MotorTrend’s cross-country test of the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring covered 3,090 miles(4,900 KM+) from Los Angeles to New York, revealing just how much value Honda has packed into a car priced under $34,000. Over 6 days and 14 states, the Civic demonstrated efficiency, power, and comfort, while also showing where it falls short compared to rivals.
The car averaged 38 MPG overall, with its best stretches hitting 44.7 MPG on flat highways and its worst dropping to 25 MPG during Colorado’s high-altitude climbs. This variation underscored how terrain can heavily influence hybrid performance. Despite the dips, the EPA figures of 50 city, 47 highway, and 49 combined make the Civic Hybrid competitive in its class. MotorTrend noted that the smaller 10.6-gallon fuel tank required more stops than drivers would prefer, but the cost savings and efficiency remained impressive.
The performance was a highlight. The hybrid’s 200 horsepower system achieved a 0–60 mph sprint in 6.1 seconds, even quicker than the Civic Si. Around town, its smooth EV-like torque made daily driving enjoyable, while adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance reduced fatigue on the highway. In mountainous areas, though, engine noise and sluggish climbs were noted as drawbacks.
Inside, the Sport Touring trim offers leather seats, heated options, a Bose 12-speaker sound system, Google built-in navigation, and a 10.2-inch digital cluster. Space is generous, particularly in the rear, but long trips revealed that seat foam lacked the comfort needed for hours on the road. MotorTrend’s testers solved the issue with cushions picked up mid-trip. The absence of rear climate vents was another minor flaw, though overall cabin quality earned high marks.
In terms of value, the Civic stands out sharply. At $31,950 for the Sport Touring trim, it delivers features that rival cars often reserve for higher brackets. This comes at a time when the average new vehicle price in 2025 sits above $47,000 and monthly payments exceed $750. Against this backdrop, the Civic’s balance of affordability and performance is hard to ignore.
Compared to competitors, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid remains a cheaper entry point at $24,760, but its 138 horsepower leaves it slower, with 0–60 mph around 9.5 seconds. The Toyota Prius may edge ahead in aerodynamic efficiency and highway MPG, but the Civic offers more conventional sedan styling and a sportier feel. For those seeking more space, power, and engagement in daily driving, the Civic holds the advantage, even if it means a slightly higher purchase price.
MotorTrend’s road trip reinforced Honda’s reputation for reliability, with no mechanical issues reported over nearly 5,000 miles of ownership. Combined with its 2025 North American Car of the Year award and positive social media buzz, the Civic Hybrid looks set to redefine expectations for economy cars. It isn’t perfect—long-distance comfort and frequent refueling are areas to improve—but as a complete package, it represents one of the strongest values in today’s car market.
The bigger takeaway is that Honda has managed to set a new standard for affordable hybrids. The Civic Hybrid is more than just an efficient commuter—it’s a car that can handle cross-country travel, deliver engaging performance, and do it all while staying well below the industry’s rising price ceiling. In an era of shrinking affordability, it provides a compelling answer for buyers who want both fun and frugality.
