Engine and Performance
The 2021 Civic offers three engine options for you to choose from. The base offering is a 2.0-liter V-4 capable of putting out 158 horsepower. While this is more than adequate for day-to-day driving, you may prefer to step up to the 1.5-liter turbocharged V-4 that puts out 174 horsepower. If you’re into top-notch performance, there’s also a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranks out an impressive 306 horsepower. A continuous variable transmission is available throughout the Civic’s lineup, but you can also opt for a six-speed manual transmission.
Even with its outstanding power, the Civic achieves good gas mileage. The base engine in the sedan manages 32 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.
The Corolla can’t quite match the Civic’s power. Its base 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine churns out 139 horsepower. The stronger 2.0-liter V-4 with its 169 horsepower gives you slightly more under the hood than the Civic’s base engine, but still less power than Honda’s turbocharged offering.
The Corolla is just about as good as the Civic when it comes to gas mileage. The hatchback can manage up to 32 mpg on city roads and 41 mpg on the highway.
The Civic stands out due to its ride handling and performance. It’s one of the few compact cars with an independent rear suspension, which helps improve ride quality. Its more powerful engine also gives it a more rapid acceleration than the Corolla. The Civic can shift from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.8 seconds, while the Corolla requires 10.2 seconds.
