Subaru BRZ vs. Honda Civic

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru BRZ and Honda Civic contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru BRZ and the Honda Civic.

In comparing the Subaru BRZ's and the Honda Civic's specifications and ratings, the Subaru BRZ has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and interior volume. The Subaru BRZ and Honda Civic have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Subaru BRZ's and the Honda Civic's specifications and ratings, the Honda Civic is a better car than the Subaru BRZ.

Pricing: A used 2020 Subaru BRZ ranges from $19,867 to $29,365 while a used 2020 Honda Civic is priced between $17,095 to $26,998.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru BRZ loses 30.3 percent of its value and the Honda Civic loses 26.5 percent of its value. This means the Honda Civic retains 3.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru BRZ.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru BRZ and Honda Civic is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Subaru BRZ being ranked 3 out of 14 Best Sports Cars and the Honda Civic being ranked 6 out of 37 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru BRZ is 8.0 out of 10. For the Honda Civic the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Honda Civic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru BRZ.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru BRZ’s base engine makes 205 horsepower, and the Honda Civic base engine makes 158 horsepower. The BRZ is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 383 miles. The Civic is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 471 miles. This gives the Honda Civic the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru BRZ. The BRZ uses premium unleaded, and the Civic uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Honda Civic, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru BRZ, a sports car, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.

Safety Ratings: The Honda Civic has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.