Honda and Toyota produce some of the most popular vehicles in the world, but there are stark differences between these two auto manufacturers that allow them to excel in different areas. Toyota is known to produce safer and more reliable vehicles, but Honda takes the cake for technology and powertrain performance.
Two Japanese automakers have been going head to head for nearly 75 years, and both have solidified their place in manufacturing history with some of the world’s most popular models. But how are you supposed to figure out which brand is better for you?
Wonder no more—Jerry, the car insurance comparison expert, is here to get to the bottom of whether or not Honda is better than Toyota. We’ll cover key specs of both brands, compare models, and even see how Honda insurance costs compare to Toyota.
Honda vs Toyota—which is better?
Honda is often considered better when it comes to standard features and quality, but Toyota is the cheaper and more reliable brand. There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding which brand is better for you, so let’s look at some of the big ones: price, technology, and reliability.
Price
Although Honda and Toyota produce a similar lineup of vehicles, Honda models tend to be just slightly higher-end than their Toyota competitors. Take a look at how the price ranges compare for some of the brands’ top competing models in the table below:
| Honda model | Price range | Toyota model | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Honda Civic | $25,745–$31,645 | 2023 Toyota Corolla | $22,645–$27,795 |
| 2022 Honda Insight | $26,855–$30,885 | 2022 Toyota Prius | $26,170–$34,465 |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | $32,355–$39,845 | 2023 Toyota RAV4 | $28,910–$38,530 |
| 2022 Honda Pilot | $39,375–$53,165 | 2022 Toyota 4Runner | $38,940–$54,255 |
The dealership prices at Toyota offer better accessibility to get you in the door, and Toyota models typically come with lower repair and insurance costs. The average cost of Toyota insurance is $2,528 per year, or $211 a month, while the average cost of insurance for a Honda is $2,816 per year, or $235 a month.
Here are some more things to keep in mind as you compare prices between the two brands:
- Honda and Toyota models are neck-and-neck when it comes to fuel efficiency.
- Toyota offers more variety in its lineup of vehicles—including more hybrid options.
- Honda tends to receive better ratings for higher-quality interiors and standard features.
- Toyota is lauded as one of the most reliable car brands in the world and beats out Honda for expected longevity.
Both Toyota and Honda have relatively similar trends when it comes to depreciation. According to CarEdge, Hondas tend to maintain just a little bit more of their value than Toyotas, so you’re just as likely to find more expensive used Hondas as you are newer models.
At the end of the day, Honda vehicles tend to offer some shinier bells and whistles that justify the higher price, but you can expect better long-term value from Toyota when it comes to ongoing ownership costs.
Technology
Most new Hondas and Toyotas feature comparable infotainment suites with standard Bluetooth® integration for your device, including Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa. Both makes tend to use 6.0- to 7.0-inch touchscreens for standard software (or 9.0-inch screens for upgraded models) and utilize apps on your phone for full device integration.
Where Honda really shines is its safety features. The Honda Sensing® driver’s assistance suite pioneered the collision mitigation automatic braking technology that has since become standard on many other makes. Advanced semi-autonomous driving mode is also becoming available on more Honda models. Toyota Safety Sense™ offers a fair amount of driver assistance features, though not as many as Honda Sensing as you can see from the table below.
| Driver assistance feature | Honda Sensing | Toyota Safety Sense |
|---|---|---|
| Collision mitigation braking system with forward collision warning | Standard | Standard |
| Pedestrian detection with automatic emergency braking | Standard on most models | Standard |
| Adaptive cruise control | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic high-beam headlights | Standard | Standard |
| Lane departure warning | Standard | Available |
| Lane-keeping assist | Standard | Available |
| Blind-spot warning | Standard | Available |
| Rear cross-traffic warning | Standard | Available |
| Road-departure mitigation system | Standard | N/A |
| Traffic sign recognition | Standard on certain models | Available |
| Semi-autonomous driving mode | Available | Available |
Despite the difference in safety technology, however, more Toyota vehicles were awarded for safety in 2022. Toyota received four 2022 Top Safety Pick and nine 2022 Top Safety Pick+ awards from the International Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). Honda only received one Top Safety Pick and five Top Safety Pick+ designations from the IIHS for 2022.
Reliability
Toyota makes some of the most reliable, long-lasting cars in the world—but Honda definitely gives Toyota a run for its money! Both brands offer similar 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranties and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties if you buy new.
If you ask RepairPal, Honda ranks first among 32 car brands for reliability and Toyota ranks eighth, though both receive an overall score of 4.0/5.0. However, in a study of 2022 model dependability performed by J.D. Power, Toyota ranked fifth with 158 problems per 100 vehicles and a top dependability distinction in the compact car segment with the Toyota Corolla. Honda ranked 24th with 230 problems per 100 vehicles and no distinctions.
The average annual maintenance cost for a Toyota is $441, and Honda just barely beats this with an average maintenance cost of $428 per year. However, given the study from J.D. Power, we’d say Toyota pulls just slightly ahead as a more reliable brand.
Honda models vs Toyota models
We’ve talked about how these two brands compare as a whole, but that can only get you so far when you’re looking for a specific type of vehicle. Here are some side-by-side comparisons of Honda and Toyota cars, SUVs, minivans, and trucks to help you find the best one for you.
Cars
The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla aren’t just flagships for their respective brands—these two compact cars are worldwide industry leaders. However, the 2022 Honda Accord may be the real star of the show when it comes to the two brands’ passenger cars with a perfect 10/10 rating, a 10Best List mention, and an Editor’s Choice award from Car and Driver.
Compare some of the most popular passenger cars from the Japanese brands below:
| Price | Styles | Engine options | Zero-to-60 time | Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined mpg) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota Corolla | $22,645–$27,795 | Compact sedan/hatchback | 2.0-L four-cylinder (169 hp, 151 lb-ft of torque), OR hybrid 1.8-L four-cylinder (180 hp, 156 lb-ft of torque) | 8.3 to 9.0 seconds | 30–50/38–43/31–47 |
| 2023 Honda Civic | $25,745–$31,645 | Compact sedan/hatchback | 2.0-L four-cylinder (158 hp, 138 lb-ft of torque), OR turbo 1.5-L four-cylinder (134 hp, 177 lb-ft of torque) | 7.3 to 7.5 seconds | 26–33/36–42/29–36 (2022) |
| 2023 Toyota Camry | $27,040–$34,615 | Midsize sedan | 2.5-L four-cylinder (203 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque), 3.5-L V6 (301 hp, 267 lb-ft of torque), OR hybrid 2.5-L four-cylinder (208 hp, 163 lb-ft of torque) | 7.4 seconds | 22–51/31–53/25–52 |
| 2022 Honda Accord | $27,615–$39,545 | Midsize sedan | 1.5-L turbo four-cylinder (192 hp, 192 lb-ft of torque), 2.0-L turbo four-cylinder (252 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque), OR hybrid 2.0-L four-cylinder (212 hp, 129 lb-ft of torque) | 5.5 to 7.2 seconds | 22–48/32–47/26–47 |
| 2022 Toyota Prius Prime 2022 Toyota Prius Prime | $29,865–$35,645 | Midsize hatchback | Midsize hatchback Plug-in hybrid 1.8-L four-cylinder (121 hp, 105 lb-ft of torque) | 10.0 seconds | 54 mpg/133 MPGe combined; 25 miles electric range |
| 2022 Honda Insight | $26,855–$30,855 | Compact sedan | Hybrid 1.5-L four-cylinder (151 hp, 99 lb-ft of torque) | 7.7 seconds | 51–55/45–49/48–52 |
Toyota offers a wider variety of powertrain options on its cars—we’re looking at the V6 Camry and the PHEV Prius—but Honda powertrains tend to perform better. All three of the Honda Accord’s four-cylinder powertrains can squeal to 60 mph faster than the most powerful V6 Camry, though its hybrid option isn’t fuel-efficient.
If you’re looking for a car with the best driving feel, head to Honda. If you’re looking for a hybrid, you’re better off with a Toyota. The Toyota Avalon gets an honorable mention if you’re strictly looking for a full-size car, as does the GR86 if you’re looking for a coupe—Honda doesn’t currently offer options for either.
SUVs
Compare some of the brands’ most popular SUVs below if you’re looking for a little bit more space for your family:
Once again, Toyota comes out on top with hybridized options. The hybrid Honda CR-V puts up a good fight, but it’s hard to beat the RAV4’s hybridized powertrains when they’re more powerful than their gas-powered alternative. Toyota also offers some very capable off-roaders with the RAV4 and 4Runner if you add its TRD off-roading package.
Honda offers a bit more capability and practicality on standard roads with its midsize SUVs. The Honda HR-V also gets an honorable mention if you’re looking for a compact crossover with a bit more room but similar performance to Honda’s passenger car lineup.
Minivans
There are only two minivans to compare between our brawling brands: the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna.
The 2023 Sienna has a cheaper starting price at $36,720, but the Odyssey offers cheaper improvements, allowing you to get more bang for your buck as you move up the trim ladder. The Odyssey also stays on trend with better engine performance, but the Sienna wins out for fuel economy—35 to 36 mpg combined on all models. The two are evenly matched for cargo and passenger space.
Pickup Trucks
Honda only offers one midsize pickup truck—the Honda Ridgeline ($40,095 MSRP). You can expect a lot of comfort and well-mannered driving from its single 3.5-L V6 engine (280 hp, 262 lb-ft of torque)—but those aren’t exactly qualities you expect from this segment.
If you’re looking for a work truck with a rough-and-ready demeanor, Toyota is an easy winner. The Toyota Tacoma rivals the Ridgeline—for nearly $12,000 less to start. The only downside is that you’ll have to upgrade to get the Tacoma’s V6, but it’s more fit for the type of driving you’d expect to do with a truck no matter what engine it’s got.
The full-size Toyota Tundra turns things up, offering the same hard-working mentality but breaking the mold with a capable hybrid powertrain. No matter which Toyota pickup you land, you’ll get more towing capacity than the Ridgeline’s measly 5,000 lbs—6,800 pounds for the Tacoma and up to 12,000 pounds for the Tundra.
How to find cheap car insurance (no matter the automaker!)
Honda and Toyota excel in different ways, but these two brands have one fundamental truth in common—you need a solid car insurance policy to drive any of their models off the lot! Let Jerry take care of the insurance comparison shopping from here.
Jerry is your ultra-trustworthy car insurance broker for life. No need to sit across from him at a desk: Jerry is an app! It takes less than a minute to sign up, and you’ll be presented with competitive rates from top insurance providers. Don’t lose coverage—find savings with Jerry.
FAQ
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Are Honda cars more reliable than Toyotas?
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Is Honda or Toyota more popular?
Pat Roache is an insurance writer with over two years of experience in the automotive industry. With a focus on car insurance, maintenance, and brand reviews, Pat’s mission is to create engaging and accessible content that empowers readers to take autonomy over their car ownership. As a writer and editor with Jerry, Pat has penned over 600 original articles and edited over 1,000. Pat’s 8+ years of experience in the performing arts as a writer, director, producer, and performer lend to their keen eye for research and presentation. Most recently, Pat’s new English translation of Donizetti’s Italian opera “D[x]n Pasquale” had its world premiere in 2022 with Opera MODO (Detroit, MI). Pat also writes grants for an LGBTQ arts non-profit in Chicago, IL.
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit. Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
