Which one is better, Honda City or Toyota Vios?

[PCauto] In Malaysia's competitive compact sedan market, the Honda City and Toyota Vios consistently emerge as top choices, often leaving buyers stuck at a crossroad. You might find yourself drawn to the Vios for its dynamic styling, yet equally captivated by the well-rounded appeal of the City.

In terms of sales, the Toyota Vios consistently performs well, with monthly sales averaging around 2,500 units, securing 7th position in the segment. The Honda City, while remaining a popular choice, follows closely with monthly sales of approximately 1,500 units, placing it 10th.

Honda City vs Toyota Vios: Price Comparison

The Toyota Vios starts from RM 90,600 to RM 96,600 MYR.

Toyota Vios Official guide price (starting price)

• Vios 1.5E AT: RM 90,600
• Vios 1.5G AT: RM 96,600

This positions the entry-level City as a more accessible option for budget-minded buyers.

Honda City Official guide price (starting price)

• 1.5L S: RM 84,900.00
• 1.5L E: RM 89,900.00
• 1.5L V: RM 94,900.00
• 1.5L RS: RM 99,900.00
• 1.5L e:HEV RS: RM 111,900.00

As for features, the City's e:HEV hybrid variant commands a higher price, but its exceptional fuel economy helps balance the higher initial investment over time.

Meanwhile, the Vios counters with impressive value across its range with standard features such as LED headlights and wireless charging.

Exterior Design Styles of Honda City and Toyota Vios

The Toyota Vios emphasizes a bold and sporty character. It features LED headlights with automatic high beam, striking 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, and functional aerodynamic vents, that combine to create a confident, youthful appearance.

The Honda City, on the other hand, takes a different approach with sleeker lines and a stronger focus on customization. Its longer body (4,580 mm) presents an elegant profile. Distinctive elements include a front honeycomb grille with RS badging (on respective variants) and the availability of Modulo styling kits, including rear spoilers, for a customized look.

What are the respective advantages in interior comfort, technological features, and practical space?

Inside the Vios, drivers are greeted by thoughtful features, including 64-color ambient lighting, a 7-inch TFT multi-info display, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. It is also equipped with a wireless charger, automatic air conditioning, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. The cabin's foam padding enhances quietness, and with a 475-liter trunk, it is well-suited for long-distance journeys.

The Honda City's cabin features red accents on the center console, a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, and an 8-inch touchscreen audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The seats are upholstered in leather with contrasting red stitching. It offers strong practicality with a 519-liter boot in the gasoline model, though this shrinks to 410 liters in the hybrid version. Rear passengers benefit from dedicated air-conditioning vents and Type-C USB ports.

Both vehicles deliver comprehensive safety packages that place them on equal footing.

The Vios comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), featuring a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and auto high beam. It is complemented by blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, six SRS airbags, and a 3D panoramic monitoring system, creating a comprehensive active safety network.

The Honda City is equipped with the Honda SENSING system, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and supports Honda CONNECT smart services for remote vehicle monitoring, automatic collision detection, and emergency call functionalities.

Both come with 6 airbags and a standard electronic stability system. However, while the Vios focuses on practical safety features like parking sensors and pedal misoperation control, the City edges ahead in smart alerts with geofencing alerts and speed warnings.

How are the powertrains and fuel efficiency of the Honda City and Toyota Vios?

Under the hood, the Vios uses a 1.5L DOHC Dual VVT-i engine, producing 106 hp and 138 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed CVT gearbox featuring a sequential shift function and offers three driving modes: power, economy, and standard, make it an intelligent choice for drivers seeking consistent performance and everyday efficiency.

The Honda City, on the other hand, offers a 1.5L fuel version and an e:HEV hybrid version. The fuel version delivers a maximum power of 121 hp, torque of 145 N·m, and achieves 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10.2 seconds.

The hybrid version uses an Atkinson cycle engine, capable of 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 9.9 seconds, offering greater fuel efficiency advantages.

How are the after-sales service and warranty policies for Honda City and Toyota Vios?

The Vios comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, backed by Toyota’s widespread service network. Owners also benefit from the Maxcheck maintenance plan, Loyal-T rewards, and 24/7 roadside assistance for greater peace of mind.

Honda City, on the other hand, provides maintenance reminders and vehicle status monitoring through the Honda CONNECT system and offers a variety of optional packages, such as the Modulo and Urban kits, enhancing long-term support.

While the Vios holds an advantage in warranty coverage and support infrastructure, whereas the City caters to diverse tastes with its smart services and personalization kits. Both provide reliable assurance for Malaysian consumers.

How should we choose based on our own needs?

For users who value cost-effectiveness, sporty design, and comprehensive after-sales support, the Toyota Vios is an ideal choice. Its leading sales and 5-year warranty are particularly suitable for young families and daily commuters.

On the other hand, buyers who pursue diverse powertrain options and smart technologies like remote start and hybrid efficiency may prefer the Honda City. Its e:HEV version offers advantages in fuel economy and acceleration performance, making it worth considering for environmentally conscious users.

Your final decision should align with your financial considerations, typical usage patterns, and long-term ownership goals. Those who often drive long distances may prefer the Vios for its quiet cabin, while tech enthusiasts might lean towards the City for its Honda CONNECT feature. We recommend visiting a dealership for a test drive to see which model suits you best.