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Are you a New Yorker navigating the hustle and bustle of city life and seeking the perfect commuter car to help you tackle the concrete jungle of Midtown? You don't have to look further than Toyota of Manhattan, your Toyota dealer near Brooklyn, to find the trustworthy Corolla. But wait! You notice it's not just Toyotas you see battling it out on I-278 in the morning, but another noteworthy sedan, the Honda Civic. The Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic are two iconic models vying for the hearts of urban dwellers as well as for the title of the ultimate commuter car.
Brooklyn is a borough on the go, with around 40% of its residents commuting into Manhattan for work. While public transportation is the most popular method for getting around, many still prefer owning their own vehicles for convenience's sake. In that case, your choice of car is an important factor to consider if you really want your time behind the wheel to count this year.
The Corolla has been a longstanding commuter option for drivers worldwide thanks to impressive fuel efficiency and its uncanny ability to pile on the miles with few maintenance issues. With the 2024 Corolla, Toyota promises to deliver for drivers who are seeking comfort and reliability at a great price. However, the Honda Civic is always up for a challenge and presents some steep competition for the driver-friendly Corolla. Known for its sporty performance and strong reliability, the 2024 Civic is a top choice on many wishlists.
To make your car shopping journey a little smoother, we’re going to check out the latest 2024 models and explore key factors for you to consider, like price, fuel economy, tech, and comfort. Whether you’re battling gridlock in Manhattan or cruising the tree-lined boulevards of Brooklyn, your perfect urban ride awaits.
What You Get for Your Money
The price tag is often one of the first things you’ll check out when shopping for a car. So, where do these two models stand in terms of value?
The 2024 Toyota Corolla enters the race with the LE starting at $22,050, with its trim lineup topping out at $27,150 for the XSE.[a] The available hybrid options are only slightly more expensive, with the top-trim XLE Hybrid costing $27,250.[a] The 2024 Corolla also features a newly released Nightshade Edition for $25,490 that features an all-over black body with striking bronze details.[a]
These affordable prices include quite a few features. The LE base trim features available keyless entry, a standard eight-inch touchscreen complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is powered by a 2.0L engine. You get all the essential plus modern tech features at a price that works for multiple budgets.
The 2024 Honda Civic’s base LX trim starts at $23,950, while the high-end Touring trim brings the price up to $30,550. Honda does not have a hybrid option this year. When you opt for the Civic LX, you get a less powerful 2.0L engine, a smaller seven-inch touchscreen with wired smartphone integration, and no option for keyless entry. Seeking to save? The Corolla excels where the Civic falters.
Reliable Power at Your Fingertips
You might not need the get-up and go of a sports car, but you definitely need a ride that can handle its own when it comes to New York's busy freeways and stop-and-go city traffic. Having a car with plenty of pep plus fuel efficiency is ideal for Brooklyn dwellers.
The 2024 Corolla features two engine options. The standard engine is a 2.0L four-cylinder with 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The engine is offered with front-wheel drive and achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 32 MPG in the city. However, commuters will really appreciate the optional hybrid powertrain that is rated for an incredible 53 MPG in the city. If you choose the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, you can also opt for electric all-wheel drive for greater control during New York winters.
The 2024 Civic also comes standard with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine. However, Honda's option only provides 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. Worse, despite being less powerful, it is also less efficient, getting an estimated 31 MPG in the city. Drivers looking for a little extra passing power can opt for an available 1.5L turbocharged engine, but Honda does not have a hybrid option or all-wheel drive available for the 2024 Civic.
We like the overall value the Corolla offers over the Civic. The standard engine on the Corolla offers more power for ample control and plenty of acceleration when it comes to highway driving. Plus, it is more efficient and has hybrid and all-wheel drive options. When it comes to daily driving, the Corolla delivers a lot for a lower price, making it a value powerhouse for Brooklyn drivers.
Smart Sedans for Modern Drivers
We’ve covered two of the most important factors when choosing a car: price and performance. Now, it is time to look at technology. Whether you want to connect or are looking for additional driver assist features, it's important to know what each model offers as standard and what will cost you if you need to upgrade.
The 2024 Corolla places a greater emphasis on utility than looks. If you want convenience and user-friendly tech to connect and navigate quickly, the Corolla makes it easy to get a personalized experience when you’re behind the wheel. The interior dash is streamlined with a standard eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cloud navigation with Google Points of Interest is available even on the base trim with a subscription. It’s easy to sync not only your smartphone but also your smartwatch with available Remote Connect and the Toyota App.
Another available feature on the base 2024 Corolla is Smart Key with push-button start. If you have your keyfob in your purse or pocket, it's easy to unlock your doors and trunk simply by pulling the handle. The push button start lets you jump in and go without having to search for your keys.
Despite costing more than the Corolla, the base Civic offers less technology. The standard seven-inch touchscreen is an inch smaller and cannot be had with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Built-in navigation is restricted to the top Touring trim. Further, Honda's Smart Entry system is not available on the base LX trim, so you will have to pull your keyfob out to unlock your car.
Driver Assist Features
Driver assist technology can really play a part in your driving experience, considering how hectic traffic in Brooklyn can be. Having an extra set of eyes can’t hurt. The 2024 Corolla comes standard with the Toyota Star Safety System, which offers enhanced braking, traction, and safety technology. The Corolla also features Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a suite of safety tech that includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and even Road Sign Assist. Seven different systems work to keep you covered bumper to bumper.
The 2024 Civic comes standard with the Honda Sensing Suite, a collection of similar technologies that includes favorites like a Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and more. Both safety suites include some form of braking system, cruise control, lane departure alerts, a lane keep assist program, and traffic sign recognition.
We appreciate that both sedans clearly put safety first, with each receiving a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Both models also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, Toyota goes further by offering more, including making valuable features like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert available on the base Corolla LX, while Honda restricts similar features to the top trims of the Civic.
Something Good At Every Turn
Both the 2024 Toyota Corolla and the 2024 Honda Civic are strong options for upgrading your ride this year. Each model offers its own dose of reliability, performance, and style to keep drivers feeling confident and comfortable behind the wheel when traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge slows to a crawl. Whether you prioritize the Corolla’s overall value or the Honda Civic’s bold styling, both models excel in their own way, yet the Corolla manages to stay one step ahead with its affordable hybrid option and higher level of standard features.
We feel the Corolla has a timeless appeal, and its minimalist, utilitarian design makes it capable of elevating your daily commute in all the most important ways. It starts at a lower price and offers an interior loaded with tech and safety features. Plus, the special Nightshade edition does a great job of meeting your style needs if you’re looking for something a little more striking than your average sedan. For combined styling and savings, opt for the Corolla Hybrid Nightshade to get some of the best styling and efficiency that Toyota has to offer.
You can get a lot for your money with the Corolla and step things up with the Corolla Hybrid. Either way, Toyota is the practical choice for all of your urban adventures around Brooklyn and beyond. Contact us at Toyota of Manhattan today to learn more.