2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Review
With the Prius finally becoming a stylish choice, it was only a matter of time until Honda responded, and that’s exactly what they’ve done with the new Civic.
This 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is not just the most powerful non-Type R Civic they’ve ever produced but also one of the most efficient, boasting around 50 MPG. Let’s dive into what makes this new model stand out.
Exterior Design and Features
The updated Civic lineup comes with refreshed bumpers across all models, including the non-hybrid versions. Both the LX and Sport trim of the sedan will be available as ICE-only models, retaining the same 2L engine as before. However, the Sport model now comes with a hybrid system option, and the Sport Touring trim gets the hybrid system as standard.
The design tweaks are subtle but significant. Hybrid models feature a body-colored brow and the same LED reflector headlight design. The lower portion of the bumper has been slightly modified, and there’s a body-colored lower lip as well.
New tires and wheels give the model an elegant touch, available exclusively in the Sport Touring trim for both the hatchback and sedan. Functional air curtains up front and the promise of both a hatchback and sedan hybrid in the Civic lineup make this a direct competitor not just to the Prius, but also to the Corolla and Elantra hybrids.
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Power and Performance
Honda is bringing significant power to the Civic Hybrid with a system that delivers 200 horsepower and over 230 lb-ft of torque. This makes it even more torquey than the Civic SI, though it’s not positioned as a sporty vehicle. Instead, it’s set to replace the 1.5L turbo engine, offering both more fuel efficiency and power—a true win-win scenario.
Fuel Economy Estimates
While official fuel economy figures are yet to be released, it’s expected that both the sedan and hatchback hybrids will achieve around 50 MPG, similar to the Accord Hybrid. The Accord, being slightly larger and less aerodynamic, sets a good benchmark for these smaller and more streamlined Civic models.
Trunk and Cargo Space
Examining the trunk reveals some minor changes. The new tail lights feature a grayed-out, darker tint, and there’s a single exhaust tip for a clean look.
The trunk space remains the same as the non-hybrid model, with the added flexibility of a space for a spare tire or extra storage if you opt for aftermarket solutions. The battery pack is efficiently packed under the rear seats, a design move that highlights Honda’s commitment to maintaining cargo space without compromising on hybrid efficiency.
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Hatchback Model Features
The hatchback model retains its beloved profile with a smooth design, integrating the hinges seamlessly into the roofline. The cargo space is practical, featuring a slide-to-the-side cargo cover and a slightly different under-floor design compared to the sedan.
Whether you’re hauling a barbecue from Home Depot or simply need extra cargo capacity, the hatchback offers impressive versatility.
Competitor Comparison
The new Civic Hybrid positions itself not just against the Prius but also as a premium alternative to the Corolla and Elantra hybrids. With its elegant design and powerful hybrid system, it promises a more luxurious and efficient driving experience.
The Civic has always been a step ahead in terms of design and driving pleasure, and the 2025 hybrid model continues this tradition.
Rear Seat Features
One area where the new Civic could improve is rear seat air vents, which are notably absent despite being a common request from customers. While this omission helps keep costs down, it’s a feature that would have enhanced passenger comfort.
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Driving Dynamics and Efficiency
Honda’s two-motor hybrid system offers a driving experience that feels more like an electric car, thanks to its serial hybrid design with a parallel hybrid mode.
This system is known for its smoothness, especially in regenerative braking, making it feel more seamless compared to other hybrids in the market. Whether you’re driving around town or hitting higher speeds, the Civic Hybrid promises efficiency and power.
Performance and Handling
Honda won’t talk performance or handling figures for the new Sport Touring hybrid, but we can get a little bit of an idea. Up front, in addition to the unique wheels on this model that are again new for this year, we get 235/40 R18 tires.
These are relatively low profile and relatively wide for this segment. We don’t have the upgraded brakes that you’d find in a Civic SI, but the tire size definitely leans towards this being one of the better handling models in this segment. You will find significantly narrower tires in that Corolla hybrid or the Elantra.
Interior Features
On the inside, we find basically the same interior we found last year in the Civic, which definitely makes this one of the more elegant and I would say one of the more luxurious entries in this segment. The biggest change happens over here in the middle of the dashboard for the Sport Touring model only. I am a little bit sad that the other models don’t get this new software. We have an approximately 9-inch color touchscreen system here, and it now features the Google Connected Services System. So, we get online Google mapping. We also get the Google Voice Assistant.
Set the temperature to 70°. All right, changing the temperature to 70°. So there we go, you can basically do anything that the Google assistant would normally be able to do for you, plus control certain vehicle systems, enter navigation destinations, etc. I like the look, and it comes with 3 years of integrated data service as well. After that, you are going to have to pay based on the kind of package that you’re interested in as far as what you want the vehicle to support.
The home menu is basically the same as we’ve seen before, so this is sort of a combination of the systems and software that we’ve seen in Honda vehicles with the additional Google software added on top of it. Obviously, there’s going to be a power flow system there. Down below that, we find the same gauge layout and the same dashboard layout that we found in the rest of the Civic lineup before.
Dual-zone automatic climate control. We have an additional USB port right there in the middle of the dash. So one C port that integrates for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and then one charge-only port there as well. We have a pretty traditional shifter there. Drive mode selectors down there at the bottom, and we have regeneration paddles on the back of the steering wheel.
That’s something that I’ve really loved from Honda’s hybrids and plug-in hybrids in the past, the ability to adjust the throttle liftoff regen using the paddles. There is a little bit of a technical difference between the software programming on this vehicle and the Accord. There are going to be fewer steps of regeneration, and I think that should make it a little bit clearer for some owners. Of course, if you don’t want to adjust it, you can just set it and forget it. We also have the full LCD instrument cluster there behind the steering wheel.
Prototype Features
Now, I know everybody always asks about warning lights on these displays. Keep in mind this is an early pre-production prototype, so that’s why we can’t see under the hood, and that’s why there are going to be some warning lights on here and there.
Over in the Civic hatch that Honda brought along, you can see what the darker interior looks like. Again, the same Google Connected infotainment system right there in the dashboard. It’s integrated really nicely there with the center channel speaker just behind the display. We get basically the same dashboard layout, but of course, we get the additional practicality of that hatchback design in the rear. And in case you’re wondering, no, the rear seats don’t get air vents in this model either.
Rear Seat and Cargo Space
When I’m talking about the practicality of the hatch, I’m really referring to cargo practicality because there’s not an enormous difference as far as the rear seats go. Right now, I’m back here in the sedan. You can see that if I lean my head back, my head is touching the ceiling. And if I move over to the hatch, it’s much the same thing.
We get a skoosh more headroom, so if I put my head back there to the head restraint, my head’s not exactly touching the ceiling in the same way, but we don’t get a huge amount of additional space in the hatch. It’s mainly that cargo area in the back where things get better.
Pricing and Market Positioning
As of today, Honda has not released official pricing for the 2025 Civic yet but aims to keep it in line with the 2024 model year. The hybrid models are expected to start under $30,000, making them a competitive option in the market. Honda’s decision to position the hybrid system as a replacement for the 1.5L turbo engine, rather than as a new performance entry, is a smart move, aligning with their goal of offering a premium yet efficient vehicle.
Model Availability
In the sedan model, you’re going to find the hybrid system available on the Sport trim, standard on Sport Touring, and over here in the five-door, you’re going to find it on the Sport Touring trim. Now, if there’s one thing I could ask for in a Civic refresh, it would be rear seat air vents.
Those do exist in other markets for the Civic, so it should be pretty easy to jam those on the North American model. But this is something that other car companies have been doing as well. Honda is by no means alone in deleting rear seat air vents to help save a little bit of money and help keep prices a little lower.
Competitors to consider
When considering alternatives to the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid, several competitors stand out due to their blend of efficiency, performance, and technology. The 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid remains a strong contender, offering excellent fuel economy, a smooth ride, and advanced safety features. It’s well-regarded for its reliability and cost-effectiveness, making it a favorite among hybrid enthusiasts.
Another significant rival is the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. Known for its sleek design and impressive tech features, the Elantra Hybrid combines a spacious interior with robust fuel efficiency. It also offers a smooth driving experience and advanced driver-assistance systems. Additionally, the Toyota Prius continues to be a key competitor, renowned for its iconic hybrid technology and fuel economy, further establishing itself as a staple in the hybrid market
0-60 Time
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is anticipated to deliver impressive performance with an expected 0-60 mph time of approximately 6.3 seconds. This would place the Civic Hybrid ahead of many competitors in the compact hybrid segment. The powertrain, which is expected to combine a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, is likely to produce around 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, contributing to its swift acceleration capabilities.
Release Date
The highly anticipated 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is set to hit the market soon. According to multiple sources, the sedan version of the Civic Hybrid will be the first to arrive at dealerships, with availability expected as early as June 19, 2024.
Following the sedan’s release, the hatchback model will make its debut later in the summer, around August. Honda’s strategic rollout indicates a strong commitment to making the hybrid model a significant part of their lineup, with expectations that it will account for 40% of Civic sale.
My thoughts
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is set to impress with its blend of power, efficiency, and elegant design. Whether you’re considering an Elantra or Corolla hybrid, the new Civic should definitely be on your list. For those shopping for a Prius, the five-door Civic Hybrid offers similar fuel economy with a more appealing design.
Stay tuned for more updates and official pricing details, and let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. See you next time!
