Honda vs Toyota: Which Car Brand Is Better?
Published November 10, 2026 · Last updated November 12, 2026
Honda vs Toyota is the rivalry most Brooklyn car shoppers end up weighing, and for most of them Honda comes out ahead. Honda earns the higher overall Consumer Reports grade, more 2026 IIHS safety awards, roomier family vehicles, the resale leaders in the compact car and compact SUV classes, and something Toyota has dropped from several models: a choice between a gas engine and a hybrid. Toyota's strengths are measured reliability, brand-wide resale and hybrid range.
Honda or Toyota: Which Brand Suits Your Driving?
- Pick Honda, the winner in 8 of our 10 categories, for space and choice: bigger cabins in the Accord, Pilot and Odyssey, turbo gas or hybrid power, and a higher Consumer Reports brand grade than Toyota.
- Pick Honda for crash-test credentials: four Honda models hold 2026 IIHS awards, against three Toyotas.
- Pick Honda for resale where it counts: the Civic, HR-V and CR-V lead their classes in Kelley Blue Book's 2026 resale awards.
- Consider Toyota if the top reliability score, the strongest resale value or an all-wheel-drive sedan matters most.
Same model year throughout: every model, figure and photo on this page pairs a 2026 Honda with a 2026 Toyota. Brand rankings are the latest each source has published. Figures checked November 10, 2026.
How Do Honda and Toyota Compare at a Glance?
Honda takes 8 of the 11 measures below; the warranty is even, and Toyota leads on reliability data and hybrids.
| Measure | Honda | Toyota | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR 2026 Brand Report Card | 4th overall | 5th overall | Honda |
| IIHS 2026 award winners | 4: HR-V, Passport (TSP+); Civic hatchback, Accord (TSP) | 3: Camry (TSP+); Prius, Tundra crew cab (TSP) | Honda |
| KBB 2026 resale, compact classes | Class winners: Civic, HR-V, CR-V | Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4 finish behind | Honda |
| Gas or hybrid choice | Civic, Accord and CR-V offer both | Camry, RAV4 and Sienna are hybrid only | Honda |
| Family cargo space | Odyssey 155.8 cu ft max; Pilot 18.6 cu ft behind 3rd row | Sienna 101.0 cu ft; Highlander 16.0 cu ft | Honda |
| Minivan seating | 8 seats on every Odyssey trim | 8 seats only on Sienna LE and XLE | Honda |
| Midsize sedan rear legroom | Accord: 2.8 in more than Camry | Camry: 2.8 in less than Accord | Honda |
| Roadside assistance | 3 yr/36,000 mi | 2 yr, unlimited miles | Honda |
| Basic / powertrain warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi | Even |
| Reliability data and brand-wide resale | Top-five CR reliability (4th, score 59) | 1st in CR survey (66); 8th in J.D. Power; KBB best resale brand | Toyota |
| Hybrids and free maintenance | Hybrids in the three best sellers; Honda Service Pass 1 yr/12,000 mi | Widest hybrid range; ToyotaCare 2 yr/25,000 mi on 2026 models | Toyota |
How Much Would Your Honda Cost Today?
Tell us which Honda you're considering and which Toyota it's up against, and a Plaza Honda specialist will send today's price and a test-drive time.
Which Brand Is More Reliable, Honda or Toyota?
Both are among the most dependable brands, and Honda earns the better overall grade. Consumer Reports' 2026 Brand Report Card, which combines road tests, owner satisfaction, safety and reliability, ranks Honda fourth and Toyota fifth. On the reliability survey alone, Toyota is first with a score of 66 and Honda fourth at 59, well ahead of most brands. J.D. Power's 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study puts Toyota eighth, at 185 problems per 100 three-year-old vehicles against an industry average of 204.
Which Brand Builds Safer Cars?
Honda has more winners on the 2026 IIHS list. The HR-V and Passport earned Top Safety Pick+, and the Civic hatchback and Accord earned Top Safety Pick. Toyota's winners are the Camry (Top Safety Pick+), the Prius and the Tundra crew cab.
Which Brand Holds Its Value Better?
In the classes most New Yorkers shop, Honda does. Kelley Blue Book's 2026 awards name the Civic, HR-V and CR-V the resale leaders among compact cars, subcompact SUVs and compact SUVs, ahead of the Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4. Across the whole lineup, Toyota holds the edge: KBB named it the 2026 Best Resale Value brand, with 12 class wins, including the Camry, Sienna and 4Runner.
Which Brand Has Better Hybrids?
Toyota offers more of them. The Camry, RAV4 and Sienna are now sold only as hybrids. Toyota covers the hybrid battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Honda puts its two-motor hybrid in its three best sellers, the Civic, Accord and CR-V, and keeps a turbocharged gas engine on lower trims, so drivers who mostly make short trips can skip the hybrid premium. The best Accord Hybrid is rated 48 mpg combined, against 51 for the Camry.
How Do Their Best-Selling Models Match Up?
| 2026 matchup | Where Honda wins | Where Toyota wins |
|---|---|---|
| Odyssey vs Sienna | 8 seats on every trim; 155.8 vs 101.0 cu ft max cargo | 36-mpg hybrid; AWD on every grade; resale winner |
| Pilot vs Highlander | 285-hp V6; 18.6 vs 16.0 cu ft behind the third row | Hybrid option rated 35 mpg combined |
| HR-V vs Corolla Cross | IIHS Top Safety Pick+; KBB subcompact SUV resale winner | Hybrid version available |
| Civic vs Corolla | KBB compact-car resale winner; Civic hatchback is an IIHS Top Safety Pick | Corolla Hybrid offers AWD |
| CR-V vs RAV4 | KBB compact SUV resale winner; gas engine still offered | Hybrid on every trim, plus a plug-in hybrid |
| Passport vs 4Runner | IIHS Top Safety Pick+; standard AWD | Body-on-frame build; off-road SUV resale winner |
| Ridgeline vs Tacoma | Standard AWD; lockable in-bed trunk | More cab and bed choices; resale winner |
| Accord vs Camry | Turbo gas or hybrid; 2.8 in more rear legroom | 51 mpg combined; IIHS Top Safety Pick+; resale winner |
Honda's wins cluster where families need them most: seats, cargo space, crash-test awards and class-leading resale in the compact segments.
Which Brand Costs Less to Own?
On 2026 models, ToyotaCare covers scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, twice the length of Honda Service Pass at 1 year or 12,000 miles; Toyota cuts its plan to 1 year or 10,000 miles on 2027 models. Honda's roadside assistance lasts 3 years or 36,000 miles, a year longer than Toyota's. Toyota's hybrids save the most at the pump, while Honda's gas trims usually cost less up front. Check current Honda specials and this month's Honda incentives and rebates, apply for Honda financing or value your trade-in, Toyota included. Our service department handles Honda Service Pass visits on site.
Which Brand Fits Brooklyn and NYC Driving?
For street parking, the Civic and HR-V are among the easiest vehicles to squeeze into a tight space. For snow, the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot offer AWD, and it is standard on the Passport and Ridgeline. One gap: Toyota sells AWD sedans, while the Civic and Accord are front-wheel drive only.
Which Hondas Are at Plaza Honda Now?
The new Hondas below are on our Brooklyn lot or arriving soon; many are 2027 models, which keep the strengths covered here. Browse every model in new Honda inventory, see HondaTrue Certified cars and our full used inventory, or call (855) 528-6785 to line up a drive.
| MSRP | $34,570 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,500 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $33,245 |
| MSRP | $31,450 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,150 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $30,475 |
| MSRP | $31,905 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,150 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $30,930 |
| MSRP | $33,955 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,150 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $32,980 |
| MSRP | $36,600 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,500 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $35,275 |
| MSRP | $38,850 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,500 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $37,525 |
| MSRP | $35,545 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,700 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $34,020 |
| MSRP | $35,025 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,500 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $33,700 |
| MSRP | $38,850 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,500 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $37,525 |
| MSRP | $41,205 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,500 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $39,880 |
| MSRP | $32,445 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,700 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $30,920 |
| MSRP | $39,305 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,500 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $37,980 |
| MSRP | $35,090 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,700 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $33,565 |
| MSRP | $33,990 |
| No Hassle discount | -$750 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $33,415 |
| MSRP | $38,850 |
| No Hassle discount | -$1,500 |
| Doc fee | $175 |
| Plaza Price | $37,525 |
Verdict: Is Honda or Toyota the Better Brand?
For most Brooklyn shoppers, Honda is the better all-around brand: it wins 8 of our 10 categories, from the higher Consumer Reports brand grade and more IIHS awards to more family space and the choice of gas or hybrid. Toyota is the pick if top reliability data, an AWD sedan or a hybrid-only lineup matters most.
More room per dollar
The Pilot and Odyssey out-carry their Toyota rivals, and every Odyssey seats eight.
Four IIHS winners
HR-V, Passport, Civic hatchback and Accord, under the strictest IIHS rules yet.
Data leader
Top reliability score, KBB's best resale brand and the widest hybrid range.
Gas or hybrid
The Civic, Accord and CR-V come both ways, so you pay for a hybrid only if you want one.
Which Brand Wins More Categories, Honda or Toyota?
Honda wins 8 of 10 categories. Toyota takes reliability data and brand-wide resale, plus hybrids, AWD sedans and free maintenance.
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Overall brand grade | Honda | 4th vs 5th, CR Brand Report Card |
| Safety awards | Honda | 4 vs 3 IIHS 2026 winners |
| Reliability data and brand-wide resale | Toyota | 1st in CR survey; KBB best resale brand |
| Resale in compact classes | Honda | Civic, HR-V and CR-V lead their KBB classes |
| Powertrain choice | Honda | Gas or hybrid Civic, Accord, CR-V |
| Family space | Honda | Odyssey and Pilot out-carry Sienna and Highlander |
| Hybrids, AWD sedans and free maintenance | Toyota | Widest hybrid range; AWD Camry and Corolla Hybrid; ToyotaCare 2 yr/25,000 mi |
| Minivan seating | Honda | 8 seats on every Odyssey trim |
| Sedan rear-seat room | Honda | Accord: 2.8 in more legroom than Camry |
| Roadside assistance | Honda | 3 years vs 2 |
Pick your Honda, skip the trip. Plaza Honda delivers new Hondas free within 25 miles, an area that covers the five boroughs and most of Nassau County, and our service team offers pickup and return across the NYC metro area.
Schedule Home DeliveryHonda vs Toyota: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Honda or Toyota more reliable?
Both are top-five brands. Honda earns the higher overall grade in Consumer Reports' 2026 Brand Report Card, fourth against Toyota's fifth, while Toyota leads the reliability survey on its own, with a score of 66 against Honda's 59. Either brand is a safe long-term bet.
Which brand is safer, Honda or Toyota?
On the 2026 IIHS list, Honda has four winners: the HR-V and Passport (Top Safety Pick+) and the Civic hatchback and Accord (Top Safety Pick). Toyota has three: the Camry (Top Safety Pick+), Prius and Tundra crew cab. Both brands include automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control as standard.
Do Toyotas hold their value better than Hondas?
It depends on the class. In Kelley Blue Book's 2026 resale awards, the Honda Civic, HR-V and CR-V lead the compact car, subcompact SUV and compact SUV classes, ahead of the Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4. Across the whole lineup, KBB named Toyota its Best Resale Value brand.
Are Honda or Toyota hybrids better?
Toyota offers more hybrids, and the Camry, RAV4 and Sienna are hybrid-only. Honda offers hybrids in the Civic, Accord and CR-V while keeping a gas engine on lower trims. The Camry is rated 51 mpg combined, against 48 for the most efficient Accord Hybrid.
Is a Honda cheaper to maintain than a Toyota?
For the first years, Toyota covers more: ToyotaCare includes scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles on 2026 models, while Honda Service Pass covers 1 year or 12,000 miles. Honda's roadside assistance runs longer, at 3 years or 36,000 miles against 2 years for Toyota.
Can I compare Honda and Toyota models in one visit in Brooklyn?
Yes. Plaza Honda is at 2740 Nostrand Avenue, and Plaza Toyota is across Nostrand Avenue, so you can compare both brands on the same visit. Call Plaza Honda at (855) 528-6785 to set up your Honda test drive.
Where Can You Shop Every Plaza Auto Mall Store?
Plaza Honda is part of Plaza Auto Mall, family-owned on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn since 1975. Pick a store below to browse its cars.
All models compared are 2026 models. Rankings: Consumer Reports' 2026 Brand Report Card and latest reliability survey; J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study; IIHS 2026 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards; Kelley Blue Book 2026 Best Resale Value Awards. Warranty and maintenance terms are from Honda and Toyota and can vary by state and model; Honda Service Pass covers select maintenance on 2025 and 2026 models. Sales figures are 2025 U.S. brand totals, excluding Acura and Lexus. EPA ratings are estimates for comparison. Current as of November 12, 2026; ask Plaza Honda to confirm details.
