VS
At a Glance
Power
103kW@4000
160 kW
Torque
340Nm@2000
engine 221 Nm
Fuel
5.3L/100km
4.6 l/100km
Towing
1400kg
-
0-100 km/h
8.6s
8.9 s
Engine
2204cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the Honda Civic and the Lexus ES is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Honda Civic delivers 103kW@4000 while the Lexus ES produces 160 kW. On fuel, the Civic returns 5.3L/100km while the ES uses 4.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R301 525 for the Civic and R925 400 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.
Specification
Honda Civic2.2 I-CTDI VXI 5-DOOR 2008 - From R301 525
Lexus ES300h EX 2022 - From R925 400
Performance
Power Output
103kW@4000
160 kW
Torque
340Nm@2000
engine 221 Nm
0-100 kph
8.6s
8.9 s
Top Speed
205km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2204cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
-
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3L/100km
4.6 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.7L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
4.5L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50L
50 l
CO2 Emissions
139g/km
104 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4245mm
4975 mm
Width
1765-2046mm
1865 mm
Height
1460mm
1445 mm
Wheelbase
2620mm
2870 mm
Ground Clearance
151mm
158 mm
Kerb Weight
1379kg
1740 Kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
454 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1400kg
-
Load Capacity
1352kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Plan
S
—
Service Intervals
10000
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 (R301 525)
Higher towing capacity (1400kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.6ss)
Higher fuel consumption (5.3L/100km)
Lexus ES
Better fuel economy (4.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Civic or ES?
The Civic uses 5.3L/100km and the ES uses 4.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The ES is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Civic or ES?
The Civic produces 103kW@4000 and 340Nm@2000 of torque while the ES delivers 160 kW and engine 221 Nm of torque. The ES is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Civic and ES?
The Civic starts from R301 525 and the ES from R925 400. The Civic is cheaper by R623 875 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 1400kg 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.
Also Consider