VS
At a Glance
Power
148kW@7800
152 kW
Torque
193Nm@5600
243 Nm
Fuel
9.3
6.6 l/100km
Towing
1400
—
0-100 km/h
6.6
9.1 s
Engine
1998
2494 cc
Choosing between the HONDA CIVIC and the Lexus ES is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HONDA CIVIC delivers 148kW@7800 while the Lexus ES produces 152 kW. On fuel, the CIVIC returns 9.3 while the ES uses 6.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R317 900 for the CIVIC and R851 500 for the ES. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
148kW@7800
152 kW
Torque
193Nm@5600
243 Nm
0-100 kph
6.6
9.1 s
Top Speed
235
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998
2494 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.3
6.6 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
60 l
CO2 Emissions
152
150 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4275
4975 mm
Width
1785-2046
1865 mm
Height
1445
1445 mm
Wheelbase
2700
2870 mm
Ground Clearance
—
160 mm
Kerb Weight
1322
1680 Kg
Doors
3
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
454 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1400
—
Load Capacity
1352
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
VSA
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
10
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
7
Warranty Distance
100000
105000 Km
Service Plan
S
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
ES
Fuel Economy
ES
Value
CIVIC
Practicality
CIVIC
Pros & Cons
HONDA CIVIC
Lower starting price (R317 900)
Higher towing capacity (1400)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.6s)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3)
Lexus ES
Better fuel economy (6.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CIVIC or ES?
The CIVIC uses 9.3 and the ES uses 6.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The ES is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the CIVIC or ES?
The CIVIC produces 148kW@7800 and 193Nm@5600 of torque while the ES delivers 152 kW and 243 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CIVIC and ES?
The CIVIC starts from R317 900 and the ES from R851 500. The CIVIC is cheaper by R533 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CIVIC or ES?
The CIVIC has a braked towing capacity of 1400 and the ES can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CIVIC or the ES?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.