What To Know
- Choosing the right compact sedan can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with popular contenders like the Honda Civic and the Dodge Dart.
- The Dodge Dart, while not as sporty as the Civic, provides a comfortable and composed ride, but its steering lacks the same level of precision and feedback.
- While the Dodge Dart has improved in recent years, it still lags behind the Civic in terms of reliability.
Choosing the right compact sedan can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with popular contenders like the Honda Civic and the Dodge Dart. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of affordability, fuel efficiency, and modern features. But which one ultimately comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each vehicle to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Handling: Civic Takes the Lead
The Honda Civic consistently impresses with its peppy and responsive performance. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. The available 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine ups the ante with 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience.
The Dodge Dart, on the other hand, falls slightly short in the performance department. Its base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates 160 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, which feels adequate but lacks the punch of the Civic’s turbocharged option. The optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine offers a more spirited drive with 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, but it still trails the Civic’s turbocharged powertrain.
In terms of handling, the Honda Civic shines with its precise steering, responsive suspension, and well-balanced chassis. The Civic feels nimble and agile, making it enjoyable to drive on winding roads. The Dodge Dart, while not as sporty as the Civic, provides a comfortable and composed ride, but its steering lacks the same level of precision and feedback.
Fuel Efficiency: A Tight Race
Both the Honda Civic and Dodge Dart offer impressive fuel economy numbers. The Civic’s standard 2.0-liter engine returns an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city, 42 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined. The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine achieves an impressive 31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined.
The Dodge Dart’s fuel economy is also competitive. The base 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. The optional 2.4-liter engine delivers 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
While the Civic edges out the Dart in fuel efficiency, the difference is relatively minor. Ultimately, your driving habits and fuel prices will play a significant role in determining which vehicle offers the best value in this regard.
Interior and Comfort: Civic Offers a More Refined Experience
The Honda Civic boasts a spacious and well-designed interior that prioritizes comfort and practicality. The driver-focused cockpit features a user-friendly layout, comfortable seats, and ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Civic’s interior materials are also high-quality, contributing to a premium feel.
The Dodge Dart’s interior, while not as refined as the Civic’s, is still comfortable and functional. The front seats are supportive and offer good adjustability, but the rear seats can feel cramped for taller passengers. The Dart’s interior materials are generally acceptable, but they don’t quite match the Civic’s level of quality.
Technology and Features: Both Vehicles Offer Modern Amenities
Both the Honda Civic and Dodge Dart come equipped with a suite of modern technology features. The Civic offers a standard 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims include a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation and a premium sound system.
The Dodge Dart also features a standard 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offer a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation and a BeatsAudio sound system.
Both vehicles offer a range of safety features, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Reliability and Safety: Honda’s Reputation Shines
Honda is renowned for its reputation for reliability and durability, and the Civic upholds this tradition. The Civic consistently ranks high in reliability surveys and enjoys a strong track record of dependability.
While the Dodge Dart has improved in recent years, it still lags behind the Civic in terms of reliability. The Dart has experienced some issues with its transmission and electrical systems, which have contributed to a lower overall reliability score.
In terms of safety, both vehicles perform well. The Honda Civic has earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, while the Dodge Dart has received good safety ratings from both organizations.
Price and Value: Civic Offers a Strong Value Proposition
The Honda Civic starts at a lower price point than the Dodge Dart. The Civic’s starting MSRP is around $21,000, while the Dart’s starting MSRP is around $22,000. While the Dart offers more standard features, the Civic’s lower price point, coupled with its superior reliability and fuel economy, makes it a more compelling value proposition.
The Verdict: Civic Wins the Compact Sedan Showdown
In the battle of the compact sedans, the Honda Civic emerges as the clear winner. Its superior performance, fuel efficiency, interior quality, reliability, and value make it a standout choice in its class. The Civic offers a well-rounded package that caters to a wide range of drivers, making it an excellent option for those seeking a practical, enjoyable, and reliable vehicle.
While the Dodge Dart offers a comfortable ride, decent technology features, and a sporty driving experience, it falls short of the Civic in key areas. Its lower reliability score and less refined interior detract from its overall appeal.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Stats
Ultimately, the best choice between the Honda Civic and Dodge Dart depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize performance, fuel efficiency, reliability, and value, the Honda Civic is the clear winner. If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish sedan with a sporty edge, the Dodge Dart might be a better fit.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: What is the main difference between the Honda Civic and Dodge Dart?
A: The Honda Civic offers superior performance, fuel efficiency, reliability, and value compared to the Dodge Dart. The Civic also boasts a more refined interior and a higher overall quality.
Q: Which car is better for families?
A: The Honda Civic offers more spacious rear seating and a more family-friendly interior, making it a better choice for families.
Q: Which car is better for performance and handling?
A: The Honda Civic provides a more engaging driving experience with its more powerful engine options and sharper handling.
Q: Which car is more affordable?
A: The Honda Civic starts at a lower price point than the Dodge Dart, making it a more affordable option.
Q: Which car is more reliable?
A: The Honda Civic has a significantly higher reliability rating than the Dodge Dart, making it a more dependable choice.
