5 Reasons to Choose the Corolla Hatchback over the Civic Hatchback Jan 22, 2019

If you’re looking for a safe and generously equipped compact car that looks great, there’s really no competition. With the very latest in connectivity, fuel-saving engineering, styling, safety technology, and more, the all-new Corolla Hatchback has it all.

We know that shoppers usually look around at different models though, which is why we’ve done the legwork for you to see how the Corolla Hatchback stacks up against the Civic Hatchback. Here are five reasons why the Corolla Hatchback is the better choice:

Fuel Economy First

Thanks to the new TNGA-derived 2.0L Dynamic Force engine, the Corolla Hatchback provides exceptional fuel efficiency. Built with Toyota’s latest fuel-saving technologies, it was designed to ensure drivers can go as far as possible, after every fill up.

Offering combined fuel efficiency as low as 6.7/100km^* (with the CVT Transmission model), the Corolla Hatchback delivers excellent fuel efficiency-- even beating the Honda Civic Hatchback when both models are equipped with the CVT transmission option.

Further, Civic Hatchback Sport and Sport Touring models use a turbocharged engine that uses more expensive, premium-grade fuel.

Alternatively, Corolla Hatchback’s Dynamic Force engine employs a high compression ratio for maximum efficiency, and uses less expensive, regular-grade gasoline. Corolla Hatchback’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine generates 168 horsepower, delivered with the help of various fuel saving technologies including Dual VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing-intelligence), with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligence by Electric motor)  and the proven D-4S injection system, which help to extract the most energy from every drop of fuel burned.

With your choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a cutting-edge new CVT automatic transmission, you can choose how you drive. Both transmissions are developed to work with the technologies in the new Dynamic Force engine though, supporting the Corolla Hatchback’s excellent fuel efficiency.

Must-Have Features

As a fresh and modern compact car, the Corolla Hatchback includes a generous helping of the market’s most sought-after features, and a premium feel.  For instance, all power windows feature auto up and down functionality, and the 8-inch central Display Audio screen is larger than Civic’s, too.

For the connectivity-minded shopper, Toyota’s exclusive Entune 3.0™ audio system provides easy access to a multitude of communication and entertainment functionalities including an integrated app suite that features Traffic, Weather, Slacker, Yelp, Sports NPR one to name a few. Apple CarPlay™ capability is also included.

On chilly morning commutes, you will quickly fall in love with the available heated steering wheel. This upscale feature is most commonly found in many luxury cars, but you’ll also find it in the much more affordable Corolla Hatchback – but not the Civic Hatchback. Heated seats and automatic climate control are also at your disposal to help take the chill out of winter driving.

Untouchable Safety Performance

As part of Toyota’s efforts to raise the bar in safety, the Corolla Hatchback comes standard with nothing short of the market’s latest in safety systems and technologies– regardless of the model you choose.

It has seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag, as well as advanced anti-lock brakes, and full-speed traction control with Electronic Stability Control.

But it’s on the advanced safety technology front where Corolla Hatchback really pulls to the front of the pack. As part of Toyota’s ongoing efforts to drive higher-than-ever levels of safety across all of their models, Corolla Hatchback includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 , an array of cutting-edge safety technologies as standard on all trim grades.

The included Pre-Collision System (PCS) helps prevent certain types of frontal collisions^** and, unlike the Civic Hatchback, the Corolla Hatchback’s superior PCS system can help detect pedestrians and bicycles in certain low-light conditions. This greatly increases the range of situations where this advanced safety system is effective. Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Automatic High Beams are also included^***.

Finally, standard on the Corolla Hatchback is a high-performing bi-LED headlight system, which provides a big boost to after-dark lighting, safety, and vision comfort. In comparison, the Civic Hatchback comes standard with a conventional halogen lighting system.

Tons of Room for Longer Drives

Built on the new TNGA platform, the Corolla Hatchback CVT gives you more room and more comfort than the Civic Hatchback. For instance, interior headroom in both front and rear seating rows is at or near the top of the segment, easily beating the available headroom of the Civic Hatchback. Even taller occupants will find little issue accessing their ideal driving position in the new Corolla Hatchback.

All for Less

With the Corolla Hatchback, you can have the advanced features you’re looking for, without having to break the bank. For instance, Corolla Hatchback SE with Upgrade Package includes heated steering wheel, a Qi Wireless Charging, the Bi-LED lighting system, and all of the advanced safety equipment on offer in the Corolla lineup, for less than the comparably equipped Civic Hatchback.

Simply, Corolla Hatchback shoppers have more options – and more affordable ones – to access more of the features and technologies that are important to them.

*Fuel efficiency estimates were determined using approved Government of Canada/Transport Canada Test Methods. Actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving habits and other factors

^** The Pre-Collision System is designed to help avoid or reduce the crash speed and damage in certain frontal collisions only. The Pedestrian Detection System, part of the Advanced Pre-Collision System, is designed to detect a pedestrian or bicyclist ahead of the vehicle, determine if impact is imminent and help reduce impact speed.  It is not a collision avoidance system and is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as speed, size and position of pedestrians and weather, light and road conditions

*** TSS 2.0 is not a substitute for an attentive driver. Drivers should always be responsible for their own safe driving. Please pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely. Depending on the conditions of roads, vehicles, weather, etc., the TSS systems may not work as intended.