
Shoppers often compare the Civic to the Toyota Corolla, but it’s clear that the Honda wins out for its roomier interior, more refined demeanor, and better value.
The Chevy Cruze now offers active safety tech and has a polished feel, although it can be expensive with options.
Mazda’s 3 rivals the Civic for behind-the-wheel fun.
The VW Golf sets the class standard for refinement, if not excitement—except in thrilling GTI and Golf R guise.
Don’t discount the Hyundai Elantra, which is priced well and drives with more verve than you may expect.
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Quick Specs | |||||
Safety upgrades this year make the 2019 Honda Civic as compelling as ever. |
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze gains some good content, but its advanced safety tech should be more accessible. |
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra delivers good handling and a lot of value for the money. |
The 2019 Mazda 3 keeps the zoom, but all-wheel-drive practicality and a vastly upgraded interior make it much more than that. |
The 2019 Toyota Corolla is a fun choice as a hatchback, but we’d skip the sedan in favor of its competitors. |
The practical 2019 VW Golf is a smart choice whether as a frugal hatchback or a zippy GTI. |
MSRP From | |||||
$19,550 | $17,995 | $17,200 | $21,000 | $18,700 | $21,845 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | |||||
LX CVT | 4-Door Sedan L | SE Manual | FWD | L CVT (GS) | 1.4T S Automatic |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback |
Transmission | |||||
CVT w/OD | Automatic | Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2019 Honda Civic vs. 2019 Chevrolet Cruze | 2019 Honda Civic vs. 2019 Hyundai Elantra | 2019 Honda Civic vs. 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2019 Honda Civic vs. 2019 Toyota Corolla | 2019 Honda Civic vs. 2019 Volkswagen Golf |