The Honda Civic could also be probably the most ubiquitous vehicles on roadways throughout america. Seeing them so usually might lull one into pondering of the compact automotive as little greater than an equipment, an object to get from one level to a different with as little fuss as potential. However that’s merely not the case with the Civic. It has constantly been among the finest vehicles on the market in America — purpose why it’s confirmed so standard for therefore lengthy — and the refreshed 2025 Honda Civic, significantly within the hybrid type we examined, could also be one of the best all-around model but.
The 2025 Civic’s single largest change for its mid-cycle freshening is the addition of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with 200 horsepower that shares so much with the hybrid accessible within the Honda Accord and CR-V. It additionally takes the place of the outgoing 180-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged possibility. We beloved the little turbo engine and can miss its hot-hatch-lite efficiency (to not point out the handbook transmission that can be a goner), however we additionally assume most drivers will probably be higher served by the 200-horsepower hybrid substitute. It’s torquey, with a stout 232 pound-feet from 0 by 2,000 rpm spurred on by the electrical motor and gearless eCVT transmission, but it surely doesn’t really feel prefer it needs to reside solely at low-rpm speeds when the motive force calls up a heavy software of throttle.
Honda engineers inform us that the gasoline-fueled Atkinson-cycle engine doesn’t usually put energy on to the wheels – it makes use of a high-speed lockup clutch at freeway speeds for direct drive – however because of programming trickery, gearing and electrical energy from twin electrical motors, all of it simply works in an incredibly seamless method. We examined the hybrid in Econ(omy), Regular and Sport modes and located every of them nicely tuned for his or her respective functions.
The default Regular mode is what we’d count on the vast majority of drivers to make use of, and it’s completely acceptable with linear throttle response and strong steering really feel. Sport ramps up the throttle response and reduces steering help (it additionally engages “Lively Sound Management” for some further auditory aptitude within the cabin and modifications the digital gauges to a sportier look), and whereas the curviest roads we have been in a position to drive throughout our two-hour stint behind the wheel in Montreal simply previous to the Canadian Grand Prix have been freeway on- and off-ramps, it felt well-sorted for the duty. Surprisingly, even Econ felt positive, eking out a bit extra effectivity with smoothed-out throttle response and decreased use of the automotive’s air con. The highest-spec Sport Touring Hybrid beneficial properties an extra (new-for-2025) Particular person mode that the motive force can tailor to their liking.
The Civic Hybrid’s strong efficiency doesn’t come at the price of effectivity. It’s anticipated to return 50 miles per gallon within the metropolis, 47 on the freeway and 49 mixed. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which is probably the most logical competitor, will get 53/46/50 in LE trim or 50/43/47 in its sportier SE taste. The Honda actually feels a lot sportier from behind the wheel than the Toyota, incomes it the nod as the motive force’s selection between the 2.
There are 4 ranges of regenerative braking, switchable by utilizing paddles to the left and proper of the steering wheel. The default place — name it stage 1, if you’ll — is principally none, whereas 2, 3 and 4 ramp up the regen in successive steps. Even on the most aggressive stage, although, the 2025 Civic Hybrid doesn’t brake as onerous as a completely electrical automotive’s one-pedal driving mode, and it doesn’t deliver the automotive to a full cease.
All Civics get retuned springs and dampers and extra inflexible entrance higher suspension mounts, entrance subframe mount and rear decrease suspension mounts. Hybrid fashions additionally profit from a middle of gravity that’s 10 millimeters decrease than non-hybrids together with distinctive spring and damper tuning. The tires are stated to have 19% much less rolling resistance, however on the pretty sedate speeds we have been compelled to drive in site visitors, we didn’t discover any discount in grip.
Customers with a very eager eye could spot the 2025 Civic’s restyled grille and entrance fascia, which is joined by darker taillights and a blacked-out headlight reflector. The Civic Hybrid Sport advantages from extra blacked-out bits and a body-color grille encompass and entrance spoiler. To our eyes, it’s a pointy automotive in each sedan and hatchback types, and sure, the hybrid powertrain is elective for each physique types.
On the within, Honda blessed Sport Touring Hybrid fashions like our silver take a look at automotive with a shiny new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s powered by Google Constructed-In and affords entry to apps by the Play Retailer. It helps wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, however its inclusion of Google Maps with reside site visitors because the native navigation system will provide a well-recognized interface to many customers. It’s a slick system that’s simple to make use of, strikes by its motions shortly with no discernible lag and advantages from bodily House and Again buttons, an actual quantity dial and smaller ahead and reverse buttons on the backside beneath the amount. This marks the primary time Honda’s newest infotainment package deal is obtainable in a Civic, and it’s actually extra fascinating than the older 7-inch package deal in lesser trim ranges. Hopefully, the brand new system proliferates all the way down to the remainder of the Civic lineup within the coming years.
The remainder of the brand new Civic’s inside just about carries over from 2024. Our Sport Touring Hybrid take a look at automobile’s 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is straightforward to learn and usually mimics the normal gauges of different Civic trims. The fascinating mesh band that runs the width of the sprint nonetheless homes the air vents, and whereas that’s just about the one visible aptitude to the Civic’s cabin, the design of the whole lot is so harmonious, easy and efficient that we actually haven’t any complaints. The brand new hybrid powertrain is offered in each sedan and hatchback types, and each are roomy sufficient inside for 4 adults and their baggage that it’s actually the client’s selection of how they need their cargo capability doled out.
The oddly named Honda Sensing security package deal is normal throughout the Civic vary, and it’s reportedly been refined for 2025 with Collision Mitigation tuned to raised detect bicycles and bikes, provide Adaptive Cruise with smoother acceleration and deceleration and smoother Lane Retaining Help.
Whereas we didn’t take a look at something however the brand new Civic Hybrid sedan, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder stays the bottom engine within the LX for $24,345 and Sport for $27,345. Honda says it’s newly designed for ’25 to make 150 hp (down 8) and 133 lb-ft (down 5 however delivered earlier) and enhance gas mileage by between 1 and a couple of mpg, relying on trim. The Sport Hybrid begins at $29,845. Stepping as much as the Sport Touring Hybrid will ring the register to $32,845 and produce with it the aforementioned infotainment and digital cluster tech, leather-based seats, a Bose audio system and extra. The sedan goes on sale as this story is printed, with the hatchback following shortly thereafter.
The sporty Civic Si returns with its 1.5-liter turbo engine with 200 hp and 192 lb-ft for 2025. Observe that the Civic Hybrid is technically the extra highly effective possibility, however the Si retains its six-speed handbook, and the 2 fashions will ship extraordinarily completely different experiences from behind the wheel. We count on the highest rung of the Civic ladder to stay occupied by the Sort R and its 2.0-liter turbo engine’s 315 hp and 310 lb-ft.
As ever, there’s a Civic designed for almost each potential purchaser. And whereas we love the texture of a small-displacement turbo sending its ponies by a correct handbook gearbox, the brand new Sport Touring Hybrid strikes us as an almost excellent steadiness of measurement, effectivity, efficiency, know-how and worth. We count on that patrons will flock to it in droves.