Honda Civic vs Toyota GR Corolla
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota GR Corolla wins on money kept: 70% retained after three years vs 63%, worth about R 249 450 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Civic | GR Corolla | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 725 000 | R 1 005 100 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 672/m | R 17 568/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 84% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 70% |
| Value after 3 years | R 453 567 | R 703 016 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 271 433 | R 302 084 |
| Value after 5 years | R 347 468 | R 572 992 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Honda Civic →
Honda's best-known nameplate arrived in SA under its own badge in 2001 after decades of Civic-based Ballades. Sedan and hatch generations came and went, and the local range now consists of the turbocharged Civic RS and the Type R hot hatch, the latter priced over R1 million. Buyers rate it for solid build and engines that run forever, so clean used examples sell quickly.
Known for: bulletproof engines and strong resale
Toyota GR Corolla →
The GR Corolla brought the GR Yaris drivetrain to a more practical five-door body from 2023. South African allocations are small and the updated range now starts above R1 million, with an automatic added alongside the manual. It appeals to enthusiasts who want Golf R pace with rally-programme engineering.
Known for: gr yaris power in a bigger body
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Honda Civic or the Toyota GR Corolla?
The Toyota GR Corolla. It keeps about 70% of its price after three years against 63% for the Honda Civic, a gap of 7 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Honda Civic loses about R 271 433 over three years and the Toyota GR Corolla loses about R 302 084. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Honda Civic runs about R 12 672 per month and the Toyota GR Corolla about R 17 568, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.