheel drive (AWD) to the Camry. But this actually happened back in 1988 when the company sought to offer foul-weather capability in a passenger car (SUVs of the era weren’t quite as refined as today). The option fell out of favor and was dropped after 1991. Seeking to keep the Camry relevant in an SUV-dominated market, Toyota reintroduced an AWD-equipped Camry in 2021.

However, there are limitations. AWD is only available with the base 2.5-liter engine. It’s unavailable with a V6 or hybrid setup under the hood. Outside of the Camry’s AWD drivetrain, the car is strictly front-wheel drive. 

Key:
S = Standard

U = Upgrade

NHTSA Safety Ratings

Safety sells, especially because Honda Civics and Toyota Camrys serve duty as family haulers. According to a FIXD survey of owners, 33% of those with a Civic rely on their cars to transport family. An even greater number, 55%, spend a lot of time behind the wheel commuting and traveling. 

The numbers are somewhat similar with the Camry, but the usage is flipped. 52% of surveyed Camry owners use their cars for family transportation, while 36% are heavy commuters and travelers. 

A look at crash test summaries from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that the 2023 Civic scores well, receiving an overall rating of 5 out of 5. However, the Civic falls somewhat short in frontal crash testing with a 4 (out of 5). A “B” grade isn’t terrible, but the Camry scores better.

While not everyone appreciates a straight-A student, it’s a noteworthy achievement for the 2023 Camry. This sedan aces every NHTSA test, receiving a 5 out of 5 in all assessments, including the frontal crash.

IIHS Awards:

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) takes a somewhat different approach to safety testing. In particular, it focuses on its small frontal overlap crash test, which the organization feels represents a more real-world scenario (a single car running into a fixed object). IIHS also looks at side impact crashes, roof strength, headlight effectiveness, and advanced driver safety technologies (like automatic emergency braking). 

While tested vehicles receive a Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor grade, the true measure comes if a car gets a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation. If “Good” is a “B” grade, Top Safety Pick notches things up to an “A-,” and the Top Safety Pick+ signifies an “A+”

The chart shows that the 2023 Civic receives an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, which is very commendable. However, the Camry edges out the Civic for safety again, winning a Top Safety Pick+ distinction. 

Airbags & Head Restraints:

Airbags are an integral safety element in modern automobiles. So, of course, the Civic and Camry are loaded with them. In addition, to front-impact and side-impact units, all trims of both cars come with knee bags that help properly position front-seat passengers during a collision. 

Overhead airbags are a relatively new development that replaces the traditional dashboard-based device for the front passenger with an overhead unit. Currently, the Civic and Camry do not have this type of airbag (nor do most cars on the market). This system shouldn’t be confused with side curtain airbags which are placed in an overhead position (often in SUVs) to provide protection during a rollover or side impact.

Active head restraints minimize whiplash injuries and are less common in mainstream automobiles. However, Honda has added these safety enhancements to the Civic Type R. No other Civic or Camry trim has active head restraints. 

Semi-Autonomous Driving:

Neither the Civic nor Camry offer hands-free driving technology like Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, General Motors, and some other brands. However, both vehicles come with (or can be upgraded to) assistive systems that provide semi-autonomous support. Most notably, adaptive cruise control is ideal for highway driving that might involve stop-to-go traffic. In these scenarios, the car will automatically stop and return to cruising speed on its own (the driver must still hold the steering wheel).

Other technologies, such as a lane-keeping assist system (LKAS) and road departure mitigation (RDM), take partial control of the vehicle to keep it in the lane. The Camry (in higher trims) can be equipped with a parking system that includes front and rear sensors and low-speed automatic braking to prevent collisions during tight maneuvers.          

Driver Warning Systems & Telematics:

Automotive technology has changed drastically over the past decade. Basic cars like the Civic and Camry are rolling platforms for dozens of computerized systems engineered to enhance safety and overcome driver error (called ADAS, advanced driver assistance systems).  This even applies to the base Civic and Camry models.

Forward collision warning (FCW), lane departure warning (LDW)/lane departure alert (LDA), and additional technologies notify the driver if the car is being operated in an unsafe manner or if there’s a potential for a mishap. A host of other supportive features are included or optional with the Civic and Camry (see the charts). 

It’s worth pointing out that two key safety technologies, blind-spot monitoring (BSM) and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), aren’t standard across the trim range for the Civic and Camry. BSM and RCTA simply aren’t options for the lowest Civic trims (LX and Sport) and require an add-on for the mid-tier Civic EX and EX-L. It’s similar to the Camry, but all of the Toyota’s trims can be upgraded with these features.

If ADAS technology appears like alphabet soup, check out an effort from AAA, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and other groups working to standardize the terminology for these systems. 

Honda and Toyota offer telematic services that provide emergency support (such as crash notification and breakdown assistance), remote vehicle monitoring, maintenance reminders, and other features.

Road Visibility Features:

Equipment like LED headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers were once reserved for high-end cars but have now reached mainstream status in the Civic and Camry (and many other ordinary vehicles). 

Given the Camry’s higher positioning in Toyota’s model range, more premium equipment is making its way into this sedan (as an upgrade or standard equipment on higher trims). A head-up display shows key information (such as speed) on the windshield, keeping the driver’s attention on the road. Adaptive headlights shift in coordination with the front wheels, improving illumination (especially during cornering). 

Interior Features:

Most car buyers have a few feature preferences that can make or break a purchase. For those that can’t live without their smartphones, there’s comfort in knowing that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with every 2023 Honda Civic and 2023 Toyota Camry.

Car shoppers that depend on heated seats to keep them cozy will need to carefully select the correct Civic or Camry trim. Not all versions come with this feature, either as standard equipment or an upgrade. 

And speaking of heated seats, some automakers offer this feature through a subscription service. This hasn’t yet happened in the U.S., but in certain countries, BMW is offering heated seats for a monthly fee. The advantage is you can shut off the service during warm months, but you’ll need to keep paying (or pay a one-time upfront fee) to activate the heated seats.

One industry study shows mixed results for consumer acceptance of features on demand (FoD), with about one-fifth not even being aware of the concept. 

Interior Dimensions:

Any puzzlement about why we’re comparing the Civic and Camry gets resolved when looking at the interior space of both vehicles. Legroom measurements (front and rear) are almost identical, as is the cargo space (when comparing the sedan body styles). 

In fact, most interior dimensional differences between the models are within one inch, with the Camry being marginally ahead in some measurements. But the Civic comes out slightly ahead in front legroom and headroom (on trims without the sunroof). 

Exterior Features:

Wheels may also be an afterthought for many car buyers. But wheel size can impact ride quality. Larger rims can translate into better traction and cornering but may result in a bumpier ride. Bigger wheels also offer better aesthetics by filling out the wheel wells more completely. This is why the higher the trim, the larger the wheel. Different materials (steel or alloy) and finishes also help separate the wheels among the various trim levels. 

Most of the colors available for the Civic and Camry are predictable shades of white, gray, silver, or black, with red and blue offering something beyond a monotone look. Honda does get extra points for providing more vibrant colors, purple and orange, on some trims. 

Exterior Dimensions:

A vehicle’s exterior size may not be a concern, but there are two factors to consider. If you’ve got a tight parking space to contend with, the extra length and width of the Camry may get in the way. In contrast, a longer wheelbase usually means a smooth ride, which works in the Camry’s favor. 

One advantage to buying a new car is warranty coverage, with the Civic and Camry offering similar protection. The Civic does have a few minor advantages: an extra year of coverage if the air conditioning needs recharging (which seldom happens with a newer vehicle) and an additional year of roadside assistance. 

Here’s a summary of recent Reddit comments (Reddit: r/whatcarshouldIbuy) comparing the Civic and Camry. 

Comfort:

A common theme among some Reddit posts is that the Civic is sportier to drive, but the Camry delivers a more comfortable ride. One commenter mentions that the Camry TRD splits the difference by providing a more engaging driving experience while maintaining a degree of comfort. There’s a love for the Camry’s V6, too.

Interior Quality: 

One comment calls out the Civic’s “more modern” interior, highlighting one contrast between it and the Camry. It’s worth mentioning that Honda designs the Civic to appeal to a younger audience, while the Camry needs to appeal to a broader age range. Both cars win praise for their respective infotainment systems. 

Resale Value: 

Several Redditors had positive words to say about the resale value of the Civic and Camry. There doesn’t appear to be a clear winner among the comments, pointing to the excellent reputation of both cars.

Overall:

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of these comments is that there are no negative remarks about either car. There may be individual preferences, but no one had anything bad to say.