Honda Civic Type R vs Toyota GR Corolla / No Excuses!

If you're seeking maximum performance with 4 doors and a (somewhat) down-to-earth pricetag, you're probably considering a Toyota GR Corolla or Honda Civic Type R... But which one is better? Let's find out.

Other key competitors to consider include the Hyundai Elantra N, VW Golf R and Subaru WRX TR!

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00:00 Intro
00:45 GR Corolla Drive
05:45 GR Corolla Interior
06:39 Style
07:08 Civic Type R Interior
09:05 Civic Type R Drive
14:38 Reliability & Running Cost
15:58 Final Thoughts

[genzigzag]

As cool as the Type R is, it would have been great if the Civic Si was built on the Hatchback, would have been a great every day car.

[brianr]

Your comparison between the two cars is awesome and is spot on with my experiences. I started watching your reviews a few months ago and it is one of the reasons I purchased a GR Corolla. I really like how you structure your reviews.
I previously owned the GR Premium ($42k) and now the Civic Type-R ($46k). I am a Honda guy, so I am biased.

My thoughts on the two.
GR: Core with performance pack and Premium are better value than CTR at MSRPs. Premium had more features, such as fog lights, parking sensors, heated seats and steering wheel, homelink and frameless rear view mirror.
GR is more playful and fun on street during backroad driving. I think due to the smaller size, lighter steering and more body roll.
GR interior is very functional but appearance and some materials are cheaper.
If poor weather driving is experienced, then the AWD would be great. I am retired, so if the weather is bad, I just don’t drive. 😊

CTR: Seems much more serious and wants to show how amazing the handling is for a FWD. I will never take a car to the track. On the street, it seems like the CTR traction is limitless. Especially if you are being reasonably reasonable.

CTR seats are amazing. Even though they look like race seats, they are surprisingly comfortable. I don’t have much wiggle room in them, but they work great. The GR seats are easier to get in and out of and live with on a daily basis.
The Bose audio is much better than the JBL in my opinion. Not even close.

Even though CTR has adaptive dampers, it is tuned to be stiff and is also bouncy. Comfort setting is maybe Ok for street driving but I plan on swapping damper module for the ITS one.

CTR engine is powerful and responsive from 2k to 7k. GR is mainly powerful from 3k to 6k.
I understand that from 0-60, GR might be slightly faster due to AWD. I personally don’t do full throttle 1st to redline. Just seems so hard on a car. I like to be reasonable in 1st and then have fun in 2nd and 3rd gear. For this, the CTR seems to pull a fair amount stronger to me. Also cruising at 70 on highway in 6th gear, CTR has better roll on performance.

CTR shifter is better. Shorter throws and better feel.

Fuel economy very similar. Also with fairly small tanks, the range is poor on both, so it makes it seem the MPG is even worse than actual. Not a big deal personally, since I don’t have to drive a lot of miles.

If storage is important, the CTR is quite a bit better.

I prefer the CTR styling overall. I prefer the 24M GR front end styling, but do not like the GR rear styling. I like that Honda created exclusive fender and rear metal panel to achieve wider track instead of just adding plastic pieces.

Random thoughts. Not sure if it was just my GR, but at night the left light created this strange double peaked shadow, especially during turns. The first time it startled me, because it looked like something was in the road. 😂

Overall thoughts. The GR is a great car, especially for the price. (Core and Premium) I like the smaller overall size and is more fun on the street.

For me, I do prefer the CTR. Especially since I do not need AWD. Even though I am not going to track it, it just feels “special” every time I drive it. The better audio, perceived interior quality and improved storage is a bonus.

At least in the Midwest, both cars can be bought for MSRP. They are not readily available, but with searching and some patience, it is possible. I appreciate that we have reasonably priced gas cars with this level of performance. Not sure how much longer it will last.

[SethKnows]

I chose the GRC, but you really can't go wrong with either. CTR will feel more refined, but I want/need AWD and the physical handbrake. Also, it's very neat to give people a ride and then surprise them with the fact that it's only a 3 cylinder.

[lolatu]

One thing you didn't mention, is if you live anywhere that gets a lot of snow you might want the GRC. Now I've driven a fwd integra and even a 300zx in blizzards in New York and Vermont. Any car can handle a lot of snowy conditions with the right tires, and maybe some sandbags in the trunk if it's rwd. But I got the GRC specifically to go snowboarding and it's a beast in the snow. So awesome to drive on mountain roads with several feet of fresh snow. I've owned a lot of sporty cars but I never had that homologated rally car like an EVO or STI. AWD with around 300hp and a stick. This is it, and I love it.

[gabrielarch]

Generally in 100% agreement! But, I have owned the GR Corolla…21, 000km then type R … 8, 500km now back to the GR Corolla 9000 km. All trouble free all .. driven! My preference, the GR Corolla fun factor and all road/weather advantage. Easy choice here (pacific northwest). Cheers🙏🏻

[DrCaleCopeland]

Really enjoyed this awesome review! Lots of respect for the GRC. I own an FL5 and have driven a Grolla as well. The Type R feels like it’s in another league. The GRC is a great car but the Type R feels like a special one.

[kengit]

Absolutely great commentary, you’ve a great way with words. Something that’s hard for others to duplicate. Wishing you many years of success. PS I’m a GR Corolla fanboy haha

[waynephilbert]

Both are impressive and I think it just depends on whatever aspect you prioritise.

I'd never fit in the Corolla GR but I bet it's a rocket. Tuners are getting insane numbers from that engine too.

Thanks for a decent quick review!

[andrewr]

Excellent, excellent comparison review. Thank you very much!

[normaninsandiego]

Another excellent video, Tyler. The GR Corolla is my favorite.

[boots_n_coots]

I got me a Type R. It does feel well thought out and VERY special indeed. Your conclusion is validated.

[andreshado]

I think one of the fascinating points about these cars is the argument of “enthusiasm” vs “spec sheet”. These cars are intentionally made as a compromise, and likewise, you don’t get the ultimate performance from either in a sense. The GRC is smaller, and has a rev-happy 3 cylinder, that you hypothetically could take to a track day. The Type R has especially refined suspension and geometry that allows for it to put down 300 horsepower without similar hop/torque steer from the N products. Each has its own character, and it’s up to you as the consumer, an enthusiast: are you more excited about the GRC or the Type R? Your own experience will vary, and a lot of it has to do with how excited you get about the car while seeing it every day. You can’t let someone fool you into thinking that one is better than another, because fundamentally they’re cars meant to be enjoyed, not necessarily professionally raced and benchmarked. Like… One is better for a track day. When was the last time you went to a track day? When was the last time you drove in snow? Each buyer will see different benefits from each. Buy the one that makes YOU happy.

Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

[progpogs]

The CTR felt like an absolute behemoth size-wise when I drove it, with a massive turning radius too, I would need some serious time getting used to it as a daily in an semi-urban environment. The appeal of the GRC to me is the size, but definitely the CTR was more pleasing to drive for me. Really frustrating, I wish the Civic hadn't become such a large car, its bigger than fairly recent Accords in fact.

[racerxion]

I love my FL5... I feel like like you can't go wrong either way tho especially if you need AWD... great video!

[Vermonstered]

Never heard alcantara be called, 'cheap mock suede' before. Especially when compared to the cheap literal felt the GR Corolla has on its door card.

[dannyphamous]

Really amazing series, excited for your overall rankings video!

[fpsinvader]

I test drove both and picked the GRC circuit edition but it was a tough choice. Both priced at sticker in the Midwest

[Zygrene]

Solid review. +1 for swapping in the DE5 ADS module to solve (in my opinion) the FL5's biggest flaw.

[ShoobiKenoobi]

Great comparison! Got a blue GRC Circuit at MSRP after expecting to go Integra Type S. The CTR was in the running but winter is real in WI and giving up heated seats would be tough. 4WD and cheaper tires were also part of the appeal of the GRC, and my wife can’t stand the CTR spoiler. 😂 Anyway, I love that all of these exist, and feel kinship rather than animosity for anyone I see driving any of them. (Or an Elantra N or a Kona N or a Golf R…) Great time to be a driver!

[DMA-iw]

Fabulous job on this video. Subscribed.