New Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic: practicality
These hybrid hatchbacks from Honda and Toyota are two of the best family cars you can buy. But which should you choose?...
Space and practicality
Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot
Even if you're around six feet tall, you'll find that there's a comfortable amount of space in the front seats. There's also plenty of storage space, as well as a generous-sized glovebox in each.
Neither car is great when it comes to rear seat space, with both being a little stingy on head room for tall adults. The Honda Civic is far more accommodating when it comes to leg room, though, allowing six-footers to stretch out even with someone similarly tall ahead of them. In the Toyota Corolla, those same occupants will have their knees pressed against the back of the seat in front, while tight footwells mean you have to contort your body slightly just to get in or out.
Neither is particularly accommodating for a middle passenger, and while the Civic has a bit more foot room, there's still a large hump in the floor to straddle.
Both cars have good-sized boots by class standards (although the Skoda Octavia's is bigger still), with enough space to accommodate six carry-on sized suitcases below their parcel shelves. However, if you specify a spare wheel in the Corolla, you end up with the shallower load area. Taller items are better accommodated in the more upright Corolla (the Civic's sloping tailgate reduces height towards the back of the car), although neither car comes with a height-adjustable floor.
Both have 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks for those occasions when you need to carry bigger loads, but there is a step in the floor in both when their seatbacks are down, meaning you can't slide heavier objects in very easily. If you need more boot space, the Corolla (unlike the Civic) is also available as the Corolla Touring Sports, a more versatile estate form.
Boot space
Toyota Corolla
Boot 361-1052 litres Suitcases 6
Honda Civic
