When it comes to choosing a car, particularly in India, the Honda City has been a favorite among many for years. Known for its reliability, comfort, and impressive performance, the Honda City has evolved through several generations. Among these, the 4th Gen and 5th Gen models stand out, each offering distinct features and advancements. So, if you're wondering, "Which one should I buy in 2025?" then you’ve come to the right place! This article will help you make an informed decision by comparing the Honda City 4th Gen vs 5th Gen and explaining which one fits your needs better.
Before diving into the specifics of the 4th Gen vs 5th Gen Honda City, let’s take a brief look at the legacy of this iconic car. The Honda City has been one of the most popular sedans in India for decades. With its sleek design, powerful engine, and comfortable cabin, it has earned the trust of many. Over time, Honda has consistently updated the City with newer features, better technology, and improved performance.
In 2025, many potential buyers are faced with the choice between the 4th Gen City vs the 5th Gen City, and knowing which is the better option can be tough.
Exterior Design: 4th Gen vs 5th Gen Honda City
4th Gen Honda City - The 4th Gen Honda City, which was launched around 2014, carries a more traditional look compared to its successor. While it’s still quite stylish, its design feels a bit older, especially when compared to the more modern 5th Gen version. The 4th Gen Honda City features sharper lines and a dynamic front grille, but the overall design is slightly more conservative.
5th Gen Honda City - When the 5th Gen Honda City was launched in 2020, it brought a significant design overhaul. The car now looks sleeker, more modern, and more dynamic. It features a more aggressive front grille, slimmer LED headlights, and a sportier stance. The 5th Gen model has a more futuristic, premium design, making it a head-turner on the road.
Tip: If you prefer a more modern, eye-catching look, the 5th Gen Honda City will likely appeal to you. However, if you prefer a classic, subtle design, the 4th Gen Honda City may still feel relevant.
Interior Comfort and Features
4th Gen Honda City - Inside the cabin of the 4th Gen Honda City, you will find an elegant yet traditional design. The dashboard features a mix of soft-touch materials and hard plastics, with a well-organized layout. The 4th Gen City is comfortable, with ample legroom and a spacious cabin that can easily accommodate five adults. The car’s infotainment system includes a touchscreen, but it’s not as advanced as what’s offered in the newer generation.
5th Gen Honda City - The 5th Gen Honda City steps up its game with a more modern and premium interior. The cabin feels more luxurious with higher-quality materials, a larger touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and features like wireless charging. The 5th Gen City is also equipped with advanced connectivity options like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more.
Remember: The 5th Gen Honda City comes with a more premium, feature-packed cabin that’s equipped with the latest technology, including a larger touchscreen, premium upholstery, and more comfort features. If you prioritize a modern, comfortable cabin, the 5th Gen is a better choice.
Engine Performance: 4th Gen City vs 5th Gen City
4th Gen Honda City - The 4th Gen Honda City comes with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, offering good performance. The petrol engine produces around 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, which is sufficient for most driving situations. The diesel engine offers better fuel efficiency but lacks the refinement of the petrol engine.
5th Gen Honda City - The 5th Gen Honda City retains the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine but has improved its overall performance and efficiency. It also introduces a more refined CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox, making driving smoother, especially in city conditions. The 5th Gen model, although still powered by the same 1.5-litre engine, feels more responsive and agile, with better fuel economy figures than the 4th Gen model.
Note: While both engines perform well, the 5th Gen Honda City offers a more refined and efficient driving experience, especially with the updated transmission and improved engine efficiency.
Safety Features
4th Gen Honda City - The 4th Gen Honda City was equipped with basic safety features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. While it offers decent safety for its time, it lacks some of the newer safety technologies that are available in modern cars.
5th Gen Honda City - The 5th Gen Honda City goes a step further with advanced safety features such as six airbags, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, and a rearview camera with multiple parking sensors. It also has a stronger body shell and better crash test ratings, making it a much safer option than the 4th Gen.
Tip: If safety is your primary concern, the 5th Gen Honda City offers significantly better features and technologies that ensure a higher level of protection.
Fuel Efficiency
4th Gen Honda City - The 4th Gen Honda City is known for its good fuel efficiency. The petrol engine returns around 17-18 km/l, while the diesel engine offers about 25-26 km/l, making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its class.
5th Gen Honda City - The 5th Gen Honda City improves on this front with better aerodynamics, a refined engine, and a more efficient CVT transmission. It offers around 17-19 km/l for the petrol version and 24-26 km/l for the diesel variant, making it even more fuel-efficient than the 4th Gen.
According to a report by Autocar India, the 5th Gen Honda City has improved fuel efficiency by 5-10%, especially with the CVT variant.
Note: If you prioritise fuel efficiency, both models perform excellently, but the 5th Gen Honda City is a bit more refined and offers slightly better mileage.
Technology and Infotainment
4th Gen Honda City - While the 4th Gen Honda City has a decent infotainment system, it lacks some of the newer tech features like wireless connectivity. The screen is a little smaller, and the system feels a bit outdated compared to the 5th Gen.
5th Gen Honda City - The 5th Gen Honda City comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (in lower variants) or a larger 8-inch screen (in higher variants), featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. It also includes a fully digital instrument cluster and multiple USB ports.
Tip: If technology and infotainment are important to you, the 5th Gen Honda City is the clear winner with its more modern, feature-packed infotainment system.
Price Comparison
4th Gen Honda City - The price of the 4th Gen Honda City starts at around ₹9-11 Lakhs (ex-showroom), making it a more affordable option for those looking for a budget sedan.
5th Gen Honda City - The 5th Gen Honda City is priced slightly higher, starting at ₹11-14 Lakhs (ex-showroom), due to the extra features, modern design, and improved technology it offers.
Tip: If you are on a budget, the 4th Gen Honda City offers excellent value for money. However, if you're willing to invest a little more for the latest technology, safety features, and a premium experience, the 5th Gen Honda City is a better choice.
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Which Honda City Should You Buy in 2025?
Buy the 4th Gen Honda City If:
- You have a limited budget and need a reliable car with decent features.
- You don’t mind having an older design and slightly less modern technology.
- You prefer a straightforward, no-frills driving experience with good fuel efficiency.
Buy the 5th Gen Honda City If:
- You want the latest design and the most advanced features.
- You are looking for a car with superior safety ratings, more modern technology, and better infotainment.
- You are willing to spend a little extra for a premium driving experience, better fuel efficiency, and advanced features like lane-keeping assist and wireless charging.
Final Verdict
If you're looking to buy a Honda City in 2025, the 5th Gen Honda City is the better choice for most buyers due to its modern features, safety technologies, and superior performance. However, if you're on a budget and don’t mind settling for an older model with fewer features, the 4th Gen Honda City still offers good value for money.
"Choose the car that suits your needs, whether it’s the reliability of the 4th Gen or the modern sophistication of the 5th Gen. Both models continue the Honda City legacy of being a trusted and popular choice in India."