2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Gets Si Power, Prius Fuel Economy
The Honda Civic Hybrid is returning to the Canadian market. This will be the fourth time around for the Civic Hybrid, and it will be the most powerful and fuel-efficient one yet. The new system comes as part of a 2025 update that includes mild cosmetic upgrades, some new tech, and the end of the 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder.
Honda's compact sedan was one of the first on the market to offer hybrid power way back in 2003. Honda offered the Civic with hybrid power all the way through 2015, though it disappeared when the car was redesigned for 2016. It has been conspicuous in its absence, especially after competitors (the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra) added hybrid power and, for the former, electric all-wheel drive.
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid uses a system similar to that found in the Accord and CR-V. The engine turns a generator in nearly all driving situations, with an electric motor turning the wheels except at certain highway cruising speeds. The system makes 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, more torque than any Civic that didn't come with a Type R badge on the back.
Honda says to expect 4.8 L/100 km combined, about half a litre better than any Civic Hybrid that has come before. The figure is 1/10th of a litre per 100 km behind the Corolla and Elantra hybrids, or close enough not to matter, especially given that the Honda has significantly more power and torque than either. Honda said it will tune the drive system to simulate a conventional gas car acceleration's feel.
Hybrid models will get active noise cancellation and a tire developed specially for the powertrain. Honda says this will give Hybrid models the lowest cabin noise levels of the Civic lineup.
The Hybrid system will be offered on Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid grades and will be built in both hatchback and sedan body styles. The Sport will also be offered with last year's 2.0L gas-only four-cylinder, which will be the only engine on the sedan-only LX. The 1.5L turbo engine and a stick shift are both gone unless you step up to the high-performance Si model.
Changes to all 2025 Honda Civics include a new front fascia and grille for both body shapes and darker-shaded taillights for the sedan. Hybrid models get a body-colour headlight trim and a new nose spoiler. There are similarly small changes inside, but Sport Touring Hybrid models get a tech upgrade. Google built-in will be added to those trims, which includes Google Maps, the Google Assistant, and access to more apps through the Google Play store.
Honda expects the hybrid to snag 60 per cent of Civic sales in Canada after it launches. The 2025 sedans will arrive at dealers in July with the hatch coming later in the summer. Expect pricing closer to the on-sale date.
