2025 Honda Civic hybrid review: Australian first drive

The refreshed Honda Civic lands in Australia as a hybrid-only model. While the change isn't a major one, the clever packaging, engaging dynamics, and thrifty efficiency make for a compelling small car package.

2025 Honda Civic

As part of a mid-model refresh, Honda has made adjustments to the line-up for the 2025 Honda Civic range.

The entry-level petrol engine has been retired, with the new Civic e:HEV L hybrid filling the position, while the e:HEV LX variant available previously carries on. Performance buyers still have the turbocharged Civic Type R without hybrid assistance to scratch the go-fast itch, but the mainstream range joins Honda's expanding range of hybrid variants.

In the spectrum of midlife updates, the Civic’s is only minor. There are styling changes up front with a new grille and bumper, new alloy wheels, and a revised range of colours but the external cues are subtle.

On the inside, Honda has added a new Google-based infotainment system. It uses a same-sized 9.0-inch display but ramps up connected services.

Is the switch to an all-hybrid line-up for the Honda Civic a smart move? We spent a week in the updated car to find out.

How much is a Honda Civic?

The big news for the Civic range is the introduction of a new, cheaper hybrid model officially called the Civic e:HEV L. It joins the range alongside the e:HEV LX available previously.

Under Honda’s no-negotiation pricing model, the new Civic starts from $49,900 drive-away nationwide. That sounds like a lot of money, but the entry-level Civic is far from a base model.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with auto high beam, keyless entry and start, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather-accented interior with cloth seat inserts, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

While it’s the headline act for the updated Civic, the new e:HEV L variant wasn't available for testing on this occasion. Instead, we spent time in the top-spec e:HEV LX version.

Pricing has risen by $900 to $55,900 drive-away – the first and only price rise since the model was first introduced in December 2022.

Over the L version, the LX gains additional equipment including a panoramic opening sunroof with powered blind, wireless phone charger, full-leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, auto-dimming interior mirror, and small interior details like a sunglasses holder, gloss black interior trims, and ambient illumination.

Both models use the same 2.0-litre engine and two-motor hybrid system with 135kW and 315Nm outputs. The range revisions also see safety gaps in older models closed, with rear-seat side airbags and a front-seat centre airbag across the range (previously missing from the non-hybrid LX model).

Perhaps the most obvious traditional rival for the Civic, the Toyota Corolla, is a fair bit cheaper in top-spec ZR Hybrid guise. The hatch is priced from $39,100 while the sedan is $40,260, both before on-road costs – that’s around $43–$44K on the road depending where you live.

Peugeot has recently introduced a mild-hybrid version of the 308 GT hatch. It’s the single internal combustion model in the range, priced from $48,990 plus on-road costs. It’s sold alongside a low-volume electric model priced from $65,990 drive-away.

If something with a more premium badge catches your eye, the Audi A3 35 TFSI starts from $50,600 plus on-road costs, positioning it quite close to the Civic e:HEV LX. Unlike the Honda's pricing, it's negotiable too, but the equipment list may not match the all-inclusive nature of the Civic.

How big is a Honda Civic?

Externally, the Civic hasn't changed much. The same main body structure is used as before, dictating the same interior space. 

While it looks like a sedan in profile, the Civic is a hatchback, or more of a lift-back with a flowing roof line that makes it look less like an upright, utilitarian hatch. The interior space inside is incredibly impressive – with the one caveat being that the seats are very low.

I’m a fan of a low driving position and usually don’t dial in extra height on the driver’s seat of most cars, but the Civic has me almost below the dash and door level, barely able to see out. It’s impressive, and should suit taller drivers well, but may not be a perfect match for anyone with restricted mobility.

Ref: 2025 Honda Civic hybrid review  (drive.com)

Photo Credit:  drive.com