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    GREEN CHOICE

    Honda Civic Hybrid

    EPA MPG: 49 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Honda Civic Hybrid First Drive
    Summary

    Introduction

    2025 Honda Civic Adds Hybrid, Hatchback, Google, and More Power

    The practical and sporty Civic gets a new hybrid version to compete against the Prius, Corolla Hybrid, and Elantra Hybrid

    Overview

    Honda updated the Civic for 2025 and is also bringing back the Civic Hybrid after a 10-year absence. With EPA fuel economy in the high 40s, the Civic Hybrid isn’t just the most efficient Civic you can buy—it’s now the most powerful and luxurious, aside from the ultra-sporty Civic Type R.

    For 2025, the top two Civic trim levels—Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid—are only available with Honda’s hybrid drivetrain, which pairs two electric motors with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine. The Civic’s optional turbo engine is gone for 2025, as is the six-speed manual transmission that was once available on some hatchback models. The less-equipped LX and Sport trims will only be available with a 2.0-liter gas engine, and there’s no LX hatchback.

    The rest of the changes to the Civic lineup are relatively minor—the front and rear ends have gotten a slight makeover, there’s a new optional Google-based infotainment system, and new colors are also available. But the lack of drastic change isn’t a bad thing, as we’re big fans of the current Civic’s straightforward practicality.

    The 2025 Civic and Civic Hybrid sedan went on sale, while the hatchback will be available later. Details about the Si and Type R will be available in the coming months.

    The Civic competes with the Hyundai Elantra and Elantra Hybrid, Kia Niro, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Corolla Hybrid, and Toyota Prius.

    Impressions

    Outside

    Only Civic superfans will be able to spot the difference between 2024 and 2025 models. It’s still the same Civic, just with a slightly updated grille and taillights, and new paint and trim options. Both hatchback and sedan versions will continue to be available.

    Inside

    Aside from some trim and fabric choices, the Civic’s interior appears unchanged for 2025. It retains straightforward knobs and buttons for climate and entertainment, and there’s still a traditional gear selector. Honeycomb-style vents once again span most of the dashboard. Honda says the Hybrid trims will be the quietest of the group.

    For 2025, the Sport Hybrid gets a moonroof, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Sport Hybrid Touring adds leather seats, a premium sound system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a larger 9-inch touchscreen with built-in Google software, including Google Assistant and Google Maps. We haven’t seen the smaller touchscreen, but the Sport Hybrid Touring appears to only have a volume knob and no tuning knob.

    We had some issues with Google’s built-in software on the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Polestar 2 we tested, so we’ll be interested to spend some time with the Civic to see if Honda did a better job integrating it.

    What Drives It

    There’s no more turbo and no more manual transmission (except on the Type R and on the Si). The hybrid’s dual-motor hybrid system is good for 200 horsepower. On paper, that’s the same as the current Civic Si, although it’ll likely feel very different due to the blend of gas and electric power.

    EPA fuel economy estimate for the hybrid is 49 mpg combined. The LX and Sport non-hybrid 2.0-liter gas engine is 36 mpg and 34 mpg combined respectively. CVT is the standard transmission.

    The hybrid system is similar to the one found in the Accord Hybrid, which we think is one of the best out there thanks to its responsiveness and power. In a smaller car, it could be a real pleasure to drive. Hybrid drivers will also be able to select from among four levels of regenerative braking using steering wheel paddles. Every hybrid Civic will have a form of eCVT that we’ve found to do a good job mimicking a traditional automatic transmission in other Honda vehicles.

    Active Safety and Driver Assistance

    As with the 2024 models, all Civics get standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning (LDW), lane keeping assistance (LKA), and adaptive cruise control (ACC). The Sport, Sport Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid models get blind spot warning (BSW) with rear cross traffic warning (RCTW).

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