Consumers are hungry for hybrids, and Honda is about to serve up another one. The Japanese automaker has introduced a refreshed 2025 Honda Civic, and the star of the show is a new 200-horsepower hybrid drivetrain that replaces the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine used in higher-trim Civics since 2016.
It’s been nearly a decade since Civic buyers could choose hybrid power, as Honda spun off the model’s hybrid powertrain into the slow-selling Insight after 2015. Since then, the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla have debuted new partially electrified options. The hybrid Civics will make 200 hp and 232 pound-feet of torque, which is much more than those rivals or the old 1.5-liter turbo.
As of this writing, official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel-economy estimates have yet to arrive. However, the automaker says this new powertrain will be good for upwards of 50 mpg combined. Honda also notes that it’s the most powerful non-Type R Civic ever, but it also heralds the end of manual transmissions in standard Civics. The hybrid drivetrain uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and the Civic Hatchback loses its optional manual gearbox.
Beginning in 2025, the Civic’s four trim levels will consist of the base LX, Sport, Sport Hybrid (replacing the EX and EX-L), and Sport Touring Hybrid. The base 2.0-liter non-hybrid powertrain remains unchanged, and all Civics will still be front-wheel drive.
Honda did not offer details about potential 2025 Civic Si or Type R updates.
From a design standpoint, the 2025 Civic’s updates are modest. Honda makes the front bumper and headlights look a little more Type R-like, and there are also new taillights and wheel designs.
Inside, the 2025 Civic is almost unchanged, but buyers can now choose a gray scheme instead of black, which was previously the only option. This lighter color should make the cabin feel brighter and airier.
Honda hasn’t released exact details about the 2025 Civic’s new hybrid powertrain, but like the Accord and CR-V Hybrids, it will feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. With 200 hp and 232 pound-feet of torque—up from 180 and 177 in the old 1.5-liter turbo—it should be faster and more frugal than before.
The base powertrain—a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 158 hp and 138 pound-feet of torque mated to a CVT—will continue to power LX and Sport trims.
Based on my experience, even with the base engine, the Civic is fun to drive. It has a well-balanced chassis, precise steering, and responsive handling. The hybrid’s additional power should only improve it.
As of this writing, the EPA has yet to rate the 2025 Honda Civic’s fuel efficiency. Since the base powertrain carries over from 2024, its 33-35 mpg combined estimates shouldn’t change.
As in years past, all 2025 Civics get the standard Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). For 2025, the Sport trim also gets standard blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning.
The Civic’s minimalist but functional infotainment system, using a standard 7-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen, remains the same on all but the top Sport Touring Hybrid trim. That version of the car gets Google Built-in, allowing for the seamless integration of apps like Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. It comes with a complimentary three-year unlimited data plan.
Although the Civic isn’t as popular as it once was, it still provides top-notch comfort, handling, and refinement. The 2025 model’s new hybrid powertrain has much more power than the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla, which should make it a more satisfying driver than its competitors with little cost in economy. It also gives the Civic another edge over the Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, and Volkswagen Jetta, which don’t offer hybrid options.
Honda is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of May 21, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Alex Kwanten has worked in automotive media for 15 years and reported on buying, selling, and servicing cars for many outlets, including Automotive News, Forbes, and Hagerty Media. His calling is helping to make car buying less intimidating for ordinary folks, but he also loves telling the stories of the people and cultural forces behind new and classic vehicles. A lifelong automotive enthusiast, he’s owned scores of cars from more than a dozen countries.
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