Honda Civic Hybrid Review
If we talk about hybrid cars, most people immediately think of Toyota. But here we have something that goes against that idea, almost an anti-Toyota, or more specifically an anti-Toyota Corolla. This is the latest Honda Civic, a model that is now sold only as a hybrid in Europe. It is a pity that the EU regulations have taken away the Type R in this market, but even without it, the Civic remains a very interesting proposal.
This is the eleventh generation of the Civic. It is a car with its own peculiarities, especially in the way the hybrid system works. It also sits slightly above the typical mainstream category but still a step below the premium brands. In quality, though, it genuinely deserves to be considered if you are planning to buy a hybrid.
Exterior Design
From a design perspective, this update of the eleventh-generation Honda Civic does not introduce major changes compared to the version seen originally. The front features a glossy black grille and headlights that integrate the fog light functions.
On the side, the Civic is 4.56 metres long, making it a versatile car that is not too large for city use yet offers enough space for long family trips. The size is a nice balance that works in everyday life.
Wheel design also reveals the trim level:
18 inch matte grey wheels: highest trim, the Advance version
Black wheels: Sport trim
17 inch wheels: base trim
At the rear, the design remains almost unchanged with hybrid badging and the Honda logo with the blue highlight. The boot capacity is:
404 litres in the Advance trim
410 litres in the other two trims
More than 400 litres is enough for two or even three suitcases.
Interior Quality and Features
The interior goes in a completely different direction from the current high-digital trend in most modern cars. It has screens, of course, but the overall design stays traditional, and it works very well for Honda customers. The materials feel close to premium, and there is nothing that seems poorly finished. The seats are very comfortable, and the car gives a sense of solid construction.
The cabin uses physical buttons for many functions:
Steering wheel controls, including heated steering wheel
Physical climate control buttons on the dashboard
Physical buttons around the central infotainment screen
The screen itself is small, and the interface could be more intuitive, but the presence of physical buttons makes daily use easier. Connectivity is excellent with:
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
One of the easiest phones to pair according to the reviewer
Additional useful features include:
Two USB-C ports
Wireless charging pad with a rubberised surface
Sunglasses compartment
Sunroof that can slide open halfway or simply allow more light inside
The Advance trim also adds the high quality Bose audio system, which is highly recommended for music lovers.
Rear Seat Space
The rear seats maintain the same quality as the front. There is no drop in materials or finishing, which happens in many other models.
Space on the side seats is enough for average adults, although headroom is a bit tight. With a height of 174 cm, the reviewer was close to touching the roof.
The centre seat is less comfortable because the central tunnel is high, forcing passengers to spread their legs. It is suitable for children or short trips.
Rear passengers also get:
Foldable armrest with two cupholders
Rear AC vents
Two USB-C ports
Hybrid Engine and Technical Layout
The engine deserves a detailed explanation because it works completely differently from Toyota hybrids.
Toyota uses a parallel hybrid system. Honda uses a series hybrid system.
The Civic combines:
2.0 litre petrol engine with 143 horsepower
Two electric motors
One 184 horsepower motor that drives the wheels
One motor that works as a generator
The main job of the petrol engine is not to move the wheels directly but to feed the electric motor so that fuel consumption is reduced. The petrol engine also has an impressive 41 percent efficiency, which is considered very high.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Civic behaves like a typical hybrid. The transmission has multiple stages, and in Sport mode it simulates gear changes through sound. There are no real mechanical gear changes, but it makes the driving feel more natural.
Is 184 horsepower enough? Yes, because the power delivery is linear. This linear acceleration sometimes gives the impression of slower response, but the real performance is strong, especially in Sport mode.
The Civic offers three driving modes:
Econ
Normal
Sport
Even in Econ mode, the power feels sufficient for normal driving.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is one of the highlights. After around 400 km of mixed testing, the average was:
5.6 litres per 100 km
This was achieved with normal driving, sometimes using Sport mode.
The fuel tank is small at 40 litres, but the range remains impressive:
Around 700 km shown at full tank
Around 435 km remaining at half tank
Regenerative Braking
Behind the steering wheel are paddles that adjust the level of regenerative braking. There are four levels available, similar to some plug-in hybrids.
Ride and Handling
The suspension is slightly firm but still comfortable. It handles curves nicely, is stable on highways, and works well in the city. The steering feels precise with the right level of resistance.
Braking is also well calibrated for a hybrid. There is no awkward transition between regeneration and hydraulic braking, something that many hybrids struggle with.
Price and Final Verdict
The Honda Civic Hybrid starts at:
33,900 euros for the base version
38,800 euros for the Advance version tested
Honda is no longer positioning itself as a mass-market brand in Europe. Instead, it aims to offer something a bit above the generalist segment without stepping fully into premium territory.
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid succeeds in this. It offers:
Quality interior
Efficient hybrid system
Good fuel economy
Versatile size
Eco badge advantages
It is a car that stands out for its engineering, practicality, and low running cost. Overall, it is a hybrid that deserves serious consideration.
Honda Civic Hybrid FAQ
What type of hybrid system does the Honda Civic use
The Honda Civic uses a hybrid system where the 2.0 liter petrol engine act mainly as a generator. The electric motor with 184 horsepower is responsible for moving the wheels. This setup makes the Civic different from Toyota hybrid cars that operate with a parallel hybrid system.
How much power does the Honda Civic Hybrid produce
The petrol engine produces 143 horsepower and the main electric motor produces 184 horsepower. There is also a second electric motor that works as a generator. Together the system delivers smooth performance suitable for city driving and highway cruising.
Is the Honda Civic Hybrid fuel efficient
Yes. After about 400 km of mixed driving the average fuel consumption was 5.6 liters per 100 km. The Civic keeps good efficiency even when switching between normal and sport modes. Its 40 liter tank still offers a long driving range despite being smaller than usual.
How big is the boot space of the Honda Civic Hybrid
The Honda Civic Advance version offers 404 liters of boot space while the other versions offer 410 liters. The space is wide enough for two or three medium sized suitcases, making it practical for everyday family use.
Is the Honda Civic comfortable for long trips
The Civic interior uses high quality materials with a design that feels almost premium. The seats are comfortable and the suspension balance leans slightly firm without losing comfort. It performs well in curves, on highways and even in city conditions.
Does the Honda Civic have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Yes. The infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and both features work wirelessly. The connection is quick and stable, making navigation and media use easier during daily driving.
How is the rear seat space in the Honda Civic
The rear seats offer good space for most adults, although the headroom can be slightly tight for tall passengers. The central seat is less comfortable because of the raised central tunnel which forces the legs to open outward. It is best suited for children or short trips.
What special features does the Honda Civic Advance version include
The Advance version includes 18 inch matte grey wheels, a Bose premium sound system, a sunroof, wireless charging, heated steering wheel and high quality interior materials. These additions give it a more refined driving experience.
What is the price of the Honda Civic Hybrid
The Honda Civic Hybrid starts at 33,900 euros for the base version. The Advance version tested in the review starts at 38,800 euros and includes more equipment, better audio and additional comfort features.
