Honda’s Civic Hybrid Hatchback May Be the Most Recommendable Car on Sale

Our appreciation for the current-generation Honda Civic is no secret. The model has repeatedly made the Car of the Year finals, first in 2022 with the 11th-generation launch and again in 2025 after a substantial refresh. Unsurprisingly, the hatchback version of the Honda Civic Hybrid has now joined its predecessors as a finalist in the 2026 competition.

At first glance, the Civic Hybrid Hatchback seemed poised to be the breakthrough Civic for Honda. Two key evaluation categories—performance of intended function and efficiency—highlight its strengths. The car excels with engaging driving dynamics, commendable fuel economy, and a versatile hatchback layout. Available in Sport and Sport Touring trims, it embodies the well-rounded nature of a classic Honda.

Powering the Civic Hatchback is Honda’s new 2.0-liter inline-four paired with an electric motor, delivering 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. This setup allows a 0–60 mph time of just 6.3 seconds in our testing, outperforming the 2024 Car of the Year winner, the Toyota Prius, which requires 7.5 seconds. The precise steering and composed body control make for an enjoyable drive on twisty back roads. “It really does drive beautifully,” said features editor Scott Evans. “It’s delightful in town, and it’s quite sporty.”

The Civic Hybrid also offers a playful twist: simulated gear shifts. Press the accelerator to the floor, and the direct-drive system momentarily drops power as revs peak, mimicking a traditional automatic transmission. Engine sounds piped through the speakers enhance this effect, softening high-rev noise while keeping the sportiness engaging.

Safety is another area where the Civic Hybrid shines. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist work seamlessly, centering the car confidently at highway speeds. Honda reinforces these systems visually through a small hatchback graphic on the driver display, which signals braking and tracks surrounding vehicles with high accuracy thanks to cameras and sensors.

Crash performance further bolsters its appeal. The Civic is a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, noteworthy given stricter recent standards, and it earns a full five-star rating from NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation for occupant protection.

Drawbacks are limited but present. Cabin noise can be noticeable, similar to the sedan. Efficiency, while strong at 50/45/48 mpg city/highway/combined, still lags slightly behind the Prius, which reaches 57/56/57 mpg in its most efficient form.

Judges consistently cited the Civic Hybrid Hatchback as highly recommendable, reflecting its many strengths. It’s spacious, stylish for a hatch, thoughtfully designed, efficient, affordable, and delivers a rewarding drive. “There’s a very, very, very long list of things the Civic Hybrid hatchback does well against the criteria,” said features editor Christian Seabaugh. “It drives exceptionally well and hits almost every mark in its segment.”

This review was part of our 2026 Car of the Year testing, assessing vehicles on efficiency, design, safety, engineering, value, and performance of intended function. Eligible cars must be all-new or significantly updated.

2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring Hybrid Specifications