Honda and Toyota both have held top spots in the global auto industry for decades. They are among the most popular automakers for people that prioritize reliability, practicality, and good resale value. These brands offer several best-selling sedans, hybrids, and SUVs, as well as performance vehicles. For those reasons, the Honda vs. Toyota matchup is one of the closest we've done so far. We will compare these two automakers segment-by-segment, along with data on reliability and safety, but the verdict will be up to you.
The Best Lineup?
Both manufacturers have a strong showing in small cars, and it's Honda that nudges ahead, thanks to its outstanding Civic range. The Civic regularly excels when it comes to value, interior quality, and refined driving dynamics, and its hybrid variant drives those fuel economy numbers even higher, while the Type R variant channels track-car performance into a road-going car.
Toyota's small-car range is larger by some measure, thanks to the Corolla range (standard and hatchback), the Prius range, and even the sporty GR Corolla. These models all score quite well, and their efficiency is also a major factor, but Honda's more streamlined, top-scoring Civic range takes the small-car category.
Toyota has a huge advantage in the midsize segment. The new Camry redesign comes standard with hybrid power and the higher overall score over the Accord and Accord Hybrid. Honda’s lineup of Accords has always impressed with upscale interiors, more engaging driving, and family-friendly comfort, but Toyota’s more efficient and new-for-2021 Camry edges it out with superior numbers overall. The most critical segment of all is the one where Toyota comes out on top.
Reliability and Safety
Reliability has long been a strength for both manufacturers. Honda often scores in the top 3 for various groups such as RepairPal, and their engines are well regarded for their ability to sustain high mileages with few major issues. Honda is currently under some fire with regard to their turbocharged engines, with some drivers finding them to be less durable than previous naturally aspirated engines, but this is more of a slight to them than to Toyota.
Toyota continues to score well in the reliability studies (including this one), with very high scores across the board. Toyota has long been a benchmark for long-term powertrain life, low maintenance costs, and a high residual value. Toyota engines see fewer complaints overall, and fewer complaints with regard to durability during long-term usage, giving Toyota the slightest of edges in long-term reliability.
Safety performance also differentiates the two brands further. Toyota’s small cars, including the latest Corolla model, have won top marks for crashworthiness as well as headlight quality awards. Toyota also standardizes many of its cars with advanced assistance features, including lane tracking and road sign recognition, which enhance everyday driving while also mitigating risk.
Honda typically achieves good crash test results, but some of its models have sometimes underperformed in particular areas, such as headlamp performance, which factors into overall safety ratings. Both brands offer reliable safety engineering, but Toyota’s additional features and consistently high marks give it a slight edge.
