A Week With: 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring Sedan

Every time I hear it said, I’m struck by the irony of the statement, and yet it remains true. “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

Honda’s Civic has graced the list of every automotive pundit’s “Best Of” models since the first iteration of the venerable model rolled off cargo ships into American ports back in 1973.

The model has enjoyed 11 iterations since then, each met with critical acclaim. While the Civic has steadily grown larger and more comfortable, it remains one of the most reliable, fuel-efficient and desirable automobiles ever offered. The compact Honda also offers exceptional build quality.

What’s new?

The big news for the 2025 model year is the reintroduction of the Civic Hybrid after a 10-year hiatus. Originally launched back in 2003, the Civic Hybrid has been — and continues to be — one of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy.

The ’25 Civic also gets a mild front end styling update, which reworks the headlamp treatment and revises the bumper, thus presenting a new face to the world.

Powertrain details

Honda’s 2.0-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission are teamed with a pair of electric motors comprising the front-drive powertrain. One of the motors serves as generator, while the other plays the role of a traction motor. Total system output is 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. Those of you who follow all things Civic will recognize this iteration of the Civic Hybrid actually delivers the same horsepower as the highly vaunted Civic Si. What’s more, the Civic Hybrid betters its more athletic sibling by 40 lb-ft of torque.

This helps it outperform its more sporting-oriented relative by four-tenths of a second in runs from zero to 60. The Hybrid does it in at 6.2 seconds, compared to the Si’s 6.6.

According to the EPA, you can expect to see 50 mpg in the city, 47 on the highway and 49 combined. I’m guessing that’s driving the car specifically for fuel economy, as I saw an average of 42.5 miles per gallon in a mix of city, highway and two-lane back road driving. Of course, I tend to drive for pleasure, rather than economy, so your results may vary from mine by a considerable margin.

Interior accommodations

Typical of Honda, interior accommodations look far more upscale than the Civic’s purchase price would suggest. Materials choices are well considered, tastefully arrayed and assembled competently. The first thing to attract the eye is the honeycomb trim strip running the width of the dash. In addition to serving as adornment, the strip hides the vents for the HVAC system.

Heated seats, dual zone climate control and a sunroof are standard features. You’ll find more than abundant storage options in the doors, the center console and, of course, the glove box. Residing just beneath the climate control’s dials is a deep bin housing an inductive charging pad for smartphones.

A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment monitor topped the dash in my test car. A 10.2-inch screen behind the steering wheel complemented it. A 7-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard. Wireless CarPlay and Android compatibility come with the larger screen. Options include navigation, the wireless charging pad I mentioned earlier and a Bose audio system featuring a dozen speakers.

Ever a paragon of packaging efficiency, the compact Civic offers midsize legroom for front and rear passengers. Head, shoulder and hip room are good at all seating positions too. The trunk is also generous, capable of swallowing enough luggage to support a family of four on an extended road trip, with room left over for snacks and libations.

More Honda Stories

• Honda’s New 0-Series EVs Will Sport Edgy Styling, Offer Hands-Free/Eyes-Off Automation
• Honda Reportedly Developing $30K EV, Will Be Sold in U.S.
• First Drive: 2024 Honda Prologue — A Partnership Pays Off

Driving impressions

Equally responsive to steering, brake and throttle inputs, the Civic Hybrid’s road manners are capable of pleasing even the most ardent of driving enthusiasts. Acceleration is satisfying, if not exactly thrilling. Approaching freeway entrances never gave me cause for apprehension.

In most instances, the internal combustion engine serves as a generator for the electric motor, so the Civic Hybrid is both quiet and smooth in operation. Pushed hard, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine does make its presence known.

The continuously variable transmission runs it almost to redline and holds it there until you decide you’ve accrued sufficient velocity. Otherwise the Civic Hybrid operates more like an EV than an ICE vehicle.

As I said before, even with all of the changes Honda has applied to the Civic over the years, the model remains a paragon of comfort, efficiency, quality and reliability. I like it. For 2025, Honda Civic Hybrid sedan pricing starts at $28,950.