Should I upgrade to the new hybrid version?
2026 Honda Prelude Preview
Honda’s coupe is back as a hybrid.
- Honda has finally joined the hybrid movement in the compact car segment with the Honda Civic Hybrid.
- The Civic Hybrid has a different standard powertrain and different standard features than the gasoline version.
Honda’s affordable sedan is offered as a gasoline and hybrid vehicle. Is there a definitively better version?
Honda has followed in the footsteps of Japanese automakers such as Toyota and developed a hybrid version of one of its most popular sedans. The debate between the Honda Civic and Honda Civic Hybrid goes much deeper than powertrain and fuel economy. We’re comparing both Civics side by side here, so you can choose the model that offers more value for your specific needs.
Honda Civic vs. Honda Civic Hybrid
price and power
There is a huge price difference between the gasoline and hybrid versions of the Honda Civic small car. Pricing for the 2026 Civic LX base model starts at $24,595. Prices for the Honda Sport Hybrid base model start at $29,295. The price difference is 4,700 yen.
The 2026 Civic is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower. Honda’s hybrid version uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce 200 horsepower, 50 more ponies than the gasoline version. This is a substantial improvement in the power category for such a small vehicle.
Standard features
The 2026 Civic comes standard with a collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and push-button start. Traffic sign recognition, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a road departure mitigation system are also included.
The Civic Sport Hybrid adds features such as a one-touch power moonroof, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It is also equipped with smart entry, a 3-mode drive system (normal, sport, eco), and blind spot information with a cross-traffic monitor. Honda’s more expensive hybrid Civic comes with better standard features.
Fuel efficiency
The gasoline Honda Civic compact sedan gets 32 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway. The Honda Civic Hybrid gets 50 miles per gallon in the city and 47 miles per gallon on the highway. It averages 12 miles more per gallon combined than a gas Civic, and is significantly more efficient thanks to its electric motor.
The hybrid version of the Honda Civic can go about 62 miles more on a full tank than the gas version. If you’re concerned about fuel economy, this makes a huge difference in terms of significant gas savings and reduced carbon emissions.
Gasoline or hybrid, final decision on Honda Civic
The Honda Civic Hybrid’s superior fuel economy alone may not justify paying an extra $4,700 for a hybrid vehicle compared to a gas-powered vehicle. The Civic Hybrid, on the other hand, comes with some great standard features that make it worth the money for many drivers.
Upgrading to a hybrid model offers significant long-term ownership benefits, including lower annual fuel costs, for drivers who want to keep their sedan for its entire lifecycle. A more sophisticated interior also improves the ownership experience.
If you want a more luxurious model that’s even more comfortable than the base Civic, the Hybrid is the way to go. If you prioritize affordability above all else, the gas Civic is a better choice with its lower starting price. The gas-powered Civic may boast decent fuel economy for its segment, but Honda’s Civic Hybrid takes efficiency to a new level for the Japanese brand.
