2025 Honda Civic Hybrid: A Fuel-Efficient Game Changer Set to Rival the Prius

Analysis: 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid matches Prius in fuel efficiency

The new Honda Civic Hybrid outperforms its non-hybrid versions in terms of speed, noise reduction, and overall driving experience.

The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is set to hit the market on June 19 with a price tag of $29,845.

The 2025 Civic Hybrids are anticipated to achieve EPA fuel economy ratings of 50 miles per gallon in city driving, 47 miles per gallon on the highway, and

Individuals seeking top-notch fuel efficiency no longer have to purchase a Toyota Prius, nor do they have to compromise with a Corolla Hybrid.

Though the newest Prius boasts a stylish design, the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid stands out for achieving 50 mpg without flaunting its hybrid status. Scheduled to hit dealerships on June 19, the vehicle will be priced at $29,845, which includes a $1,095 destination fee. The Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid models will be the premium options in the Civic range. Meanwhile, the hatchback version of the hybrid is expected to launch later in the summer, with pricing details to be revealed at a later date.

Here are the key takeaways from Green Car Reports' morning test drive of a 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid prototype in Montreal.

2025 Hybrid Honda Civic

2025 Hybrid Honda Civic

Civic Hybrid Functions Similarly to an Electric Vehicle

The Civic Hybrid features a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine operating on the Atkinson cycle, integrated into Honda's dual-motor hybrid system. This setup delivers a total output of 220 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system includes two electric motors: one dedicated to propulsion, which is always connected to the wheels and linked to the gasoline engine via a clutch, and another primarily serving as a generator attached to the engine. Most of the time, the drive wheels are powered by the propulsion motor, while the gasoline engine engages during certain light highway driving conditions to maximize efficiency.

The vehicle delivers power exclusively to the front wheels, and, contrary to the Toyota Corolla hybrid, it does not offer an all-wheel-drive option.

Throughout the city, moving from one traffic light to another, the Honda Civic's gasoline engine seldom activates, and even when it does, it remains quiet and smooth. "In a way, during slow speeds, the system acts like a battery electric vehicle," a Honda representative stated. He was correct, aside from the moments when the gasoline engine does start.

Thanks to the immediate power provided by the electric motors, the Civic accelerates rapidly from a standstill, outperforming previous models, except the Si and Type R versions. Entering a highway is effortless, and the Hybrid model accelerates with a quickness that older, more basic Civics did not possess.

Honda has equipped its Hybrid vehicles with four distinct levels of regenerative braking, which can be adjusted using paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The system starts at Level 1, resembling typical engine braking, with each subsequent level increasing in intensity. However, the prototype I tested could not activate the different regeneration levels. Judging by Honda's setup for the CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, these models should be capable of achieving regeneration levels close to those in fully electric vehicles.

The Civic Hybrid's character can be altered using a toggle switch located on the center console, which allows you to choose from four different drive modes. In its default setting, Normal mode offers a balanced power output, although the throttle can be a bit sensitive for passengers who easily experience motion sickness. Switching to Econ mode softens the throttle response, making for a smoother drive. Sport mode enhances the throttle's responsiveness, giving the vehicle a more dynamic feel, though it’s not as aggressive as the Si or Type R models. This mode is particularly useful for quick acceleration and navigating through traffic. Individual mode allows for personalized adjustments to the throttle response, artificial engine sound, and gauge cluster display. The car remembers the Econ and Normal settings even after being turned off, but if you were in Sport mode, it will revert to Normal mode upon restarting the vehicle.

In 2025, Honda made significant improvements to the entire Civic lineup by adjusting the spring and damper settings, strengthening the front upper suspension mounts, and installing sturdier front subframe and lower suspension mounts. These updates enhanced the already commendable ride quality and handling, making them even more sophisticated. When driven at high speeds over a cobblestone road, the Civic maintained remarkable control and composure, exceeding what would be expected for its price range.

2025 Honda Civic with Hybrid Technology

2025 Hybrid Honda Civic

Civic Hybrid Fuel Efficiency: A Leader in Its Class

Honda announced that the Civic Hybrid achieves fuel economy ratings of 50 mpg in city driving, 47 mpg on the highway, and a combined 49 mpg. These figures are impressive when compared to the standard Civic, which now features the Hybrid’s 2.0-liter engine but lacks the electric motors, resulting in fuel efficiency ratings of up to 32 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined.

During my brief experience with mixed driving, which also involved some idle time in a parking lot for a photo session (negatively impacting fuel efficiency), the vehicle's display showed an average fuel economy of 42.9 miles per gallon over a 38-mile distance. The car had fewer than 500 miles on its odometer.

2025 Hybrid Honda Civic

2025 Hybrid Model of the Honda

Civic Hybrid's Understated Design

A careful inspection is required to notice the Civic Hybrid's hybrid powertrain, which is intentional. Positioned above the base LX and Sport models, the Civic Hybrid Sport and Sport Touring models lead the lineup. Visually, the hybrids blend in, with only a few distinguishing features such as a small hybrid badge on the trunk lid, black side mirrors, a body-colored grille surround and front lip spoiler, and black window and intake trim. Completing the look are unique 18-inch aluminum wheels specific to the Hybrid.

2025 Hybrid Honda Civic

Honda Civic Hybrid of the year

**Familiar Civic Interior**

Frequent riders of the Civic will find the new Civic Hybrid comfortably familiar. Little has changed, which is a positive since the Civic’s interior is notably more pleasant than that of the Corolla. Distinctive honeycomb vents and satisfying tactile climate control knobs add to its user-friendly and visually appealing design. Standard features across all Civic models include a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7.0-inch touchscreen equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier Sport Touring model, priced at $32,845, upgrades to a 10.0-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9.0-inch touchscreen with integrated Google services.

The inside of the vehicle is cozy, silent, and thoughtfully designed. Standing at 5-foot-10, I can sit easily in the back seat with the front seat positioned for my height. Entering and exiting the Civic, whether from the front or the back, is more convenient compared to the Toyota Prius, which has steep A-pillars that can cause you to hit your head.

Hybrid Version of the 2025

Civic Hybrid is a sensible choice

Opting for the Civic Hybrid means spending an additional $4,500 compared to the base LX model and $2,500 more than the non-hybrid Sport version. However, this upgrade provides enhanced power, resulting in a quieter, more dynamic, and enjoyable driving experience. The extra cost is expected to be offset by fuel savings within a few years. Additionally, the Civic Hybrid is priced similarly to the Prius but offers a more practical option.

The Civic Hybrid costs over $5,000 more than the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, but its interior and powertrain are significantly superior to those of the Toyota.

The reintroduction of the hybrid model has made the Civic lineup's top option more fuel-efficient, quieter, and practical than ever. This car is designed to seamlessly integrate into everyday life, making it a logical choice for many.

Honda covered the travel expenses, and I had minimal rest to provide you with this direct review.

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