Toyota vs Honda: How the Brands Compare for Used Cars
- Edwin John
- 19 hours ago
- 7 min read
Toyota vs Honda is one of the most common comparisons in the used-car market. Both brands are known for reliable cars, good fuel economy, and practical models.
But they are not identical.
Toyota’s reputation precedes it when it comes to reliability, and they offer more hybrid models. Honda, on the contrary, is popular for its space, comfort, powerful engines, and sportiness.
As for what cars are worth buying from the dealer, the make and model, year, and mileage greatly impact the purchase. Outlaw Motor Company offers used cars for sale, including Honda and Toyota. Check our selection of used vehicles and purchase a car of your dream!
Toyota vs Honda at a Glance
Category | Toyota | Honda |
Used-car reliability | Excellent | Excellent |
Fuel economy | Excellent | Excellent |
Hybrid selection | Very strong | Strong |
Compact sedan | Corolla | Civic |
Midsize sedan | Camry | Accord |
Compact SUV | RAV4 | CR-V |
Midsize SUV | Highlander | Pilot |
Driving feel | Comfortable and relaxed | More responsive |
Resale value | Strong | Strong |
Used-car reputation | Excellent | Excellent |
Consumer Reports currently ranks Toyota #2 and Honda #4 for used-car reliability. Toyota also ranks third for maintenance and repair costs, while Honda ranks 11th.
That gives Toyota an edge at the brand level. It does not mean every Toyota is a better used car than every Honda.
Toyota vs Honda Reliability
Toyota has the stronger reliability position right now.
Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second for used-car reliability and Honda fourth in its 2026 rankings. Both remain among the stronger brands for shoppers looking at 5- to 10-year-old vehicles.
Honda is still a strong choice. Its used vehicles rank near the top for reliability, and many Honda sedans and SUVs perform well in Consumer Reports testing.
For a used Toyota vehicle, though, brand reputation is only part of the picture.
Check:
Maintenance records
Mileage
Accident history
Title history
Engine and transmission condition
Tires and brakes
Suspension
Rust
Warning lights
Recalls
A well-maintained Honda can be a better buy than a neglected Toyota.
Does Model Year Matter?
Yes.
Toyota and Honda have both changed engines, transmissions, technology, and vehicle designs over time. Reliability can vary between generations and model years.
That's why researching the exact vehicle matters more than relying on a brand reputation alone.
Honda vs Toyota: Fuel Economy
Both brands perform well on fuel economy.
Toyota has a major advantage in hybrid availability. The Prius helped establish Toyota as a leader in hybrid vehicles, and the company now offers hybrid versions across much of its lineup.
Honda also offers hybrids in popular models, including the Civic, Accord, and CR-V.
When comparing fuel economy, look at the actual powertrain.
Compare:
Gas vs hybrid
Engine size
Model year
Front-wheel drive vs AWD
EPA fuel-economy ratings
A brand-level comparison won't tell you how much a specific vehicle will cost to fuel.
Toyota vs Honda Sedans
Toyota and Honda have some of the most recognizable sedans in the used market.
The main comparisons are:
Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic
Toyota Camry vs Honda Accord
Corolla vs Civic
The Corolla and Civic are compact sedans with strong fuel economy and practical interiors.
The Corolla tends to focus on simple, comfortable transportation. The Civic often feels more responsive and offers a strong balance of efficiency and practicality.
For used buyers, compare the specific year and trim rather than choosing by brand.
Camry vs Accord
The Camry and Accord are midsize sedans.
Both offer comfortable cabins, useful passenger space, and efficient powertrains.
The Camry is a good fit for buyers who want a relaxed daily driver. The Accord is a good fit for drivers who prefer a more engaging feel.
Both are worth considering in the used market.
Toyota vs Honda SUVs
Toyota and Honda both have strong SUV lineups.
The most useful comparisons include:
Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V
Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot
Toyota Corolla Cross vs Honda HR-V
The right choice depends on size, price, fuel economy, drivetrain, and condition.
RAV4 vs CR-V
The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are two of the most popular compact SUV choices.
Both offer practical cargo space, comfortable interiors, and strong fuel-economy options. Hybrid versions are also available in recent model years.
When comparing used examples, check:
Model year
Mileage
Powertrain
AWD system
Service history
Rust
Tires and brakes
Accident history
Price
Don't assume the Toyota is automatically the better buy. Don't assume the Honda is either.
Compare the actual vehicles.
Used Toyota SUVs: What to Know
Used Toyota SUVs are popular because of Toyota's reliability reputation and wide SUV selection.
The RAV4 works well for buyers who want a compact SUV. The Highlander provides more passenger space and three-row seating on applicable models.
But the Toyota badge doesn't tell you whether a particular SUV is worth buying.
Check the model year, engine, transmission, maintenance history, mileage, and condition before making a decision.
The same approach applies to a used Honda SUV.
Honda or Toyota for Hybrid Buyers?
Toyota has the advantage here.
It has a longer hybrid history and a wider range of hybrid models. Most of Toyota's current lineup is available with hybrid powertrains.
Honda has fewer hybrid choices, but its lineup still includes popular options such as the Civic, Accord, and CR-V.
For a used hybrid, check the vehicle's:
Service history
Mileage
Battery-related warranty coverage
Fuel economy
Overall mechanical condition
Don't buy a used hybrid based on MPG alone.
Honda Versus Toyota: Driving Experience
Toyota and Honda don't always feel the same on the road.
Toyota generally focuses on comfort, smoothness, and efficiency.
Honda often gives drivers more steering response and a more engaging feel.
Neither approach is better for everyone.
If you're choosing between two similar used cars, take both for a test drive. Steering, braking, seating position, road noise, and ride quality can matter more than a specification sheet.
Toyota or Honda for Chicago Drivers?
Chicago adds another factor: wear.
Road salt can cause corrosion. Potholes can damage wheels, tires, suspension, and steering components.
When checking a used Toyota or Honda in Chicago, look underneath the vehicle. Check the brakes, tires, suspension, wheels, and underbody for signs of wear or rust.
Outlaw Motor Co. is based in Chicago and says every vehicle in its inventory goes through a 120-point mechanical inspection before being listed. Its inventory includes sedans, SUVs, and minivans.
Toyota vs Honda Resale Value
Toyota has a strong resale reputation. Honda also holds its value well in many popular models.
But resale value is only one part of the cost equation.
Before buying, consider:
Purchase price
Financing
Insurance
Fuel
Maintenance
Repairs
Tires
Expected resale value
A higher-priced Toyota isn't automatically the better value.
If a Honda has fewer miles, better maintenance records, and a lower price, it may make more financial sense.
Toyota vs Honda Maintenance Costs
Toyota currently has an advantage in Consumer Reports' maintenance and repair cost data.
Toyota ranks third, while Honda ranks 11th in the 2026 rankings.
That is useful for comparing the brands, but your actual costs will depend on the vehicle.
An older SUV will have different expenses from a compact sedan. Mileage and condition matter, too.
How to Compare a Used Toyota and Honda
If you're looking at two vehicles from these brands, compare them in this order.
1. Compare the same vehicle class
Start with similar models.
For example, compare a RAV4 with a CR-V rather than comparing a RAV4 with a Civic.
2. Check the model year
Research the specific generation and powertrain.
3. Check the history
Look for accidents, title issues, previous owners, and mileage records.
4. Review maintenance
Look for regular servicing and recent repairs.
5. Inspect the vehicle
Check the body, interior, tires, brakes, suspension, engine bay, and underbody.
6. Take a test drive
Pay attention to:
Engine startup
Transmission shifts
Steering
Braking
Suspension noise
Warning lights
HVAC
Electronics
Read our blog on How to Test Drive a Used Car to learn everything you should know.
7. Compare the price
Don't compare sticker prices alone.
Consider what the vehicle needs now and what it may need soon.
Buying a Used Toyota or Honda at Outlaw Motor Co.
If you're shopping for a Toyota or Honda in Chicago, Outlaw Motor Co. has a rotating inventory of used sedans, SUVs, and minivans.
The dealership says every vehicle is hand-selected and passes a 120-point mechanical inspection before being listed. Outlaw also states that its pricing has no hidden fees or last-minute add-ons.
Outlaw Motor Co. is located at 2035 N. Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60639.
Browse our used car inventory today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Toyota and Honda?
Toyota generally focuses on comfort, efficiency, reliability, and broad hybrid availability. Honda is also known for reliability and efficiency, with many models offering a more responsive driving experience.
Honda or Toyota: which is better for used cars?
Both are strong used-car brands. Toyota currently has the higher reliability ranking, while Honda offers a competitive lineup of reliable, efficient cars and SUVs.
Is Honda better than Toyota?
There is no universal answer. Toyota has advantages in used-car reliability rankings and hybrid availability. Honda remains competitive in reliability, efficiency, sedans, and SUVs.
Are used Toyota SUVs reliable?
Many are. But reliability depends on the model, year, powertrain, mileage, maintenance history, and condition.
Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V: which is better?
Both are strong compact SUV choices. Compare the model year, mileage, powertrain, maintenance history, condition, features, and price of the specific vehicles.
Which has more hybrid options, Toyota or Honda?
Toyota has the broader hybrid lineup and a longer history with hybrid vehicles. Honda also offers hybrids in several popular models.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota or Honda?
Check the vehicle history, maintenance records, mileage, tires, brakes, suspension, underbody, warning lights, engine, transmission, and overall condition. A professional inspection is also worth considering.
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