11th Gen 2025 Civic Hybrid Arrives - Plus Other Changes

An All New Sporty Civic Hybrid, a Tweaked Si, and Other Improvements Deliver a Big 2025 Civic Refresh

The 2025 Honda Civic brings a host of upgrades across the lineup, with a particular focus on hybrid technology, sportier design, and enhanced tech features. The most significant addition is the new Civic Hybrid, which is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. It is entirely different from the old Civic Hybrid, which was last available in 2015 (and used a "mild" hybrid system). This new Civic Hybrid utilizes an ultra-efficient 2.0L Atkinson-cycle 4 cylinder engine combined with Honda's award-winning two motor hybrid-electric system. This setup delivers an amazing 200 horsepower, class-leading torque of 232 lb-ft, and a combined fuel economy rating of 49 MPG (50 in the city)! It goes without saying that this new Civic Hybrid offers both impressive performance and fuel efficiency.

The 2025 Civic Hybrid comes in two trims: Sport and Sport Touring. Both these trims are available in Sedan or Hatchback body styles, and are equipped with a variety of premium features, including a moonroof, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Sport Touring Hybrid takes things a step further, with leather seating, a 12-speaker Bose® premium sound system, and advanced tech integrations like Google built-In, which allows drivers to use Google Assistant, Google Maps, and various apps from Google Play. Additionally, the Sport Touring features a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, as well as wireless phone charging.

The powertrain used in the 2025 Civic Hybrid is a new variation of the 4th generation Honda two motor hybrid-electric system and features a 1.06 kWh hybrid battery. This new system is highly evolved and efficient, and utilizes two electric motors compactly mounted inline with each other, along with a specialized 2.0L i-VTEC® Atkinson cycle internal combustion (IC) engine. The IC engine, which has an amazing 40% thermal efficiency (compared to 25% to 30% for most modern IC engines), outputs 141 hp @ 6000 RPM and 134 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM. The electric motors are split into two purposes: propulsion and generation. The electric propulsion motor (also called the traction motor) directly drives the wheels and is rated at 181 hp and 232 lb-ft. The propulsion motor also has the job of recovering energy (i.e., recharging the battery) when the vehicle is braking or coasting. The electric generator motor functions to supply electrical power to the propulsion motor, but also recharges the hybrid battery under certain conditions. In addition, it is responsible for starting and restarting the IC engine as needed, such as during initial startup or after idle-stop has engaged. A standard 12V battery is still needed to power the computer and accessories, and to ready the hybrid system. However, no traditional alternator is needed or used here, as the hybrid electrical system provides that function.

Most of the time, the IC engine is only connected to the electric generator motor to produce electricity for the hybrid battery and/or electric propulsion motor. However, the IC engine can shut off completely as appropriate to save fuel, and it can also connect directly to the wheels under certain conditions using a lockup clutch. The IC engine will only drive the wheels directly when it can operate efficiently and the vehicle is going fast enough (such as during highway cruising). This interplay between the electric motors and IC engine results in the best combination of fuel economy, driving performance, and top speed.

At this point, you might be wondering why Honda did not rate this new Civic Hybrid at 322 hp (the combined total of the IC engine and electric propulsion motor). Like almost all hybrids, rating the combined power is complicated and the total horsepower output at any given time depends on many conditions. Honda uses an ISO standard rating which represents the true peak, concurrent power output to the wheels. Keep in mind, in the 2025 Civic Hybrid the IC engine only activates at higher speeds, and at these speeds the electric propulsion motor is less efficient, so at any single moment neither one can operate at its peak performance. This, combined with Honda wanting to achieve a balance of performance, fuel economy, and battery charge means that the IC engine and electric propulsion motor will not be maxed out on purpose when operating together (the electric propulsion motor provides an on-demand peak power "boost" when needed while the IC engine is driving the wheels). In theory, with the right gearing and a robust enough drivetrain, it would be possible to program this hybrid setup to get closer to the true combined power output - maybe even as high as 300 hp or so. Who knows, Honda might even choose to do this on a future Civic Hybrid performance model.

Moving on past the Civic Hybrid details, Honda has, as usual, made tech and safety a priority across the entire Civic lineup. All refreshed 2025 Civic models come standard with an updated Honda Sensing® suite, which includes enhanced visibility for motorcycles and bicycles (as well as detecting pedestrians), along with more refined adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems. These safety feature improvements further solidify the Civic's reputation as a class leader in this area. Another welcome update is that all refreshed 2025 Civic models now come standard with 2 front USB-C ports.

Styling updates for refreshed 2025 Civics include a more aggressive front fascia (including a new hex-pattern grille), darker tail lights, and exciting new color options. These changes give the Civic a sportier and more contemporary look. Hybrid trims feature unique touches such as body colored headlamp garnishes and a front lower spoiler, distinguishing them from the non-hybrid models.

For performance enthusiasts, the 2025 Civic Si remains an excellent option, and is the only manual transmission model now available besides the Type R. The refreshed Civic Si features the same turbocharged 1.5L engine as before, delivering 200 advertised horsepower (likely higher in real life). Notable updates include more aggressive exterior styling with a sportier front bumper design (including a new hex-pattern grille), revised tail lights with a darker appearance, redesigned Si-specific V-spoke 18-inch wheels, and new heated front seats. The Si also benefits from the upgraded Honda Sensing® safety systems, providing an extra layer of driver assistance. In addition, the 2025 Civic Si has a new LED shift indicator light and features its first integration ever of Google built-in. The best part is all these enhancements come standard on the Si trim.

The base 2.0L non-hybrid Civic models get a slight powertrain update for 2025 too. The 2.0L naturally aspirated motor now pumps out 150 hp (8 less than before) but delivers 1-2 MPG better fuel economy. The new engine code is K20C9 (previously the K20C2) and it uses direct injection and the Atkinson cycle for best efficiency. There is no more 1.5L turbo engine option any longer, except in the Si.

The high-performance Civic Type R does not get a refresh for 2025, but continues to deliver immense power with its 315 hp turbocharged 2.0L engine. The Type R is known for its track-ready performance and remains THE choice for those seeking the ultimate in Civic performance. Why improve on perfection?

The Civic continues to be a vital part of Honda's U.S. production, with the sedan manufactured in Ontario, Canada, and the hatchback built in Indiana. This is in line with Honda's strategy to produce vehicles domestically, ensuring high-quality production and supporting local economies.

The Honda Civic lineup continues to offer something for everyone, and these 2025 updates in styling, technology, and safety should keep the Civic at the top of everyone's list for the compact car segment.

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