Honda Civic vs Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is more fuel-efficient at 46 MPG combined, against 29 MPG for the Honda Civic. At EPA assumptions that is about $850 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Honda Civic | Toyota Prius | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,466 | 2,451 |
| Most reported problem | Suspension | Lighting |
| Crashes and fires | 64 and 9 | 191 and 11 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 45,000 miles | 52,000 miles |
| Recalls | 9 | 4 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 29 MPG | 46 MPG |
| City and highway | 25 and 36 | 48 and 45 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,300 | $1,450 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,466 complaints for the Honda Civic and 2,451 for the Toyota Prius. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 9 for the Honda Civic, 4 for the Toyota Prius.