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Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Tom's Guide
I gave the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid a second chance — and it smashed my expectations
I rarely ever test the same vehicle more than once in a calendar year. However, I made an exception for the 2025 Honda Civic because my initial week-long testing earlier this year didn't yield the results I was hoping for. Being a hybrid, the Civic was supposed to get a combined fuel economy of 49 mpg. Instead, it came up way short at a disappointing 36.2 mpg — so that's why I decided to borrow it again to see if a change in scenery could make a difference. I'm glad I did because after driving the Honda Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid for a week, its $30,150 starting cost makes it way more obtainable than any of the best electric cars I've tested. Here's all of my pros and cons. 2025 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid Engine 2.0L Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle Fuel Economy 50 mpg city / 45 mpg highway / 48 mpg combined Fuel Tank Capacity 10.6 gallons Horsepower 200 hp Wheels 18-inches MSRP $30,150 Price Tested $31,300 What a difference a change in season makes because this time the Civic Hybrid exceeded my expectations around its fuel economy. In driving a total of 248.5 miles in my week's worth of testing, the 2025 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid achieves an average fuel economy of 48.1 mpg combined, compared to the 36.2 mpg I got from my prior test. That's a big difference I attribute to the change in season because clearly the warmer weather of summer propels the Civic Hybrid to reach its EPA-estimated claim. The other is that I'm driving the hatchback version of the Civic Hybrid instead of the Sport Touring version — with both trims offering 200 hp performance from their 2.0-liter hybrid engines. There's certainly an art to how to best drive a hybrid car because in a handful of instances, I was getting better fuel economy than what it's rated for. For example, one short distance drive on mostly local and county roads yielded 63.1 mpg fuel economy. That's bonkers because if I were somehow to sustain that throughout a full gas tank, it would result in a range of 668 miles. So far, this Honda Civic hatchback beats every other hybrid car I've tested this year — like the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 2025 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid 2025 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Total miles driven 248.5 miles 133 miles 182.1 miles Average Fuel Economy 48.1 mpg 36.2 mpg 39.8 mpg Best short distance fuel economy 63.1 mpg N/A 50 mpg Best long distance fuel economy 50.2 mpg 50 mpg 48.6 mpg I complain about how most electric cars are obscenely expensive, which is why I always recommend thinking about getting a hybrid. With the 48.1 mpg combined average I got from driving the 2025 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid for a week, it's one way to help you to cut back on gas prices. Yes, you can save more out of your pocket by going with the non-hybrid version of the Civic — which starts at a lower $24,595 cost — but I'd tell you to pay the extra for the savings you'd get long term with the hybrid model. At the same time, I'm thrilled that the Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid doesn't compromise on power. In fact, its 200 hp performance delivers excellent acceleration for a hybrid. Getting to cruising speed from a dead stop doesn't feel like the engine's working on overdrive to achieve it. I didn't think it'd be this responsive, but I find the Civic fun to drive. Sure, it's not quite as thrilling compared to the Hyundai Elantra N, a sporty sedan specifically tuned for driving performance. I would much rather choose the balance of the Civic with its strong driving performance, modest pricing, and excellent fuel economy. If you look at the photos I took of the Civic Sport Touring Hybrid from earlier this year, you'll see how it differs from this trim. That's because this one is a hatchback, and with that comes the extra utility of being able to fit more challenging stuff into the car. Thankfully the design remains almost the same, except for the hatch that swings up in the back. I had no problem throwing in my JackRabbit OG2 Pro micro ebike into the trunk space, which I couldn't do with the other trim. In some vehicles, adaptive cruise control is often available in an optional package, so I'm thrilled that it comes as standard with the Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid. It works similar to other cars I've used, in the sense that it manages to accelerate, brake, and keep me centered in my lane. I try to use cruise control whenever I can, especially on the highway when it does a decent job of detecting other cars that leave and enter my lane. On top of that, it's not too generous with the acceleration when it's trying to reach cruise control speed. Just like before, I can't get over the antiquated interface the Honda Civic uses with the 9-inch main dashboard display. It's certainly long overdue for a makeover, making it feel like I'm interacting with a car from the '90s or something. However, the saving grace is that it supports CarPlay and Android Auto — albeit, with a wired USB connection. Manual seats in 2025 just feel wrong, but they still do exist. Even though the bucket seats in the Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid are comfy, I can't get over the fact that they're manual seats. I'd be a little bit more forgiving if it were just the passenger seat, but it's hard to believe that the driver's seat is also an all-manual affair. Similarly, the backup camera offers the same low quality look as before. While it gets the job done in getting me out of tight parking spots, the quality makes it look like a camera phone from the last decade with its soft and fuzzy appearance. Even though this sedan can seat up to five people, your passengers in the back may feel squished because of the small amount of legroom there. You'll be able to comfortably accommodate children, but grown up adults will find the tight legroom challenging for long drives. Most of the stuff I didn't like about the 2025 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid aren't big deal breakers in my opinion, especially when you look at how the car pairs excellent fuel economy with a modest price that most people could afford. Really, it's pointless to argue about how hybrid vehicles are underpowered. Not only does the Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid offer a fun drive backed by a strong acceleration, but its 48 mpg combined fuel economy drives the point home that you shouldn't just settle on any gas-powered vehicle. You want to get a gas hybrid at the very least and the Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid is a worthy one, especially when it's backed by that Honda reliability. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Honda Prelude returns with Type R chassis and Civic hybrid power
HONDA is preparing to reintroduce the Prelude nameplate with a compelling blend of performance engineering and hybrid efficiency, setting it apart from the rest of the Civic-based range. The revived model will stand out by featuring the same dual-axis front suspension setup found in the acclaimed Civic Type R, combined with that model's wider front track and high-performance Brembo brakes. However, instead of being driven by a turbocharged engine, the new Prelude will employ the powertrain from the Civic Hybrid. This unique pairing of the Civic Hybrid's electrified power system with the precision handling of the Type R chassis is expected to create a car without direct rivals in the market. While some manufacturers have explored the idea of combining hybrid technology with performance applications, it remains an unconventional strategy across the industry. Honda appears to be positioning the new Prelude as a grand tourer rather than a full-blown sports coupe. This direction preserves certain elements from previous generations, including its two-door, front-wheel-drive configuration. However, enthusiasts hoping for the return of a manual transmission will be disappointed. Unlike the CR-Z hybrid, which proudly offered a six-speed manual gearbox, the latest iteration of the Prelude will forgo that option entirely. Further enhancing its grand touring credentials, Honda has announced the introduction of a new 'S+ Shift' system in the upcoming model. Paired with the brand's award-winning hybrid drivetrain, this newly developed drive mode refines Honda's Linear Shift Control, aiming to deliver a more engaging yet refined driving experience. According to Honda, the S+ Shift mode is specifically designed to support the Prelude's character as a sporty, comfortable grand tourer. With a design philosophy that bridges efficiency, everyday usability, and a touch of performance pedigree, the all-new Honda Prelude is poised to offer a unique proposition in the compact coupe segment, particularly for those who value the fusion of innovation and tradition.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
The Honda Prelude will be a blend of Type R underpinnings and Civic hybrid power
HONDA is preparing to reintroduce the Prelude nameplate with a compelling blend of performance engineering and hybrid efficiency, setting it apart from the rest of the Civic-based range. The revived model will stand out by featuring the same dual-axis front suspension setup found in the acclaimed Civic Type R, combined with that model's wider front track and high-performance Brembo brakes. However, instead of being driven by a turbocharged engine, the new Prelude will employ the powertrain from the Civic Hybrid. This unique pairing of the Civic Hybrid's electrified power system with the precision handling of the Type R chassis is expected to create a car without direct rivals in the market. While some manufacturers have explored the idea of combining hybrid technology with performance applications, it remains an unconventional strategy across the industry. Honda appears to be positioning the new Prelude as a grand tourer rather than a full-blown sports coupe. This direction preserves certain elements from previous generations, including its two-door, front-wheel-drive configuration. However, enthusiasts hoping for the return of a manual transmission will be disappointed. Unlike the CR-Z hybrid, which proudly offered a six-speed manual gearbox, the latest iteration of the Prelude will forgo that option entirely. Further enhancing its grand touring credentials, Honda has announced the introduction of a new 'S+ Shift' system in the upcoming model. Paired with the brand's award-winning hybrid drivetrain, this newly developed drive mode refines Honda's Linear Shift Control, aiming to deliver a more engaging yet refined driving experience. According to Honda, the S+ Shift mode is specifically designed to support the Prelude's character as a sporty, comfortable grand tourer. With a design philosophy that bridges efficiency, everyday usability, and a touch of performance pedigree, the all-new Honda Prelude is poised to offer a unique proposition in the compact coupe segment, particularly for those who value the fusion of innovation and tradition.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2026 Honda Prelude borrows suspension tech from another Honda icon
The 2026 Honda Prelude revives one of the Japanese automaker's iconic names, but this sixth-generation version will also borrow some hardware from another, more current icon. Honda has announced that the new Prelude will employ the suspension, widened front and rear tracks, and Brembo brakes from the Civic Type R. Honda said in a press release that this will be the first time its dual-axis front suspension system will be used on a non-Type R model. First seen in the United States on the 2017 FK8 Civic Type R, but introduced on the previous-generation FK2 model in Europe and Japan, this design uses two kingpins to help mitigate torque steer in these front-wheel drive cars. Honda's confirmation that the sixth-generation Prelude will share suspension components and track dimensions with the Civic Type R is another strong hint that this will be as much a revival of the discontinued Civic coupe as it is of the Prelude, which departed the market in 2001 after five generations as one of Honda's key enthusiast models. The Type R's front track width is 3.5 inches wider than that of a base Civic hatchback, while the rear is 1.9 inches wider. That contributes to the pleasing proportions of the new Prelude coupe, which Honda has been showing in concept form since 2023. Honda has a reputation for making minimal changes to its concept cars for production, so what we've seen so far should be pretty close to what the final version looks like when it reaches showrooms as a 2026 model. Honda said the Type R hardware "will be tuned exclusively for the Prelude to deliver a sporty yet comfortable grand touring experience." That indicates something a bit more mellow than the track-focused Civic Type R, and leaves some headroom for the rumored Prelude Type R should Honda decide to go that route. Honda previously confirmed that the new Prelude will use the version of its two-motor hybrid system found in the current Civic Hybrid. In the Civic, the pair of motors are teamed with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four, with a total system output of 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The Prelude will debut Honda's S+ Shift system, a sportier version of the Linear Shift Control simulated-gearshift feature in the Civic Hybrid. But some car enthusiasts are unlikely to view that as an acceptable substitute for a manual transmission, and fans of the brand may not be satisfied with what is essentially a Civic Hybrid coupe, with seemingly less differentiation from other Honda models than previous Prelude generations. But with the march toward SUV homogeneity endangering more-practical sedans, let alone traditional coupes, the arrival of a new one with sporting intentions seems like a win. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2026 Honda Prelude borrows suspension tech from another Honda icon
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Hybrid Coupe Gets Civic Type R DNA The 2026 Honda Prelude revives one of the Japanese automaker's iconic names, but this sixth-generation version will also borrow some hardware from another, more current icon. Honda has announced that the new Prelude will employ the suspension, widened front and rear tracks, and Brembo brakes from the Civic Type R. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Full screen 2025 Honda Accord: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Honda said in a press release that this will be the first time its dual-axis front suspension system will be used on a non-Type R model. First seen in the United States on the 2017 FK8 Civic Type R, but introduced on the previous-generation FK2 model in Europe and Japan, this design uses two kingpins to help mitigate torque steer in these front-wheel drive cars. A Sleeker, Sportier Civic Hybrid Source: Honda Honda's confirmation that the sixth-generation Prelude will share suspension components and track dimensions with the Civic Type R is another strong hint that this will be as much a revival of the discontinued Civic coupe as it is of the Prelude, which departed the market in 2001 after five generations as one of Honda's key enthusiast models. The Type R's front track width is 3.5 inches wider than that of a base Civic hatchback, while the rear is 1.9 inches wider. That contributes to the pleasing proportions of the new Prelude coupe, which Honda has been showing in concept form since 2023. Honda has a reputation for making minimal changes to its concept cars for production, so what we've seen so far should be pretty close to what the final version looks like when it reaches showrooms as a 2026 model. Honda said the Type R hardware 'will be tuned exclusively for the Prelude to deliver a sporty yet comfortable grand touring experience.' That indicates something a bit more mellow than the track-focused Civic Type R, and leaves some headroom for the rumored Prelude Type R should Honda decide to go that route. Will Enthusiasts Like It? Source: Honda Honda previously confirmed that the new Prelude will use the version of its two-motor hybrid system found in the current Civic Hybrid. In the Civic, the pair of motors are teamed with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four, with a total system output of 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The Prelude will debut Honda's S+ Shift system, a sportier version of the Linear Shift Control simulated-gearshift feature in the Civic Hybrid. But some car enthusiasts are unlikely to view that as an acceptable substitute for a manual transmission, and fans of the brand may not be satisfied with what is essentially a Civic Hybrid coupe, with seemingly less differentiation from other Honda models than previous Prelude generations. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. But with the march toward SUV homogeneity endangering more-practical sedans, let alone traditional coupes, the arrival of a new one with sporting intentions seems like a win. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
