August 21, 2024 – Honda is reintroducing a hybrid option for the 2025 Civic, marking its return to the lineup after a hiatus since the 2015 model year. The 10th-generation Civic omitted a hybrid model, with the Civic-adjacent third-generation Insight filling the hybrid gap until its discontinuation in 2022. This comeback is a significant development for Honda’s popular compact sedan and aligns with the company’s broader strategy of emphasizing hybrid technology across its vehicle lineup.
The 2025 Civic Hybrid features Honda’s refined two-motor hybrid system. It combines an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. One motor acts as a generator while the other serves as a traction motor driving the front wheels. A clutch between the motors allows seamless switching between electric and gasoline power. The system primarily uses the traction motor for driving, whether in electric mode or when powered by the gasoline engine and a small battery pack.
The Civic Hybrid’s powertrain delivers 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, matching the sportier Civic Si in horsepower and surpassing it by 40 lb-ft of torque. Despite additional weight of 288 pounds compared to the Civic Si and over 300 pounds more than the non-hybrid Civic Sport, the hybrid model maintains practicality with unchanged cargo capacity. The extra weight does not impede performance, with the Civic Hybrid accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 6.2 seconds. This performance outpaces the non-hybrid 1.5-liter turbocharged Civic (7.2 seconds) and the Civic Si (6.6 seconds), and is comparable to the larger Accord Hybrid (6.5 seconds).
One of the Civic Hybrid’s standout features is its seamless driving experience. The direct drive gearbox simulates gear shifts by modulating the engine’s RPM, avoiding the droning often associated with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Under full throttle, simulated shifts disappear as the engine maintains high RPM to maximize power output. The Civic Hybrid offers a smooth and engaging drive, closely resembling a traditional gasoline vehicle. While there is a slight increase in weight over bumps and during sharp impacts, it does not detract from the overall driving experience.
The Civic Hybrid’s regenerative braking system makes the brake pedal feel slightly soft at low speeds, but the blended braking system is virtually imperceptible. Handling is solid, with natural and responsive steering and a respectable 0.84 G on the skid pad. The hybrid offers various driving modes, including a sport mode that enhances the driving experience with simulated gear changes and more aggressive regenerative braking. The Sport Touring trim also allows customization through individual mode settings.
Fuel efficiency is a notable strength, with EPA ratings of 50 mpg city and 47 mpg highway. The highway rating was confirmed in a real-world 75 mph test. Although the Civic Hybrid’s city rating is slightly lower than that of the Accord Hybrid, this may reflect Honda’s conservative certification approach to match real-world conditions.
The 2025 Civic lineup also benefits from a midcycle refresh, including structural reinforcements in the B and C pillars to improve safety, particularly in IIHS side impact tests.