2026 Honda Civic Hybrid: Car of the Year Revisited
We’ve got the 2026 Honda Civic Hybrid.
Last year, we chose this as the car of the year.
Easy. Now,
That’s got good power.
It’s got good power. It’s the same power
plant as the Accord in a little. A
little smaller car.
Yeah.
Uh, so we chose this as car of the year
last year. We’ll tell you in a second if
we still agree. Andrea, what is under
the hood of this thing?
A 2 L 4 cylinder, and it has two motors. The
hybrid system is matched to an ECVT and
gets a combined 200 horsepower and 232
pound-feet of torque. This is a
front-wheel drive model, and you can use
regular fuel.
So, it came out last year as a hybrid.
This is a carry-forward model for 2026.
Standard Features and What You Get for the Money
What are the key standard features? The
The base trim comes with a 7-in driver
display, a 7-in touchscreen, wired Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8
speaker audio system, heated front
seats, six-way manual driver’s seat,
four-way manual passenger seat,
leather and cloth upholstery, a
heated steering wheel, a moon roof,
remote engine start, and Honda Sensing
driver assist technology.
Driving Impressions: Power, Handling, and Refinement
So last year, I can clearly remember
driving this. The power is better. The
fuel economy is great. It handles like a
a Civic, which is a great handling car. And all of that has not changed.
Nope, not at all. We are still huge fans
of the Civic Hybrid. It’s the one to
get. It’s smooth. It’s refined. It
offers good power whether you’re passing
on the highway or you just saw us from a
stoplight. I’m really impressed just
with the overall driving dynamics. And
this hybrid system is terrific.
What it doesn’t do, Andrea, it saves you
money at the pumps, but boy, it’s
expensive to buy. So, that’s the
conundrum with this one. It’s so good,
but it ain’t cheap.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and the Hybrid Dilemma
No. And not offering a lot of trims.
You know, you see that with Honda and
Acura. They’ve really scaled down their
trim. So, you don’t have that kind of
base model where you can get into a
hybrid at an affordable price point in
this category.
So, coming up a little bit later in our
hot topic, we are going to tackle this
or Corolla hybrid, but the dynamics of
These cars are all the same. Independent
rear suspension, great suspension.
Honda actually knows how to do that very
well. The steering feel is excellent.
They’ve always had great outward
visibility with their cars. It all
comes together to make it the one to
buy.
Steering Feel, Ride Quality, and Overall Balance
I even like how the steering feels. It
It really is precise, but also not too
heavy and not too light. It’s just the
perfect combination.
Okay, Goldilocks.
Design, Color Choices, and Style Debate
So, Andrew and I, we
were walking after dinner, hand in hand,
around the park.
As we do,
as every night,
can’t keep our hands off each other, and
We both spotted one of these in this
color, and we both said that looks hot.
It’s a color that can make all the
difference.
And I don’t even really like a blue car.
I don’t think I’ve ever owned a blue
car, but this is the color combo we
would go for. We both agree.
Hatchback vs Sedan: The Tough Choice
So, which one would you take? Three, two,
one. You going to say this one or that
one? This one or that one? Ready? Three,
two, one. That one.
This one.
Really?
So, we’ve got ourselves a problem, don’t
We? one each.
Exterior Styling and First Impressions
Now, when this Civic first came out,
people said, “Oh, it’s so boring. It now
looks like the Accord.” I like it. I like
the style.
No, it doesn’t look as bad as the
Accord, Andrea. The Accord really is
boring. I like the elegance and the
sophistication of the Civic. It’s all
grown up with its wide stance, the long
hood. I’m just such a huge fan.
This comes standard with LED headlamps,
LED tail lamps, 18-in wheels, and a tire
repair kit. I know some of you are
disappointed in that.
Interior Design: What Honda Gets Right—and Wrong
So, we’ve already established that Honda
can engineer great cars. I think they
can also design good cars. Uh, the
interior of this is very functional. The
trunk is big. It’s got lots of leg room.
All of the things. It ticks a lot of
boxes, but they fall short on features.
I’ve got a problem with the price point
and the features that are offered on the
base model.
Screens, Seats, and Feature Frustrations
Okay, we have a 2017
Honda Civic with this, with a 7-inch screen
and wired Apple and Android. It’s not
2017, any longer.
And then the
number one bugaboo for us is the height
adjustment, therefore. There’s no height
adjustment for the passenger.
They just miss it because the hybrid
system is so good.
Cabin Quality, Comfort, and Storage
What this does really well is offer a
modern, a clean, elegant interior
design. Lots of buttons and knobs. And I
Love this honeycomb dash.
Storage is quite good. You’ve got an A A
little tray, but it’s fairly deep for
The compact class.
Back Seat Space and Cargo Capacity
The great thing about Civic is that it
is one of the biggest in the compact
class. You get in the back seat, you
have to remember this is the compact
class.
This sedan has 42.3 in of front row
legroom and 37.4 in of second row
legroom. The trunk is big too.
Pricing, Fuel Economy, and Vital Stats
Okay, let’s get into the vital stats of
Civic Hybrid.
Canadian pricing includes freight, PDI,
and fees.
This is why you’re here. The fuel
economy and it’s good.
Final Thoughts
Lightning round. Two things we like, two
things we like to see improved.
I’m really enjoying the hybrid driving
dynamic.
This is a really well-done car.
What I’d like to see is a height
adjustment on the passenger seat.
I’d like to see a less expensive
available trim.
There it is. It’s the Civic Hybrid.
Do you guys agree?
2026 Honda Civic Hybrid price
Anticipated Compact Cars of the Year: 2026 Honda Civic
The brand new 2026 Honda Civic. The Civic has always been a symbol of reliability, practicality, and smart design. And for 2026, Honda has pushed the boundaries even further, combining efficiency, technology, and style in a way that continues to raise the bar for its segment. This model is not just an update. It feels like a carefully refined evolution of what drivers love most about the Civic while also preparing it for the future.
Exterior Design:
At first glance, the exterior design instantly grabs attention. The 2026 Civic has a more aerodynamic and sculpted body with sharper lines and a wider stance that gives it a sportier and more premium presence. The front fascia is bolder with slimmer LED headlights, a more aggressive grill, and redesigned air intakes that improve both style and function. Moving along the sides, you’ll notice a sleek profile with slightly lower roof lines and cleaner contours, enhancing its modern look. At the rear, the Civic now features a more dynamic taillight design and an integrated spoiler on higher trims, giving it a touch of performance-inspired flair.
Powertrain Options:
Under the hood, Honda continues to focus on a balance between efficiency and fun. The 2026 Civic offers a range of powertrain options, starting with a refined 2.0 L naturally aspirated engine that delivers reliable performance with improved fuel economy. For those who want a little more punch, the turbocharged 1.5 L option remains, now tuned for smoother acceleration and reduced emissions. Honda has also expanded its hybrid lineup, offering a Civic hybrid model that combines strong efficiency with impressive responsiveness, making it a perfect choice for drivers who want to save on fuel without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
Interior Comfort and Technology Upgrades
Inside the cabin, the Civic has taken another leap forward in terms of comfort and technology. The minimalist yet modern dashboard design is enhanced with higher-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and new color options. The digital instrument cluster now comes standard across the lineup, paired with an upgraded infotainment system that includes a larger touchscreen, faster processing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Honda has also integrated AI-driven voice commands, making it easier than ever to control navigation, climate, and media without taking your hands off the wheel. Space remains a highlight with generous legroom in the back seats and a trunk that’s larger than most competitors in this class.
Safety and Performance Variants
Safety has always been a strong suit for the Civic, and in 2026, Honda Sensing will be further enhanced. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and traffic jam assist are now standard. The system uses improved sensors and cameras for smoother and more accurate intervention, giving drivers an extra layer of confidence on the road. For enthusiasts, Honda has kept the excitement alive with the sporty Civic Si and Type R variants, which continue to push performance to the next level with upgraded engines, track-inspired handling, and aggressive styling cues. These trims ensure that the Civic remains not only practical but also thrilling for those who love driving.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Honda Civic
The 2026 Honda Civic represents a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. It keeps everything that drivers have loved about the Civic for decades—affordability, reliability, and efficiency—while introducing advanced technology, bold design, and exciting powertrain options. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a first-time buyer, or someone looking for a stylish yet dependable car, the new Civic has something to offer. That’s all for today’s review here on Autodrive. What do you think about the 2026 Honda Civic?
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