Honda City vs Suzuki Dzire: Philippines 2026 Comparison
Quick Verdict
The Honda City edges out the Suzuki Dzire with a higher Expressway Score (82 vs 65). However, the Suzuki Dzire is more affordable starting at ₱920,000.
Expressway Score Comparison
Honda City
82
EXCELLENT
Suzuki Dzire
65
GOOD
Score Breakdown
| Category | Honda City | Suzuki Dzire |
|---|---|---|
| Highway Fuel | ★★★★★22 km/L | ★★★★★23 km/L |
| Highway Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Safety (ADAS) | ★★★★★6 airbags | ★★★★★6 airbags |
| Cargo Space | ★★★★★519L | ★★★★★382L |
Key Specs: Honda City vs Suzuki Dzire
| Spec | Honda City | Suzuki Dzire |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | ₱973,000 — ₱1,128,000 | ₱920,000 — ₱998,000 |
| Expressway Score | 82/100 | 65/100 |
| Highway Fuel | 22 km/L | 23 km/L |
| City Fuel | 13 km/L | 16 km/L |
| Engine | 1,497 cc | 1,197 cc |
| Power | 119 hp @ 6,600 rpm | 80 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm | 113 Nm @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive | None |
| Adaptive Cruise | Yes | No |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes | No |
| Auto Emergency Braking | Yes | No |
| Trunk Capacity | 519L | 382L |
| Ground Clearance | 134 mm | 145 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,107 kg | 910 kg |
| Toll Class | Class 1 | Class 1 |
Monthly Fuel Cost Comparison
Based on a typical NLEX commute: 90 km/day x 20 working days = 1,800 km/month at ₱65.45/L gasoline.
Honda City
22 km/L highway
₱5,355
per month
Suzuki Dzire
23 km/L highway
₱5,122
per month
The Suzuki Dzire saves you approximately ₱233/month (₱2,796/year) on expressway fuel.
Pros & Cons
Honda City
Pros
- ✓Honda SENSING standard on ALL variants — best-in-class safety value
- ✓519L trunk — largest in subcompact sedan class
- ✓22 km/L highway efficiency — among the best in any car segment
- ✓Excellent value starting at ₱973,000
- ✓Responsive CVT with smooth power delivery
- ✓6 airbags standard across the range
- ✓Low operating cost — Class 1 tolls and gasoline engine
Cons
- ✗Low ground clearance at 134mm — avoid deep puddles and steep ramps
- ✗No diesel or hybrid option for even better highway range
- ✗Interior materials feel basic compared to Mazda3 or Civic
- ✗Wind noise increases noticeably above 110 km/h
- ✗119 hp can feel underpowered when overtaking with a full load
- ✗No manual transmission option available
Suzuki Dzire
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class fuel economy at 21-23 km/L on expressways with mild hybrid assist
- ✓6 airbags standard on both variants — exceptional safety for under ₱1 million
- ✓382L trunk is among the largest in the subcompact sedan class
- ✓Ultra-light 910 kg curb weight contributes to nimble handling and efficiency
- ✓Lowest per-kilometer cost of any gasoline sedan at ₱2.80-3.10 on expressway
- ✓Both variants under ₱1 million with mild hybrid technology included
- ✓Low PMS costs at Suzuki dealers averaging ₱3,000-₱4,500 every 10,000 km
Cons
- ✗80 hp is the weakest engine on our list — overtaking on NLEX requires significant planning
- ✗145mm ground clearance is the lowest of any sedan — caution needed at toll plazas and speed bumps
- ✗No cruise control on any variant — fatiguing for expressway drives beyond 2 hours
- ✗No ADAS features whatsoever — no AEB, lane keep, or adaptive cruise on either variant
- ✗Basic NVH insulation — wind and engine noise prominent above 90 km/h on expressways
- ✗Small rear legroom limits comfort for adult passengers on long expressway trips
Honda City vs Suzuki Dzire FAQ
Which is cheaper, Honda City or Suzuki Dzire?
The Suzuki Dzire is more affordable, starting at ₱920,000 compared to ₱973,000 for the Honda City. That is a difference of ₱53,000.
Which has better expressway performance, Honda City or Suzuki Dzire?
The Honda City has a higher Expressway Score of 82/100 compared to 65/100 for the Suzuki Dzire. This factors in highway fuel efficiency, comfort, safety features, toll class, cargo space, and cruise control.
Which is more fuel-efficient on highways, Honda City or Suzuki Dzire?
The Suzuki Dzire is more fuel-efficient on expressways at 23 km/L compared to 22 km/L for the Honda City. For a typical NLEX commute of 90 km/day, the Suzuki Dzire saves you approximately ₱233/month on fuel.