Toyota Corolla GR Sport 1.8L vs Honda Civic RS 1.5 Turbo: Which is the better buy?
In the world of C-segment sedans, Toyota and Honda have long been fierce competitors. The Toyota Corolla GR Sport and the Honda Civic RS Turbo are two of the sportiest offerings in the segment, blending performance, design, and advanced features. But which one offers better value for money?
This in-depth comparison breaks down their price, engine performance, handling, interior, technology, and safety features to help you decide which sedan suits your needs.
| Toyota Corolla GR Sport | Honda Civic RS Turbo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM149,800 | RM149,900 |
Price wise both the Toyota Corolla GR Sport and the Honda Civic RS are almost identical with the Toyota being just RM100 cheaper.
1. Engine & Performance: Naturally Aspirated Precision vs. Turbocharged Power
Toyota Corolla GR Sport | Honda Civic RS Turbo | |
Engine Type | 1.8L 4-cylinder, NA | 1.5L 4-cylinder, Turbo |
Power | 139 PS @ 6,400 rpm | 182 PS @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 172 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | 240 Nm @ 1,700–4,500 rpm |
Transmission | 10-speed Sequential CVT | CVT with Step-Shift |
Paddle Shifters | Yes | Yes |
One of the most significant differences between these two sedans lies under the hood.
The Civic RS Turbo is the clear winner in terms of power and torque, thanks to its turbocharged engine. It produces 43 PS and 68 Nm more than the Corolla GR Sport, making it the more exciting car to drive, especially when accelerating or overtaking.
However, the Corolla GR Sport compensates with a higher-revving naturally aspirated engine, offering a linear power delivery that some drivers may prefer over a turbocharged feel. It also comes with a 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT, which mimics the behavior of a traditional automatic transmission, making gear shifts feel more natural.
2. Handling & Driving Dynamics
| Toyota Corolla GR Sport | Honda Civic RS Turbo |
Front Suspension | GR-Tuned MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
Rear Suspension | GR-Tuned Double Wishbone | Multi-Link |
Steering | GR-Tuned Electric Power | Electric Power |
Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated Disc / Solid Disc | Ventilated Disc / Solid Disc |
Tires & Wheels | 225/40 R18 GR Sport Alloy | 235/40 R18 RS Alloy |
The Toyota Corolla GR Sport offers superior handling characteristics compared to the Honda Civic RS Turbo, thanks to its sport-tuned steering and sport suspension. These features provide a more responsive and dynamic driving experience, making it the better choice for enthusiasts who prioritize sharp handling. In contrast, the Civic RS Turbo has a comfort-oriented setup, which focuses more on ride quality rather than agility. As a result, the Corolla GR Sport emerges as the winner in this category, offering a more aggressive and handling-focused suspension tuning.
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3. Exterior Features
| Toyota Corolla GR Sport | Honda Civic RS Turbo |
Headlights | Bi-LED Projector with LED Turn Signals | Full LED Headlights |
Daytime Running Lights | LED | LED |
Body Kit | GR Sport Design | RS Blacked-Out Design |
Rear Spoiler | Yes | Yes |
Exhaust Finishers | Dual | Single |
Wheels | 18-inch GR Sport | 18-inch RS Alloy |
4. Interior Features and Equipment
Toyota Corolla GR Sport | Honda Civic RS Turbo | |
Seats | Leather + Suede with Red Stitching | Leather with Red Stitching |
Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch Digital Meter | 7-inch Digital Meter |
Infotainment Display | 10-inch Touchscreen | 9-inch Touchscreen (with Google Built-in) |
Apple CarPlay | Wireless | Wireless |
Android Auto | Wired | Wired |
Sound System | 6 Speakers | 8-Speaker |
Climate Control | Dual-Zone | Dual-Zone |
The Toyota Corolla GR Sport and the Honda Civic RS Turbo both offer advanced technology features, but each excels in different areas. The Corolla GR Sport comes with a larger 10-inch infotainment screen, providing a more immersive display compared to the Civic RS Turbo’s 9-inch screen. However, the Civic RS Turbo compensates with a superior audio experience, featuring an 8-speaker sound system versus the Corolla’s 6-speaker setup. Both cars support wireless Apple CarPlay for seamless connectivity, while Android Auto requires a wired connection. Additionally, the Civic earns bonus points for integrating Google Built-in, enhancing convenience for tech-savvy drivers.
5. Safety Features
| Toyota Corolla GR Sport | Honda Civic RS Turbo |
Airbags | 7 Airbags | 6 Airbags |
Pre-Collision System | Yes | Yes |
Lane Departure Warning | Yes | Yes |
Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Yes |
Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | No (Honda LaneWatch Instead) |
Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Yes | No |
The Toyota Corolla GR Sport takes the lead in safety features, offering more airbags and a Blind Spot Monitor, which enhances overall driver and passenger protection. In comparison, the Honda Civic RS Turbo provides a solid safety package but lacks these additional features. As a result, the Corolla GR Sport emerges as the winner in this category, delivering a more comprehensive safety setup.
Conclusion
The Toyota Corolla GR Sport and the Honda Civic RS Turbo each excel in different areas, making the choice depend on personal preference. The Corolla GR Sport is the better option for those who prioritize handling and a sporty driving feel, thanks to its GR-tuned suspension. It also offers a larger 10-inch infotainment screen, more safety features, including seven airbags and a Blind Spot Monitor, and a more aggressive, sporty design.
On the other hand, the Civic RS Turbo shines in power and performance with its turbocharged engine producing 182 PS. It provides a more premium comfort experience with a multi-link suspension and an 8-speaker sound system while delivering better fuel efficiency despite its higher power output. Ultimately, the overall winner is a tie—choose the Corolla GR Sport for a track-inspired drive or the Civic RS Turbo for more power and daily comfort. Which one would you choose?
