Forward-thinking hydrogen fuel cell concepts, Cybertrucks, Corvettes, and everything in between graced the LA Auto Show. Despite an abundance of flashier vehicles, the 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring Hybrid was one of my top picks of the show. With a fully loaded MSRP of around $33K, it packs a lot of usability and efficiency for the money.

Whether blatantly acknowledged or not, EVs were, as usual, front and center at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Perhaps you’re wondering – why is this particular Civic so special? Especially when it was parked next to Honda’s sole EV entry, the new Prologue.

Two reasons: First, it’s a hybrid, and second, it’s a hatchback.

Hybrids have become exceptionally popular recently among buyers who prioritize efficiency but aren’t quite ready for an EV. Honda has made the hybrid powertrain the premium engine option in its Civic, Accord, and CR-V lineups. In the case of the Civic, the Hybrid produces the same horsepower rating as the sporty Si trim. If you want leather on the Civic or Accord, you must upgrade to the Hybrid.

Although the Civic was one of the first vehicles to introduce a hybrid option over 20 years ago, there hasn’t been a Civic-branded hybrid in almost a decade. The now-discontinued third-generation Honda Insight sedan briefly filled the void in the lineup from 2019 to 2022.

During the Civic Hybrid’s absence, Hyundai introduced a hybrid version of its Elantra and Toyota added a Corolla Hybrid.

The Hatchback Comeback

The sales dominance of crossovers, SUVs, and trucks has led some automakers like Ford to all but eliminate their car lineups. Despite waning car sales, a handful of hatchback entries including the Acura Integra, BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe, Audi A5 Sportback, Audi A7, and VW Arteon, have given buyers a versatile alternative to sedans in the premium market.

However, there are few affordable options which is where the Civic sets itself apart and unlike most of these models, the Civic doesn’t require premium fuel. More importantly, the hybrid boasts an EPA-estimated 49 combined city/highway MPG.

The Right-Sizer

It’s no secret cars have grown as the 2025 Civic is comparable in size to the Accord of the 1990s. The new Accord has ballooned to 196 inches - 17 inches longer than the Civic hatch and nearly the same length as the 3-row Pilot. What’s impressive about the Civic hatch is that it is a half foot shorter than its sedan counterpart yet packs 60% more cargo space.

Fortunately, it doesn’t sacrifice passenger room in favor of cargo. Although a foot shorter in length, the Civic Hatchback matches the Volkswagen Arteon in passenger volume.

The smaller footprint makes parallel parking and garage storage easier, yet it is still large enough to suit the hauling requirements of most buyers. Moreover, it has great visibility inside and doesn’t obstruct other’s visibility on the road like a truck or SUV. 

Modernity meets Approachability

From interior controls to powertrains, buyers crave tech for their convenience.

Refreshingly, Honda has taken a different approach from the Tesla-led trend of the “center screen does it all.” Inside, Honda’s modern cabin effectively balances technology and usability. There’s a volume knob, large physical buttons for the HVAC, redundant steering wheel controls, and even a console-mounted gear shifter. There’s no need to sort through multiple center-screen menus to complete simple tasks.

A 9-inch center touchscreen features built-in Google capabilities along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features include a wireless phone charger, USB-C ports, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System.

Purchasing a hybrid instead of an EV or PHEV means a conventional ownership process. Buyers are not mandated to install a home charger. Nor are they required to learn about the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and the Combined Charging System (CCS) to acquire the correct plug for high-speed charging.

However, you still require fossil fuel, and you won’t qualify for a federal incentive. Although it is unfortunate not to qualify for the incentive, it is one less calculation to consider in the purchase price. 

The Civic Hybrid provides a back-to-basics package with modern equipment and an advanced powertrain that affords remarkable efficiency. Buyers can simply get in and go – and average close to 50 mpg while they're at it. 

The main competition

 As mentioned earlier, the hatchback market is pretty small, adding hybrid to the equation further reduces options. While the Civic Hybrid sedan competes against the Corolla Hybrid and the Elantra Hybrid, the Civic Hatchback Hybrid’s chief rival is the Toyota Prius. 

There’s no denying Toyota made a powerful statement with the latest iteration of the Prius. A vehicle villainized for not being “cool” is now stylish and produces a significant increase in power.

When comparing the Prius and Civic, Toyota’s biggest advantage is its optional all-wheel drive system. However, the Civic offers more cargo space behind the 2nd-row seat (24.5 cu. ft. vs 20 cu. ft.), greater passenger volume (96.6 cu. ft. vs 91 cu. ft.), and sprints from 0 to 60 mph a second faster (6.2 seconds vs 7.1 seconds). The Civic’s cabin also feels more upright than the more rakish new Prius affording better visibility and less claustrophobia.

Summary

I wish it were a wagon, but it’s hard to ignore the practicality of a hatchback. It’s not often you find a semi-niche vehicle that is attractive, fuel-efficient, practical, and affordable. Honda produced a car that’s unique without being too quirky, technologically advanced while being easy to use, and versatile yet easy to drive and park. It’s a stylish car that does many things right without trying too hard to do too many things at once.

Recently, I’ve longed for a modern-day 5-door 1990s Saab 900/9-3. In shape and size, that’s what the Civic Hatchback Hybrid is - except with Honda reliability and Prius-like fuel economy. And that, my friends, is a win.

By Matt Yantakosol

PUBLISHED DECEMBER 8, 2024 

Comments (1)

• hgil 4 weeks, 1 dayago

  This was a fun read! The article does a great job capturing what makes the Civic Hatchback Hybrid such a well-rounded and underrated gem. A true win, indeed!!

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