2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid: Electrified and Elite

Honda is bringing back hybrid technology to its popular compact car after several years, following the lead of other automakers that are now putting more emphasis on electrification.

For 2025, the Civic Sedan and Civic Hatchback feature revised styling especially up front. Setting the hybrid models apart are subtle details like a body-coloured headlight garnish and front lower spoiler. Black mirror caps and window trim are also part of the mix.

• Also: 2025 Honda Civic Si: Building on a Winning Recipe
• Also: 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Drops Base Price, Adds Hybrid Option

There are two trim levels to choose from—Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid—both standing at the top of the lineup. In the Hatchback’s case, they start at $37,205 and $40,705, respectively. Honda invited us to Nashville, Tennessee to put the car to the test, but only for a short period of time. We covered no more than 70 km.

Quiet Interior

The most surprising thing about this Civic is how quiet it can be, particularly when compared with the sporty Civic Si, which we also drove in Nashville. Honda engineers have devised a robust noise reduction package that includes Active Noise Control on all hybrid models (using the speakers to neutralize exterior noises) and wheel resonators in Sport Touring trim.

When it comes to technology, the latest Civic impresses in terms of content and execution. The centre touchscreen (7 or 9 inches in size) incorporates Google built-in connectivity (Sport Touring only) as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, the audio system features eight speakers as standard or 12 speakers in the case of the optional Bose unit. Wireless smartphone charging, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and Wi-Fi hotspot are also available.

Responsive Engine

Taking a page from the CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, the new Civic Hybrid pairs an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. It generates a total of 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque through a beltless, electronically controlled CVT.

The result is a beautifully responsive powertrain, even more so than the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine in the Civic Si (also rated at 200 horsepower). That’s because of the extra torque delivered instantaneously by the electric motors, up to 2,000 rpm. Acceleration is pretty lively, making for pleasant driving around town.

Unsurprisingly, handling isn’t quite as sharp as the sportier sibling’s. The suspension is tuned primarily for comfort, ensuring a smoother ride while still preserving good driving dynamics. Body movements are minimal, and steering is precise. The seats provide adequate lateral and back support. Too bad the front passenger only gets four-way adjustment to play with.

Drivers can seamlessly switch between Econ, Normal and Sport modes that feature pre-set performance settings for powertrain response, steering assist level and gauge cluster layout. The top-line Sport Touring Hybrid model also offers a new Individual mode that enables customization of the driving experience. If you ask us, Sport mode is the best way to enjoy this car, even allowing stronger engine braking through increased energy recuperation. There are four different recuperation levels, by the way, all selectable by the driver via paddles on the steering wheel.

With regard to fuel consumption, our tester achieved an incredible 4.6 L/100 km during our trip in Nashville. That’s even better than the city rating of 4.8 L/100 km Honda is claiming.

Relatively Expensive

All 2025 Honda Civic models benefit from a more rigid body structure, but for some reason only the sedan managed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ award from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Civic Hatchback is still good enough for a Top Safety Pick award, mind you.

It’s also the most fun to drive hybrid in its class, although the Toyota Prius isn’t too far behind. The latter is priced a few thousand dollars above and isn’t as generous in terms of interior space, but it does come standard with all-wheel drive, something Honda’s electrified compact can’t brag about.

As is the case with the Civic Sedan, you won’t find the hybrid system in a lower trim, meaning customers have to spend a substantial premium over competitors like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. But let’s give Honda credit: the automaker has made a successful return to the hybrid compact segment with an efficient, practical, safe and dynamic car.