What’s Cheaper: Toyota or Honda Cars?
Toyota and Honda are longtime rivals, with many of their models vying for the top spots in the sales charts. Also, both Japanese automotive brands have a much-deserved reputation for producing high-quality cars at affordable prices. However, what’s cheaper: Toyota or Honda cars?
Toyota or Honda: Which car brand has the cheapest models?
You can find affordable models from both Toyota and Honda. For Toyota, the cheapest new one is the 2023 Corolla compact sedan ($21,550 MSRP). And for Honda, it’s the 2023 HR-V subcompact crossover SUV ($23,800 MSRP).
Here are the 10 most affordable new models for Toyota and Honda:
| Toyota | Honda |
| 1. 2023 Toyota Corolla Sedan: $21,550 MSRP | 1. 2023 Honda HR-V: $23,800 MSRP |
| 2. 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback: $23,005 MSRP | 2. 2023 Honda Civic Sedan: $25,050 MSRP |
| 3. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: $23,060 MSRP | 3. 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback: $25,850 MSRP |
| 4. 2022 Toyota C-HR: $24,280 MSRP | 4. 2023 Honda Accord: $27,295 MSRP |
| 5. 2023 Toyota Camry: $26,220 MSRP | 5. 2023 Honda Civic Si Sedan: $28,500 MSRP |
| 6. 2023 Toyota Prius: $27,450 MSRP | 6. 2023 Honda CR-V: $31,610 MSRP |
| 7. 2023 Toyota Tacoma: $27,750 MSRP | 7. 2023 Honda Odyssey: $37,490 MSRP |
| 8. 2023 Toyota RAV4: $27,975 MSRP | 8. 2023 Honda Ridgeline: $38,800 MSRP |
| 9. 2023 Toyota GR86: $28,400 MSRP | 9. 2023 Honda Pilot: $39,150 MSRP |
| 10. 2022 Prius Prime: $28,770 MSRP | 10. 2023 Honda Passport: $41,100 MSRP |
In addition to offering the cheapest entry-level model with the Corolla Sedan, Toyota offers more new models that cost less than $30,000. It has 10, compared to five for Honda. Also, if we counted the Toyota hybrid variants of the brand’s gas-powered models, the list of affordable cars would be even larger.
Affordability comparison for specific Toyota and Honda models
We also break down this affordability comparison according to specific Toyota and Honda model types. For example, in the compact SUV segment, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 starts at $27,575 MSRP, compared to $31,610 MSRP for the 2023 Honda CR-V.
Here’s a price comparison for each Toyota and Honda model type:
| Model Type | Toyota | Honda |
| Compact sedan | 2023 Toyota Corolla: $21,550 MSRP | 2023 Honda Civic: $25,050 MSRP |
| Subcompact SUV | 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: $23,060 MSRP | 2023 Honda HR-V: $23,800 MSRP |
| Midsize sedan | 2023 Toyota Camry: $26,220 MSRP | 2023 Honda Accord: $27,295 MSRP |
| Midsize SUV | 2023 Toyota Highlander: $37,420 MSRP | 2023 Honda Pilot: $39,150 MSRP |
| Midsize truck | 2023 Toyota Tacoma: $27,750 MSRP | 2023 Honda Ridgeline: $38,800 MSRP |
| Minivan | 2023 Toyota Sienna: $36,135 MSRP | 2023 Honda Odyssey: $37,490 MSRP |
As you can see, all of the Toyota cars are cheaper than the Honda models for each respective vehicle class. The Toyota models have a lower starting price than their Honda rivals, whether it’s the Corolla (Civic), Corolla Cross (HR-V), Camry (Accord), Highlander (Pilot), Tacoma (Ridgeline), or Sienna (Odyssey).
Other differences between Toyota and Honda
Along with Toyota being cheaper than Honda, there are some other notable differences between the Japanese car brands. Part of the reason why Honda cars are more expensive than ones from Toyota is they typically have a more upscale design. This is especially the case for the cabins, which tend to have a more premium look and feel.
Also, Honda has a slight advantage for engine technology. Additionally, its vehicles usually have more powerful engines than ones for Toyota.
However, Toyota offers a greater variety of model types. For example, unlike Honda, Toyota offers a full-size truck (Tundra) and a full-size SUV (Sequoia). Also, there are the Toyota GR Supra and GR86 sports cars. While Honda offers a “hot hatch” variant of the Civic Hatchback with the Type R model, it doesn’t currently offer a pure sports car in the United States.
Furthermore, Toyota has more hybrid models than Honda. Also, unlike Honda, Toyota offers plug-in hybrid vehicles with the RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime. However, both automakers are late to the party in terms of all-electric models.
Also, the two brands produce very reliable cars, but Toyota has the edge for overall reliability. Consumer Reports named Toyota the most reliable car brand, while Honda took the fifth spot.
In terms of affordability, though, Toyota has the advantage. Its cars are cheaper than ones from Honda. If you’re a budget-minded car shopper that’s deciding between the two Japanese automotive brands, you’ll likely end up saving money if you choose a Toyota model.
