A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Camry starts ZAR 725000 cheaperCamry from ZAR 659,900 · Civic RS from ZAR 725,000
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Engine Power
160
178
Torque
221
240
Engine Size
2487
1498
Claimed Mileage
19.2
16
Ground Clearance
140
134
Boot Space
493
495
Airbags
9
6
Kerb Weight
1575
1350
Seating Capacity
Available
Available
Warranty
3
3
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Camry
69
/ 100
+2
pts
#2
Civic RS
67
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Camry and Civic RS are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Civic RS
+1 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Camry
+2 pts
Practicality
Camry
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Camry
Performance
13/20
Efficiency
12/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
Civic RS
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
12/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Camry
Strengths
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Family Usage
Civic RS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
Camry
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Civic RS
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Ground Clearance
140
134
Wheelbase
2825
2735
Length
4885
4678
Width
1840
1802
Height
1445
1415
Kerb Weight
1575
1350
Gross Vehicle Weight
2055
1800
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
493
495
Towing Capacity
Not Rated
1200
Front Track Width
1575
1550
Rear Track Width
1580
1540
Turning Radius
5.8
5.5
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
1500
Load Bed Length
Available
Available
Load Bed Width
Available
Available
Front Legroom
Available
Available
Rear Legroom
Available
Available
Front Headroom
Available
Available
Rear Headroom
Available
Available
Front Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Max Payload
Available
Available
Boot Volume
Available
Available
Doors
Available
Available
Seats
Available
Available
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Engine
2.5L Hybrid Petrol-Electric
1.5L Turbo Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder DOHC Hybrid
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement
2487
1498
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
Available
Power
160
178
Power @ RPM
5700 rpm
150
Torque
221
240
Torque @ RPM
3600 rpm
400
Fuel System
Direct + Port Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Single Turbo
Top Speed
180
210
0-100 km/h
8.3
8.5
Compression Ratio
14.0:1
10.3:1
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Available
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
Standard
Cylinder Bore
82.0
82.0
Piston Stroke
92.0
92.0
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
Available
Power
150
150
Variable Valve Timing
Available
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
Available
Engine Type Config
Available
Available
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Transmission
CVT Automatic (e-CVT)
CVT Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
4x2
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Available
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Electronic Lock
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Automatic CVT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Final Drive Ratio
Available
Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Clutch Type
Available
Available
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Claimed Mileage
19.2
16
City Mileage
16
12
Highway Mileage
21
16
Fuel Tank Capacity
60
47
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Available
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Available
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Distance To Empty
Available
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Airbags
9
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
Available
Central Locking
Standard
Power with Remote
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Safety Rating
Available
Available
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Lane Change Warning
Available
Available
AEB
Available
Available
BA
Available
Available
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Available
Driver Airbag
Available
Available
EBD
Available
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Available
Fatigue Detection
Available
Available
Hill Hold
Available
Available
Passenger Airbag
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Available
Side Airbags
Available
Available
TCS
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Available
Auto Lights
Available
Available
Auto Wipers
Available
Available
Drive Modes
Available
Eco Normal Sport
Eco Mode
Available
Available
EV Mode
Available
Available
Reverse Camera
Available
Available
Sport Mode
Available
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Seat Material
Leather Sport
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Electric 8-Way
Driver Electric
Heated Seats
Front
Front
Ventilated Seats
Front
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Multi-colour
Multi-color
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Yes, 60:40 Split
Front Armrest
Standard
Yes
Rear Armrest
Standard
Available
Cup Holders
4
4
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Rear AC Vents
Available
Standard
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Door Map Pockets
Available
Available
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Available
Cooled Seats
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Fabric Seats
Available
Available
Front Headrest
Available
Available
Memory Seats
Available
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Rear Headrest
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Climate Control
Dual Zone Automatic
Dual Zone Climate Control
Power Windows
All Doors
All Doors Auto
Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
Smart Key
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
Available
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Power Adjustment
Payload Capacity
500
500
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Available
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Available
Speed Limiter
Available
Available
AC Type
Available
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Boot Opener
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Available
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.27
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Check Warning
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Available
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Dual Chrome Exhaust
Front Armrest
Available
Available
Front Power Outlet
150
150
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Available
Gear Shift Type
Available
Paddle Shifters
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
134
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Available
Headlamp Washer
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Standard
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Standard
Launch Control
Available
Not Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Available
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Push Button Start
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Available
Rear Seat Split
Available
60:40
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Standard
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Sport Seats
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Service Reminder
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Standard
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tachometer
Available
Available
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Telescopic Steering
Available
Available
Tilt Steering
Available
Available
Trip Computer
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Vanity Mirror
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Standard
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
10.2-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
10
12 Bose
Navigation System
Standard
Built-in
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch Full Digital
Yes
USB Ports
3
Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Available
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Audio and Cruise
Voice Recognition
Available
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Available
Infotainment Display
Available
Available
Rear Usb
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
LED Headlamps
Full LED
LED Projector
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Not Available
Available
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Sport Alloy
18-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
Available
Body Cladding
Not Available
Available
Rear Spoiler
Sport Rear Spoiler
Available
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Chrome Finish
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
Pearl White
Roof Type
Available
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Available
Rear Wiper
Available
Available
Body Type
Available
Available
DRL
Available
Available
Fog Lights
Available
Available
Front Fog Lights
Available
Available
Led Headlights
Available
Available
Led Taillights
Available
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Tyre Size
235/45 R18
235/40 R18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver
Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
Available
Parking Brake Type
Available
Available
Tyre Load Index
Available
Available
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
Available
Wheel Rim Size
Available
Available
Brake Type Front
Available
Available
Brake Type Rear
Available
Available
Spare Tyre
Available
Available
Tyre Type
Available
Available
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic
Available
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Spring Type
Available
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Service Interval
15,000 km or 1 Year
10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Approx R7,500
Moderate
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160,000 km
24 Months
Maintenance Plan
Optional
Available
First Service At
5000
5000
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
Available
Service Plan Duration
Available
Available
Service Plan Distance
Available
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Available
Alternator
Available
Available
Battery Type
Available
Lead Acid
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
5 Years / Unlimited km
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
CO2 Emissions
93
135
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Full Parallel Hybrid
Not Applicable
Noise Level
64
Available
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
2.0
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
Unleaded 95 RON
Particulate Filter
Available
Available
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Available
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
Real-world City Mileage Min
14
10
Real-world City Mileage Max
18
12
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
18
14
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
22
17
Owner Review Count
19
19
Spec
Camry
Civic RS
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Part-time 4WD
Approach Angle
25
25
Departure Angle
23
23
Wading Depth
600
600
Terrain Modes
Available
Available
Locking Differential
Available
Available
Underbody Protection
Available
Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
Available
Recovery Hooks
Available
Available
Hill Descent Control
Available
Available
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Toyota Camry
wins with 69 pts
vs 67 pts for Civic RS
In structured scoring, Camry emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Civic RS may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Camry edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Camry 12 vs Civic RS 12. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Camry 20, Civic RS 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Camry 12, Civic RS 12. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Camry 12, Civic RS 11. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Camry 13, Civic RS 14. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Camry edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Camry scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Camry and Civic RS in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Camry scores 13 vs 14.
Efficiency: Camry scores 12 vs 12.
Safety: Camry scores 20 vs 18.
Practicality: Camry scores 12 vs 11.
Ownership: Camry scores 12 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives Camry
the advantage in this comparison.
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