Honda vs. Toyota: A Complete Brand Comparison


in Car Comparisons
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Two of the most popular vehicle manufacturers in the world - Toyota and Honda - are both based out of Japan and have been building high-performing and long-lasting vehicles for decades. Just like every other brand, they have their own strengths and weaknesses. They are both fairly similar in terms of cost, safety, and longevity, so here is a breakdown of Honda vs. Toyota.

Both brands are well known for affordability, performance, and modest pricing. While they focus on slightly different things, both prioritize dependability, performance and often have some of the best technology available for cars.

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 Honda vs. Toyota: Portfolio Variety

 Toyota gets the edge with a naturally larger selection of vehicles (20) over Honda with a slightly smaller lineup (14). While they are competitors in practically every category, Toyota gets a slight victory since it has more variety overall and within each class.

  • Prius
  • Camry
  • Rav4
  • Tundra

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Honda vs. Toyota: Safety and Reliability

While both are extremely well rated in both categories, Toyota gets the slight edge for overall reliability, and Honda gets the nod for best safety ratings. Toyota typically uses similar designs year over year and just needs to make slight tweaks or changes for optimal performance.

In terms of safety ratings, Honda is one of the best among any automaker. Based on annual NHTSA ratings, many Honda models routinely score a perfect 5-star rating.

  • Honda Fit
  • Honda Insight
  • Honda Pilot
  • Honda Ridgeline
  • Honda HR-V

Honda vs. Toyota: Sedans

  • Civic
  • Fit
  • Accord
  • Insight

Honda’s small cars provide a good variety with traditional sedans, hatchback, coupe, and hybrid options that generally score well and have class lead fuel economy performance. They have solid interior entertainment and technology options, and most safety features come standard.

  • Corolla
  • Prius
  • Camry
  • Avalon

While Honda gets the edge with smaller cars, Toyota’s versatility and larger lineup give it the overall victory in the car segment. They are typically powerful, provide plenty of space for cargo and passengers, and are regularly in the conversation for the best bang for your buck. Since Honda doesn’t have any cars larger than the Accord, Toyota gets the win by default with its large sedan option with the Avalon.

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Honda vs. Toyota: SUVs

The SUV class in the U.S. has boomed in the last few years, with many manufacturers reshaping their entire line-ups to cater more toward family-oriented vehicles that provide a bit more sportiness than the traditional minivan. Honda and Toyota may not be traditional SUV players, but both provide plenty of options.

  • HR-V
  • CRV
  • Passport

 Honda has only had a few consistent SUV options in the last decade but has dominated the small and midsize SUV class. Honda’s offer a surprising amount of sporty handling, cargo and passenger space, and standard technology and safety features. It falls a bit short in terms of larger options, as it lacks the number of options that Toyota and many American manufacturers offer.

  • C-HR
  • RAV4
  • 4Runner
  • Highlander
  • Sequoia

Toyota’s compact and midsize SUVs fall a bit short compared directly to Honda but still provide some good options for tech and entertainment, reliability, and overall safety. If you’re in need of an SUV that has space for up to 8 people, Toyota will get the win by default, with a few different models offering the extra seating. They aren’t traditional off-roaders like Jeep, but the bigger Toyota SUVs can give you some confidence if you’re looking to go off the beaten path.

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Honda vs. Toyota: Minivans

Both brands only provide one option, and both are competitive within the minivan class. The Odyssey and Sienna are both affordable base models with seating for up to 8 people and plenty of options for safety and technology. The Sienna has a slight edge when it comes to fuel efficiency, and the Odyssey has an advantage when it comes to the standard Honda Sensing safety suite. Both are highly rated and routinely in the conversation for the best minivan on the market, so you’ll be safe with either one.

Honda vs. Toyota: Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Honda and Toyota were some of the early adopters of electric and hybrid vehicles and have routinely been at the top of the market for this class. Both offer extensive options from their main lineup and provide customers with plenty of variety in the hybrid and electric space.

  • Accord
  • Insight
  • CR-V
  • Clarity

The CR-V hybrid was a finalist for best value vehicle in the class, and the newer Insight and Clarity models provide some additional options for the lineup. There aren’t that many hybrid vehicles to choose from, so Toyota gets the slight edge for variety.

  • RAV4
  • 4Runner
  • Prius
  • Camry
  • Corolla

The RAV4 took home the 2021 best for the money award for hybrid and electric SUVs, and the Corolla took home the same award for the midsize sedan hybrid and electric class. Along with one of the highest-rated SUVs, the Prius is still a mainstay for electric and hybrid vehicles since its inception nearly 15 years ago. The electric and hybrid lineups feature plenty of space, affordability, and of course, fuel efficiency.

 Honda vs. Toyota: Pickup Trucks

Toyota will get the victory since they have two options, the compact Tacoma and full-size Tundra. Honda’s lone truck option is the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline is one of the highest-scoring truck options in the market and has been compared to its SUV cousins in terms of handling and agile ability.

 The Tundra can seat a whopping 6 people, and both truck options provide plenty of power and infotainment options. They both come with Toyota’s standard infotainment and safety features but fall short in terms of overall towing ability compared to other mainstream truck options. 

If any of the vehicles listed above are on your shortlist, odds are you’ll end up with a great vehicle. Both Honda and Toyota are routinely among the best-rated, most affordable, and at the forefront for vehicle safety and technology. It’s always a great idea to test drive different models from manufacturers to see what the right fit will be.

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