--- title: "Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic: Used 2015-2022 Buyer Guide" description: "Used Corolla vs Civic for Texas buyers: 2015-2022 engines and CVTs, EPA MPG, size, NHTSA recalls and complaints by year, and which years to target." canonical: https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/toyota-corolla-vs-honda-civic/ last_updated: 2026-11-05 language: en --- # Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic: Used 2015-2022 Buyer Guide Choosing a car # Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic: Used 2015-2022 Buyer Guide Used Corolla vs Civic for Texas buyers: 2015-2022 engines and CVTs, EPA MPG, size, NHTSA recalls and complaints by year, and which years to target. **[Anthony Hunt](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/about/) ** Updated November 5, 202612 min read ![Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic: Used 2015-2022 Buyer Guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/assets/covers/toyota-corolla-vs-honda-civic.webp) Photo: [MercurySable99](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2019_Honda_Civic_LX_Sedan.jpg) , [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) , via Wikimedia Commons (cropped) For a used Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic, my honest answer depends on the job. For a first car, I would start with a 2022 Corolla, the only Corolla year here with no recall campaigns and the fewest complaints, or a 2021 Civic, the Civic year with the fewest complaints. For a long I-35 commute or rideshare, I would look hard at a 2020 or newer Corolla Hybrid, rated 44 to 52 mpg combined. If you want a coupe or the longer 2022 body, the Civic is the one to shop. The evidence here is public data only: NHTSA recall, complaint and crash-test records pulled from api.nhtsa.gov on November 5, 2026, EPA fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov, and size and weight from Transport Canada through NHTSA's vPIC database. No owner reviews, no invented reliability scores and no prices. ## Corolla vs Civic at a glance | | Toyota Corolla 2015-2022 | Honda Civic 2015-2022 | | --- | --- | --- | | Gas engines (EPA) | 1.8L 4-cylinder; 2.0L 4-cylinder from 2019 | 1.8L and 2.4L (2015); 1.5L and 2.0L from 2016 | | Hybrid | 1.8L hybrid from 2020 (AWD versions in later records) | 1.5L hybrid in 2015; next hybrid from 2025 | | Automatic type | Mostly CVT; a 4-speed automatic also listed on the 1.8 | CVT (5-speed automatic on the 2015 natural gas car) | | Manual | 6-speed | 5-speed (2015 1.8), 6-speed (2015 2.4 and 2016 on) | | Best EPA combined, gas | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | | Best EPA combined, hybrid | 52 mpg | 44 mpg (2015); 47-49 from 2025 | | Body styles | Sedan; hatchback (iM 2017-2018, Corolla hatch from 2019) | Sedan, coupe; hatchback from 2017 | | NHTSA overall rating | 5 stars, all years | 5 stars, except 4 stars for the 2015 coupe | | NHTSA rollover | 4 stars | 4 stars (2015), 5 stars (2016-2022) | You can compare them side by side for any year, or open the Toyota Corolla data page and the Honda Civic data page. ## The years you are shopping ### Toyota Corolla - **2015 to 2019 sedan.** Transport Canada's sedan record starts in 2014. On the 1.8, the EPA lists CVTs (coded AV-S7 or described as "variable gear ratios"), a 4-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual. - **2017 to 2018 Corolla iM.** A separate 5-door hatchback record. - **2019 on hatchback, 2020 on sedan.** A new record starts in 2019. The EPA adds a 2.0L 4-cylinder from 2019 with CVTs (AV-S10), an AM-S10 automatic or a 6-speed manual. The 1.8 hybrid arrives for 2020, and AWD hybrids appear in the 2025-2026 size records. - **2023 on.** The EPA lists a 1.6L 3-cylinder on premium fuel with AWD, and Transport Canada lists a GR Corolla hatch for the same years. The Corolla Cross (2022 on) is a separate SUV; see my [Corolla Cross vs RAV4 guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/toyota-corolla-cross-vs-toyota-rav4/) . ### Honda Civic - **2015.** The last year of an older design (sedan record starts 2013, coupe 2014). The EPA lists a 1.8 with a CVT or 5-speed manual, a 1.8 on natural gas, a 2.4 on premium with a 6-speed manual, and a 1.5 hybrid. - **2016 to 2021.** A new record starts in 2016 (sedan and coupe), with the hatchback from 2017. The EPA lists a 1.5L (NHTSA's recall wording calls it a turbo) and a 2.0L, with CVTs or a 6-speed manual. A premium-fuel 1.5 appears from 2017. - **2022 on.** Another new record starts in 2022 for the sedan and hatch. A 2.0L hybrid joins for 2025. **Want a personalized car guide?**Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars.[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Toyota%20Corolla%20vs%20Honda%20Civic%3A%20Used%202015-2022%20Buyer%20Guide%29.) ## NHTSA record by model year From NHTSA records pulled November 5, 2026. The recall column counts campaigns that list the model year. "Unknown or other" is skipped when naming top components. ### Toyota Corolla | Year | Recall campaigns | Complaints | Crash / fire | Top named components (count) | Overall | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 220 | 60 / 1 | Air bags (56), structure (33), power train (30) | 5 stars | | 2016 | 1 | 215 | 66 / 2 | Air bags (65), service brakes (30), seat belts (26) | 5 stars | | 2017 | 3 | 189 | 47 / 1 | Air bags (57), vehicle speed control (30), service brakes (26) | 5 stars | | 2018 | 3 | 136 | 26 / 5 | Air bags (36), fuel/propulsion (23), engine (17) | 5 stars | | 2019 | 5 | 206 | 24 / 1 | Power train (56), engine (39), air bags (33) | 5 stars | | 2020 | 3 | 313 | 22 / 1 | Engine (111), power train (40), electrical (35) | 5 stars | | 2021 | 1 | 188 | 18 / 2 | Air bags (53), engine (41), electrical (23) | 5 stars | | 2022 | 0 | 103 | 14 / 0 | Electrical (21), power train (17), service brakes (16) | 5 stars | ### Honda Civic | Year | Recall campaigns | Complaints | Crash / fire | Top named components (count) | Overall | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 381 | 37 / 2 | Power train (177), air bags (58), engine (31) | 5 stars sedan, 4 stars coupe | | 2016 | 5 | 1,082 | 36 / 4 | Steering (446), electrical (119), engine (95) | 5 stars | | 2017 | 6 | 606 | 23 / 6 | Steering (174), electrical (104), engine (66) | 5 stars | | 2018 | 6 | 596 | 25 / 4 | Steering (224), fuel system, gasoline (89) | 5 stars | | 2019 | 4 | 345 | 22 / 0 | Steering (80), fuel system (63), fuel/propulsion (62) | 5 stars | | 2020 | 5 | 235 | 15 / 1 | Electrical (37), power train (33), steering (32) | 5 stars | | 2021 | 4 | 148 | 5 / 2 | Steering (67), forward collision avoidance (33), electrical (18) | 5 stars | | 2022 | 4 | 886 | 34 / 3 | Steering (734), forward collision avoidance (71), lane departure (66) | 5 stars | Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not proof of a defect, and complaint counts rise with sales volume. Compare years within the Corolla or within the Civic, not one brand against the other. My guide to [reading NHTSA complaint data](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-read-nhtsa-complaint-data/) explains why. ## The recalls that matter most ### Toyota Corolla - **Air bag control module (20V024000), 2015-2019.** In certain crashes the air bag control unit may malfunction and disable the air bags and seat belt pretensioners. Air bags are the top complaint component for 2015 through 2018. - **CVT torque converter (18V901000), 2019 hatchback with a CVT.** Pump impeller blades may detach, especially under high load, and the car may stall. - **Fuel pump (20V012000 for 2018-2019; 20V682000 for the 2019 hatchback and 2020).** Stalling shows up in 16 to 26 complaints a year from 2018 to 2020. - **Rear seat belt buckle (19V877000), 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid.** The belt locking mechanism may not lock as intended. - **Passenger air bag sensor (23V865000), 2020-2021.** A short circuit in the occupant sensor may keep the front passenger air bag from deploying. The rest are label and spare-tire campaigns from regional distributors. ### Honda Civic - **Transmission software (15V574000), 2015.** Settings may damage the transmission drive pulley shaft. Power train leads 2015 complaints (177). - **2.0L pistons (16V074000), 2016.** Some piston wrist pin circlips may be missing or installed wrong. - **Electric parking brake (16V725000), 2016.** It may not engage if applied right after the ignition is turned off. - **Power steering magnet (18V663000), 2017-2018.** At full lock, steering assist may push the wrong way. - **Fuel pump (23V858000 for 2016-2021; 20V314000 and 21V215000 for some 2018-2020).** The pump in the tank may fail. - **Passenger seat weight sensor (24V064000 for 2020-2022; 26V332000 for 2016-2022).** The second is from May 2026, so a Civic that looked clean last year may have it open now. - **Brake master cylinder (23V458000), 2020-2021.** The master cylinder may separate from the booster. - **Steering (23V704000 and 24V744000), 2022.** One covers incorrectly assembled replacement steering racks; the other covers gearboxes that may cause excessive friction and difficulty steering. Other Civic campaigns cover a taillight marker board, a 2017 right halfshaft, labels, owner's guides and replacement seatback pads. Check any VIN on [NHTSA's recalls page](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) , and see [how to check recalls before buying](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-check-recalls-before-buying-a-used-car/) . ## What owners report most These counts show how many complaints mention each term. They are substring counts, so "tick" also matches words like "sticky" and "sticking". **Corolla 2015 to 2018:** Air bags and brakes lead the text (2015: brake 36, air bag 35; 2016: air bag 37, brake 35). "CVT" appears 9, 7 and 11 times in 2015 to 2017. In 2018, stall (16) and fuel pump (14) rise. **Corolla 2019 to 2022:** Coolant is the big theme: 25 mentions in 2019, 121 in 2020 and 36 in 2021, with engine the top component in 2020 (111). Transmission appears 30 times in 2019. The 2022 text is lighter, led by brake (15) and steering (13). **Civic 2015:** Transmission leads by far (168), with "CVT" in 34 complaints. **Civic 2016 to 2022:** Steering is the most-mentioned term every year: 465 mentions in 2016, 193 in 2017, 222 in 2018 and 726 in 2022. "Tick" follows (328 in 2016, 512 in 2022). AC shows up in 2016 and 2017 (a/c 77 and 57). Fuel pump appears 36 to 40 times in 2018 and 2019. ## EPA MPG by engine From [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) , police and chassis versions excluded. Ranges cover the versions listed. | Model | Engine | Years | Fuel | City / Hwy / Combined | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Corolla | 1.8L 4-cyl | 2015-2022 | Regular | 27-30 / 35-40 / 30-34 | | Corolla | 2.0L 4-cyl | 2019 on | Regular | 28-32 / 36-42 / 31-36 | | Corolla | 1.8L hybrid | 2020 on | Regular | 47-53 / 41-52 / 44-52 | | Corolla | 1.6L 3-cyl AWD | 2023-2026 | Premium | 19-21 / 27-28 / 22-24 | | Civic | 1.8L 4-cyl | 2015 | Regular | 28-31 / 35-40 / 31-34 | | Civic | 1.5L hybrid | 2015 | Regular | 43 / 45 / 44 | | Civic | 2.4L 4-cyl | 2015 | Premium | 22 / 31 / 25 | | Civic | 1.5L 4-cyl | 2016-2024 | Regular | 28-33 / 37-42 / 31-36 | | Civic | 1.5L 4-cyl | 2017-2026 | Premium | 26-30 / 35-39 / 30-33 | | Civic | 2.0L 4-cyl | 2016 on | Regular | 25-32 / 35-41 / 29-36 | | Civic | 2.0L 4-cyl, manual | 2017 on | Premium | 22 / 28 / 24-25 | | Civic | 2.0L hybrid | 2025 on | Regular | 50 / 44-47 / 47-49 | Gas versions are close, topping out at 36 combined for both. The hybrids decide it for most of the 2015 to 2022 range. ## Size and weight Transport Canada figures through NHTSA vPIC, rounded. Ranges cover trims in each record. | Version | Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Corolla sedan | 2015-2019 | 183 in | 70 in | 57 in | 106 in | 2,789 lb | | Corolla iM hatch | 2017-2018 | 170 in | 69 in | 56 in | 102 in | 2,943 lb | | Corolla hatch | 2019-2026 | 172 in | 70 in | 57 in | 104 in | 3,060-3,080 lb | | Corolla sedan, gas and hybrid | 2020-2026 | 183 in | 69 in | 56 in | 106 in | 2,899-3,274 lb | | Civic sedan and coupe | 2015 | 178-180 in | 69 in | 55-57 in | 103-105 in | 2,712-3,000 lb | | Civic sedan and coupe | 2016-2021 | 177-182 in | 74 in | 55-56 in | 106 in | 2,743-2,919 lb | | Civic hatch | 2017-2021 | 178 in | 74 in | 56 in | 106 in | 2,917-3,120 lb | | Civic sedan and hatch | 2022-2026 | 179-184 in | 71 in | 56 in | 107-108 in | 2,895-3,223 lb | From 2016, the Civic sedan matches or beats the Corolla sedan on wheelbase, and the 2022 Civic sedan is the longest car here at 184 inches. ## Texas notes for Corolla and Civic owners **Heat and AC.** A small car parked outside through Central Texas summers works its AC, cooling system and battery hard. With coolant mentions high on 2019 to 2021 Corollas and AC mentions on 2016 to 2017 Civics, test the AC from a hot start and check the coolant level and battery date. [fueleconomy.gov's hot weather page](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) notes AC use can cut a conventional vehicle's fuel economy by more than 25% in very hot conditions, especially on short trips. More in my [used cars and Texas heat guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/used-cars-and-texas-heat/) . **I-35 commuting.** Stop-and-go between Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio is where a hybrid earns its keep. The 2020 and newer Corolla Hybrid rates 44 to 52 combined on paper. **Uber and Lyft.** Both cars are common rideshare picks. Check the platform's current vehicle rules, and read my guides on buying a used car for Uber or Lyft in Texas and the [best used cars for Uber in Austin](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/best-used-cars-for-uber-in-austin/) . **Hail.** Look down the roof, hood and trunk lid at an angle in daylight. See hail-damaged cars: what to know. **Emissions counties.**[TCEQ](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) requires a yearly emissions test before registration for gasoline vehicles 2 through 24 years old in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County starting November 1, 2026. Hays, Comal, Guadalupe and Caldwell are not on the list. More in my [inspection and emissions guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/texas-vehicle-inspection-and-emissions-rules/) . ## Which one I would pick, by use My opinion, based only on the data shown here. - **First car.** A 2022 Corolla: zero recall campaigns and the fewest complaints in the span (103). A 2021 (one campaign) is next on my list. Among Civics, the 2021 has the fewest complaints (148) and crash complaints (5), with 5-star overall and rollover ratings. Confirm the fuel pump, brake master cylinder and seat sensor campaigns on it. - **Commuter.** A 2020 to 2022 Corolla Hybrid. If you want a gas car, a 2019 or newer Corolla 2.0 and a 2016 or newer Civic 1.5 both reach 36 combined. - **Rideshare.** A Corolla Hybrid for fuel. If you would rather have the longer body, a 2022 Civic sedan has the longest wheelbase here (108 in), but its steering record means a careful test drive and proof both steering campaigns are closed. - **Years I would check extra carefully.** The 2016 Civic (1,082 complaints, steering leading), the 2022 Civic (886, steering 734) and the 2020 Corolla (313, coolant and engine leading). ## Pre-purchase checklist for these two Use this with my general pre-purchase inspection checklist. 1. Run the VIN on [NHTSA's recall lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) and re-check close to purchase, since the Civic seat sensor campaign is from May 2026. 1. Confirm the engine and transmission. Most automatics here are CVTs, so read CVT transmissions: what used buyers should know and ask for fluid service records. 1. On a 2019 Corolla hatchback with a CVT, confirm the torque converter campaign is done. Accelerate hard on an on-ramp and feel for hesitation or stalling. 1. On a 2015 Civic, confirm the transmission software campaign and feel for slipping or shudder. 1. On any 2016-2022 Civic, turn the wheel lock to lock, parked and at low speed. It should feel smooth, with no sticking or catching. 1. On a 2019-2021 Corolla, check the coolant level and look for leaks or residue. 1. Check that the air bag and passenger air bag lights behave normally on both cars. 1. On a Civic with an electric parking brake, apply it right after shutting off and confirm it holds. 1. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery. 1. Check the title through [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) for salvage, flood or buyback brands. ## Sources - [NHTSA recalls lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ; recall, complaint and NCAP data from NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), data pulled 2026-11-05 - [fueleconomy.gov Find a Car (EPA ratings, Corolla and Civic)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) - [fueleconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Hot Weather](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) - [NHTSA vPIC](https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/) , Transport Canada size and weight records - [TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texas](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) - [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) ## Frequently asked questions **Is a used Corolla or Civic more reliable?** NHTSA does not rate reliability. Within each model, the 2022 Corolla (0 campaigns, 103 complaints) and the 2021 Civic (148 complaints) are the quietest years here. Complaints are unverified and rise with sales, so inspect the car in front of you. **Do the Corolla and Civic use a CVT?** Mostly, yes. The EPA lists CVTs for most automatic versions of both in this range. The Corolla 1.8 also shows a 4-speed automatic, and both offer manuals. **Which gets better gas mileage?** Gas versions tie at up to 36 combined. The 2020 and newer Corolla Hybrid rates 44 to 52 combined, and the 2025 and newer Civic Hybrid 47 to 49. **What is the most common Civic complaint?** Steering. It is the most-mentioned term in the complaint text every year from 2016 to 2022, and the top component every year except 2020. The 2022 has 734 steering complaints and two steering recall campaigns. **Which is bigger, the Corolla or the Civic?** From 2016, the Civic sedan has the same or a longer wheelbase than the Corolla sedan, and the 2022 Civic sedan is 184 inches long against 183 for the Corolla sedan. **Does a used Corolla or Civic need an emissions test in Texas?** A gasoline car needs one in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County from November 1, 2026, per TCEQ. Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything. ## Want a personalized car guide? Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars. [WhatsApp Anthony](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Toyota%20Corolla%20vs%20Honda%20Civic%3A%20Used%202015-2022%20Buyer%20Guide%29.) 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