A renewed emphasis on affordability and fuel efficiency is making the compact car segment more important and competitive than ever before. Fortunately, the 2013 Civic is ideally positioned to excel against all competitors. See how it stacks up against some of its top competitors:

 2013 Honda Civic Coupe vs. 2013 Scion tC

The Scion tC is a serious compact coupe, well-equipped competitor with many features. The 2013 Civic Coupe counters with four available models, the LX, EX, EX-L and the extra-sporty Si, giving you more choice. Add Civic’s impressive list of standard features, including fog lights on the EX-L — a $340 option on the tC — and the total is definitely more than the sum of its parts.

• • For automatic-equipped models, the Civic Coupe outshines the tC’s fuel efficiency ratings by a remarkable 5 mpg in the city, 8 mpg on the highway and 6 mpg combined (Civic: 28/39/32 vs. tC: 23/31/26)*.
• • The Civic has more front legroom than the tC.
• • To help protect carpets, all Civic Coupes come with floor mats, while you must spend $184 to get floor mats on the tC.
• • The Civic has a tighter turning circle than the tC.
• • The Civic’s side curtain airbags have a rollover sensor, a safety feature you won’t get on the tC.

2013 Honda Civic Coupe vs. 2013 Kia Forte Koup EX

Kia models in general are getting more attention from car shoppers in recent years. The Forte Koup is generally regarded as stylish, but the 2013 Civic Coupe is exciting inside and out, with sophisticated exterior styling and upgraded interior. Add features such as Civic’s standard moonroof on EX and above trims — a $750 option on the Forte — and it’s easy to see why the Civic is a best-seller.

• • The Civic’s fuel efficiency is markedly better than the Forte’s — 3 mpg better in the city and a significant 5 mpg better on the highway for automatic-equipped models (Civic: 28/39 vs. Forte: 25/34)*.
• • While the Civic Coupe features a multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar, the Koup’s down-scale torsion beam design has no stabilizer bar.
• • The Civic Coupe comes standard with a rearview camera with guidelines. To get one on the Koup, you must purchase the EX Technology Package for an extra $1,800.
• • Every Civic Coupe gets the safety of Daytime Running Lights, while Koup buyers must purchase the EX Technology Package (a $1,800 extra) to get them.
• • For navigation-equipped models, FM Traffic is free on the Civic Coupe. The Koup’s available navigation system has SiriusXM Traffic, which requires a subscription fee (after the three-month free trial).

2013 Honda Civic Sedan vs. 2013 Toyota Corolla

One of the Civic’s top competitors, the long-running Toyota Corolla is also an institution in the U.S. car market. While it’s a favorite of economy-driven buyers, the Corolla doesn’t match the Civic’s many advantages, including its long list of standard features and better driving dynamics.

• • The Civic has 6% more horsepower from the same displacement.
• • The Civic’s available 5-speed automatic transmission surpasses the Corolla’s 4-speed automatic.
• • Civic’s fuel-efficiency rating is better with 2 mpg more in the city, 5 mpg on the highway and 3 combined for automatic-equipped models (Civic: 28/39/32 vs. Corolla: 26/34/29)*.
• • The Civic sedan has standard rollover sensors, a safety feature not available on Corolla.
• • ALG residual values are higher for the Civic.

2013 Honda Civic Sedan vs. 2013 Chevrolet Cruze

This strong contender is available in five models and comes standard with Bluetooth phone connectivity for select phones. Of course, all seven 2013 Civic models have standard Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and many standard connectivity features, including the SMS text message function, not available on Cruze.

• • Civic has a larger engine and more horsepower, and still has better fuel-efficiency ratings than the automatic transmission equipped Cruze (Civic: 28/39/32 vs. Cruze: 26/38/30)*.
• • All Civic sedans come standard with a rearview camera with guidelines; however, for the Cruze you must purchase the Technology Package for $550 to have a rearview camera.
• • ALG residual values are generally higher for the Civic.
• • Edmunds.com True Cost To Own figures significantly favor the Civic.

2013 Honda Civic Sedan vs. 2013 Ford Focus

Other than dropping the SEL trim and making some changes to standard and optional equipment, the 2013 Ford Focus sedan is basically a carryover from 2012. The sedan is available in S, SE and Titanium models while the Honda Civic is available in LX, EX and EX-L as well as the sporty Si, fuelmiser HF, hybrid and the natural gas-powered models.

• • The Civic excels in fuel-efficiency ratings, beating the Focus with PowerShift across the board (Civic: 28/39/32 vs. Focus: 27/38/31)*.
• • For additional comfort and convenience, a center console with sliding armrest and storage compartment is a standard feature on all Civic sedans, but you won’t find it on the Focus.
• • Civic EX Sedan offers more rear legroom and front shoulder room than the Focus.
• • Pandora® internet radio interface is standard on all Civic trims, but it’s not available on the Focus.
• • Civic’s rearview camera with guidelines is standard on all Civic models; the Ford’s camera is only available on the automatic transmission-equipped Titanium trim with the Active Park Assist option that costs $395.
• • The Civic Sedan typically has a higher ALG residual value than the Focus.

2013 Honda Civic Sedan vs. 2013 Hyundai Elantra

For 2013, Elantra has upped the number of standard features for both GLS and Limited, but all these standard features add up to a higher price. The Civic Sedan, however, offers seven well equipped, fuel-efficient and budget-friendly models, with a myriad of great, new standard features.

• • Civic either beats or matches Elantra’s fuel-efficiency ratings (Civic: 28/39/32 vs. Elantra: 28/38/32)*.
• • Civic has significantly more rear legroom than the GLS.
• • Civic Sedan has a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar; Elantra’s economical torsion-beam design has no stabilizer bar.
• • A rearview camera with guidelines is only available on the Elantra Limited trim with technology package, while all Civic models offer it standard.
• • Bluetooth1 HandsFreeLink and a sliding center armrest come standard on all Civic models; they add $750 to the price of an Elantra GLS (Preferred Package).

2013 Honda Civic Sedan vs. 2013 Mazda3

The Mazda’s smiley-face grille is still with us and so are many of the Mazda3’s features. Mazda3 comes in the i Series and S Series.

• • A moonroof is standard on Civic EX and above models. To get one on the i Touring trim, you must spend $1,600 for the Preferred Equipment Package.
• • Bluetooth1 HandsFreeLink and streaming audio capability are standard on all Civic models, but are only available on Mazda i Touring and above models.
• • Civic’s front center console with sliding armrest is standard across the lineup, while Mazda’s is only available on the Grand Touring trims.
• • All Civic models have the ACE II body structure. The Mazda has nothing like it.

*MPG is based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.