2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid Sport Touring - Review by David Colman +VIDEO

Reinvigorates Your Daily Driving Experience

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of testing the 2025 Honda Civic Si, which conned me into thinking it was the quickest Civic (save the Type R) you could buy for '25. It's not. That honor now goes to the new Civic Hybrid Sport Touring, which scats from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than the Si. Both models run virtually identical times through the standing start quarter mile, posting 92mph runs at 14.8 seconds. In top speed, the 288lb lighter Si reaches 135mph, while the Hybrid throws in the towel at 114mph. But unless you're planning an assault on the Bonneville salt flats, you'll never notice the difference in performance between these two new sport-oriented Civics. Note that the Si is only available with a manual gearbox, while the Hybrid comes equipped only with a direct-drive automatic transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Hybrid is the clear winner, with its EPA Overall Fuel Economy rating of 48MPG. That's 11MPG better than the Si's 37MPG tally. The Hybrid's phenomenal mileage rating means you can plan on an incredible 508 mile Freeway run every time you fill its diminutive 10.8 gallon gas tank.

You can buy a Civic Sport Hybrid Sedan for just $29,845. But I would recommend opting for the Hybrid Sport Touring Hatchback I tested, which carried a base price of $32,950. With $455 extra for Urban Gray Pearl paint, and $1,095 for Delivery, my test Honda's tariff totaled $34,500. In terms of practicality, the Hatchback offers greater interior space than the sedan. It's also substantially better looking, with a streamlined body shell that offers an abundance of cargo capacity, especially with the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat. For 2025, Honda has simplified the Civic's front bumper and reconfigured its LED Daytime Running Lights. Enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that Honda Performance Development offers a dealer installed "HPD Underbody Front Spoiler" for just $365, a subtle addition designed to keep the Hybrid's nose pinned to the pavement at high speed.

Deft styling tweaks for the new year invest the Hatchback with fresh eye appeal. Especially noticeable is a set of intricate seven-spoke alloy wheels designed specifically for the Hybrid Sport Touring model. These 18 x 8J rims plant 235/40R18 Goodyear Assurance rubber (TW 540) at each corner. The M&S rated radials stick well, in large measure due to the Civic's MacPherson Strut front/Multi-Link rear suspension layout. Driving the Hybrid becomes an adventure rather than a chore when you select the Sport setting from the 4-mode (Econ., Normal, Sport, Individual) Drive System. The fact that Honda provides an easily accessible flip switch on the center console for that purpose is indicative of this company's continued dedication to building a dashboard that works with you rather than against you. To that end, all HVAC operations are button or switch-controlled, and proper stalks on either side of the beefy leather-wrapped steering wheel take care of light and wiper functions.

For a low $30K product, the interior furnishings of this Honda are surprisingly posh. All seats are trimmed in leather, as is the wheel and gearshift lever. The driver's seat offers 8-way power adjustment, while the front passenger side is granted 4-way power assist. Standard is a BOSE premium audio system with a dozen speakers, and a 9-inch color touchscreen graces the top of the dash, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration standard. Visibility from the driver's seat is outstanding, with all four corners clearly defined. Direct rear vision is slightly hampered by the rear seat headrests and the small size of the tailgate glass. But thankfully, a rear wiper is standard on this Civic.

Unlike so many cumbersome, clumsy SUVs that make driving a chore, Honda's unique formula for the Sport Touring reinvigorates your daily driving experience. This Civic is quick to react to inputs, follows your preferred trajectory through curves with unexpected precision, and bursts onto Freeway merge ramps with scintillating vigor. The new 2.0-liter gasoline motor is boosted by a pair of electric motors. One is attached to the gas engine and acts primarily as a generator, while the second is connected to the first via a clutch. That second 141hp e-motor connects to a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and serves as the traction motor in the Hybrid equation. When you use your right foot to stomp the aluminum ribbed throttle pedal, the Hybrid's sophisticated drive train really gets with the program. It issues an ethereal whine as the Civic surges ahead. You'll find yourself clearing the onramp and merging with freeway traffic a lot quicker than you expected. Quite a ride for just a smidge over thirty grand.

2025 HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK HYBRID SPORT TOURING

• ENGINE: 2.0 liter inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve + 2 AC Motors + 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack
• HORSEPOWER: 200hp
• TORQUE: 232lb.-ft.
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 50MPG City/45MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $34.500

HYPES: Arresting Looks, Arrest Me Speed

GRIPES: Fidgety Rear Cover Screen

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman