Honda should not add artificial engine sounds. Bad move. I want a quiet cabin and rather have the whole cabin insulated. Dynamat, etc, whatever to insulate.
Wagon fan? Honda has a CR-V they'd like to sell you! Seriously I'd LOVE a Civic wagon but Honda thinks they: won't sell and can sell the CR-V for more money at the same build cost.
Terrific car, and review, but I wish people would make more of a fuss over the missing spare tire in an increasing number of cars. Not an issue until you need the spare, and it happens.
Its a matter of space. They dont exist in almost every hybrid due to weight and space constraints of hte battery. This is one of the areas your compromise on with a Hybrid or EV or Plug In. Thats how they get their touted range. If your buying a gas vehicle with no spare, well theyre just being cheap to be cheap. I wish it was a customer option but I would rather it be cut and I add it in later than be charged for something I am ok without.
My current car didn't bring a spare tire but did have a space for one. So I bought a spare tire and a jack, problem solved. But the fact that they don't include one is crazy to me.
@@paragonnight437 It's not a matter of space, or weight, or cost. For example, the same space exists in the Hybrid and non-hybrid Accord, but the hybrid does not have a spare while the non-Hybrid does. It's safety. In a collision, the spare becomes a missile aimed at the HV battery. Unlikely? Yes. But possible.
Still some things missed. Cabin and road noise testing with decibel meter. The incandescent bulbs on rear are cheap and should be LED which is a pass for me with everything else. We need passenger mirror passing camera like my Accord 2014 Coupe has. And how long will /Honda update the software? My 2014 was abandoned the year later. Has bluetooth issues, etc.
@@WarpedTrekker The passenger mirror camera was on the 2019 Insight, but removed from the 2020-2022 model years. I asked two dealers why and both said the indicator was safer in that it didn't distract the driver. I liked the camera, but it looks like it's not to return.
Some guys try too hard to be slick and "cool" with their presentation. I don't want hyperbole, just a straightforward honest review. I am a new subscriber to this channel.
I own the new Prius. The gage cluster works better in the HUD position. Especially for a hybrid driver. Every time I see someone complaining that they can't see it, they're laying down in the seat. My wife is 5' tall and loves driving it.
Another good and thorough report from Alex. For $32K and a top trim, Honda should certainly be including lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat or at least, make it available as an extra. I know it is uncommon in this sector but like Alex, my back needs it. So, that is enough for me to say no, to what otherwise, is a practical and efficient car.
I agree. It needs a lumbar. My 2019 lx hatch has the horrible manual seat with no lumbar and it is the weak point of my entire car lol. I want to upgrade to this hybrid and the no lumbar is annoying me already lol
Same here. I have back issues and need lumbar support and why I got a 2019 Accord (2.0T). I remember my 2001 Civic EX coupe had lumbar support, and the seats were more comfortable back then in both Civic and Accord. The seats in the last 2-3 generations suck when it comes to comfort in both models. They are too thin with not enough support. My wife's 2014 Accord EX has crappy seats. We were going to replace it with a Civic Hybrid but now it looks like we 'll buying an Accord Hybrid because we need the lumbar support.
@@cipher_ they honestly overdid themselves. This cars 0 to 60 time is aster than a 2025 civic si and faster than a fully loaded camry corolla or accord. Major win in my book with the hybrid 2025 civic model. Will be buying one very soon. I test drove one today and it felt like a v6 tbh
We just got a 2024 Accord Sport Hybrid which has pretty much the same drivetrain and engine. It will put a Lexus to shame in terms of smooth drive and absolutely silent running. The Sport is the lowest trim level, but still really nice. Would have looked at the 2025 Civic, but the 2024 Accords are going for about the same as a comparable 2025 Civic Hybrid. The main thing that got us to buy it is the transmission. Just a rock-solid design, no belts or other CVT fail points. The Accord is a pretty big car, but wow, the mileage is incredible, and it gets up and goes much better than the turbo which I drove in a test drive. This video really helped put my mind at ease finding out the Civic, CRV and Accord share a lot of the same engine components.
Alex thank you for the comprehensive review. I have watched a number of reviews and every review has been most positive. The sport hybrid is on the top of my list to replace my GTI.
Man this thing really does it all. Glad Honda stepped up their hybrid system. At current national prices for gas and electricity a 50MPG car is cheaper per mile than most EVs. I'm an EV guy but I'm really impressed with this.
Other than the lack of rear seat vents and lumbar support, this is a home run for Honda. If they can build enough of them, I suspect they'll outsell the Prius.
Prius has 10% more mpg, which is huge, and it is improved on a proven tried and true hybrid system that's guarantee to get you 300k miles easy. Honda isn't exactly known for hybrid battery longevity.
I don't think that difference will be very significant. The higher the mpg on these cars go, the less difference to savings an increase makes. Law of diminishing returns.
@@davidpauk2637 even at 10 gallons per tank with 6 extra mpg, that's 60mpg, which could be up to 2 extra days of gas per tank, pretty significant i would say.
@@Negev-Israel Prius/ camry is more expensive and the quality of the materials are worst . prius 44.000euro , camry 42.700 euro - civic 33.500 starting
Many reviewers speak about how difficult it is to keep the dash clean from dust, but as an owner of the Type R I can dispel this notion. I have no problem keeping the dash clean with a detail brush and the vacuum.
I have a 2024 Si that I have had for a year now and really love it. When I saw this coming out, I was wondering how it would compare. Thanks for talking about it. Now wondering if I will trade in my Si for this, it is very tempting. It will probably depend on dealer markups. We will see.
I get free electricity at night. So i can charge for free and wale ip to a full car every morning. So it still beats gas even at 50mpg. Plus no oil changes. It costs me zero dollars to run our EV. But yeah, this honda is pretty awesome if you don’t have your own garage to charge in for free.
@@schtinerbock4570 I'm glad it works for you, but that's not at scale and I think that's what holds back e.v's. I'd buy an ev if 1) range was better--I drive in a a lot of rural areas and 2) if I had "free electricity" Merry Xmas
I have been talking about this type of system for 15 years...I said a small diesel engine to run generator to power full time electric motors was the way to go for power, efficiency, and no range anxiety. Seems Honda has put some of that together 👍
@@weirdshibainuI agree, though my 1) is free electricity. To the gentlman who say he charges it for free? How and do they know you are charging your car?
Honda hybrid's max power output is probably only achieved at high speeds where it's operated in parallel mode with engine revving near red line and some electric boost from the battery.
I always love the Civic for the simplicity and refinement. I'm glad they put a hybrid system in the hatch! Now Honda should put the same hybrid system in the HRV!
I've been anxiously awaiting this car and the only thing that seems to be letting me down at the moment is the lack of options. I understand they're more luxury options but I wish I could get a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats as part of a package. I live in an area that gets quite cold and I'd much rather ditched heated seats for both a heated steering wheel to be able to get in my car and start driving near immediately as well as ventilated seats to keep my back from sweating on long drives in the warmer months. All things considered though those are pretty small gripes.
Alex, It is great to see more competition in the hybrid field. Let's see if Honda's chief competitor will raise its game by bringing its best compact Hybrids to this market. Of course, I am referring to the Corolla Touring and Touring Sports which earn many accolades in the markets where they are sold and offer some variants with AWD. 🤩🤩
Considering that they sell the Corolla Cross hybrid, I doubt that will happen. Toyota already has more hybrids than any other car brand in North America, so I really don't see why they can't just update one of them to compete better with this.
@@damilolaakanni They already have a car in production in Japan and England that would beat this impressive new Civic hatch. BTW who saw the Crown Estate/Signia wagon coming to this market yet here it is.
20:00 Endlich mal ein Tester, der das ECVT richtig erklärt. Es gibt eben kein CVT - fast immer treibt der Elektromotor den Wagen an. Bravo! Gut gemacht!
Just sat in both at the auto show, the civic is super nice, very roomy comfortable and cheaper. The Prius however was tiny felt like a coffin way smaller than the previous design mostly due to the trim snd center console design and the low roof, I barely fit in the seat. I’m only 5’11”
Coming off a Honda Fit (‘08 model year) this thing would be a like a rocket ship for me. People complain about missing features probably expect too much from an entry level vehicle, (people complaining about rear vents probably like their cold knees because that’s all those vents do on cars I’ve been in) To address some complaints I’ve seen in another comment. Just fold your mirrors yourself, it’s another little motor that will fail in the future. Get a lumbar cushion. Motorized lift gates will fail, at least I can replace struts on a regular lift gate. Skill issue in parking, get more mirrors and get to know your car better. Honestly ventilated seats sound like another problem with your a/c waiting to happen. Passenger vents mean more vacuum lines that will fail and frankly today’s a/c systems are more efficient and powerful than the ones of the past, your passengers can live without them. Get a longer cable and a hub if you want rear seat charging access. The tail lights, specifically the brakes, are led, it’s just the turn signals and reverse lights that are traditional incandescent. This would be my daily. I really don’t need particular options that the touring has because very little is different outside of parking sensors, the sound system, and the power seat features that are offered to the passenger and driver (6 vs 8 way adjustable between sport and sport touring iirc and power seat for the front pax, and I can do without the leather tbh) I really wish they offered fog lights, but that may be an accessory package for later. I’m really glad they have heated mirrors because I never bother to wipe them off before I leave and they would help me in the early mornings. Heated seats on what’s considered an entry vehicle really jumps to me as a premium feature that while I can live without, will certainly be enjoyed when I utilize it. I’m glad the instrument cluster (I know it’s just a display now) features customizable key points, and that it features a needle gauge display along with the number display for the speedometer. I’ve driven some vehicles and the lack of a needle speedometer (even if just a bar going around a dial display) really off puts me. The dual-motor drive train sounds like a very dialed in system, a more true hybrid set-up that functions as a generator for the battery. I wish Honda USA brought the Hybrid Fit/Jazz over because it’s scurrying around in Europe right now and I honestly think it would have given Toyota’s Prius a real run for its money in the compact hatchback sector. Honestly m, even with its optical illusion bumper chin underbite, this car is a great all rounder with some strong points that put it above, if not matching, the Prius.
Wow, you have the most comprehenisve car review channel I have ever seen. No only do you review the car, you compare the reatures to other cars - which in my view is the point of a review. I have been waiting to buy a new car for about 15 years but haven't because all the cars I'm interested in have had the large infotainment screen high on top of the dash instead of lower within the dashboard. Do you think those screens will ever by put lower?
Great review as usual Alex. IMO its nearest competitor is actually the Toyota Camry SE (at least a competitor of the Civic Sedan hybrid.) Both are fast, good-driving cars. It'll be interesting to see whether the Civic can challenge the Camry in terms of sales volume.
Excellent Review, straight forward and concise with clear dictation. For those of us that actually drive on the "correct" Side of the Roadway, ( across THE POND ), we are increasingly imposed to drive at a reasonable speed...hence I am actually achieving between 59 to 64 m.p.g., based on UK measurements. The Honda CIVIC 'Series 11' is a truly fantastic, comfortable vehicle in my opinion certainly well worth very serious consideration. Order one TODAY, you will not be disappointed. STAY SAFE...G.R.
Latch location section is a good addition. One suggestion: flip the image on the top left corner so that the image and video are facing "the same direction".
From the look and space perspective, I prefer this over the new Prius. Prius is way too low for us. But I am perplexed why there is no basic lumbar support in this car.
@@funnyfarm299 Love it so far! Averaging just over 46 mpg over 75 miles since picking it up mixed between suburban streets and the highway. The acceleration is fantastic. Punched it too hard turning a corner from a full stop and spun the front tires. Merging on to a highway and accelerating from 50 to 70 in about 3 seconds is awesome. Keep in mind this is all new to me coming from a Subaru Crosstrek with a 2.0L motor and 160hp.
@@ab7019totally understand. i own a 2.5 liter 182 hp Crosstrek but am not a fan of the CVT or acceleration. But i need it for the snow for now. going forward i will go down a BEV rpute or a hybrid like the civic or equivalent q uiva
@@z1az285 I had a 2017 Crosstrek (2.0 liter - 160 hp) with a 2” lift kit and snow rated tires. It’s quite unstoppable in the snow (live in the Northeast) but I have to my college aged daughter to take to school with her. My wife has a 17 Forester so I can use that if snow is really bad. Meanwhile, I’m getting 50-51 mpg plus a great hp boost with the new Civic. Love the mpg AND the handling!
I really like this car, but I would really like the option to buy a spare tire kit and maybe a cheaper LX trim with 16" rims with 60 profile tires than these 235/40/18 tires. FYI, the Prius' are available with spare tire kit at the parts department, but I don't know if there is enough space here.
Alex, at 20:35, you mention Honda not allowing the engine to rev out and not perform simulated shifts. I've seen elsewhere that if you hold the brake and gas from a stop and release the brake, the car will do just that, thus getting a few tenths faster on the 0-60 sprint.
This is what I wanted when I bought my 2018 hatch. I liked the Insight but needed the versatility of the hatch. Since I keep my vehicles at least 10 years, I'll have to wait a bit for this one unless something catastrophic happens to mine.
All 2018 hatchback trims have a turbo engine, which is the most unreliable powertrain component that Honda makes, so you might not have to wait too long
Same with my 19. Love it and thought I would keep it forever but the cvt in it scares me and the turbo is just another failpoint. This new hybrid has no transmission to blow basically and will probably last forever. Small battery packs like this will only be like $2500 in the future to replace
I appreciate the comparison with the Prius as I was wondering the same when honda announced the hybrid plans for the hatchback. I still drive 2012 Prius.. looks great easy to clean and runs great... this one is on the list if my prius dies. Great vid Alex. Keep up the content!
Because of the cost of the vehicle. Any car over $30k without LED lighting is because of cost cutting. The strange thing is that the HR-V is less expensive and has standard full LED lighting inside and out.
@@1997nick Here's the thing it's a suppose to be a starter vehicle so that's fine. A good thing about incandescent is u don't need to buy a whole new light assembly, just the bulb. Light assembly usually cost upwards of $100s.
@@evilsam4 Honda's positioning of the Civic says otherwise. $30k+ is not exactly a "starter" price. Sorry but if I'm paying that much, I want the features to be as good or better than something cheaper (the HR-V).
Great review as always Alex. I've also been eyeing the Corollacross hybrid as the spiritual successor to the Prius. I have a 2012 Prius that will need to be replaced soon and while the new Prius looks great it's simply no longer practical for my need due to the cramped interior. The Corollacross hybrid addresses this plus adds a bit of clearance and AWD for when it snows. Which are a nice bonus where I live. They're cheap too which I love! Haha
As a current Acura Integra 6 Speed Manual owner, if I buy another one on the platform, I don’t see a compelling reason to get the Integra anymore. That being said, I’d probably get the SI. I’ve gotten 42 MPG in the Integra on long highway trips and I also easy get low to mid 30’s around town.
Was there even a compelling reason to get an Integra over the Civic anyway? They didn’t do a whole lot to separate these vehicles. I rarely even see an Integra on the road and I’m in a densely populated area.
And... in the eCVT operations, the Honda has no, well, anything. Just the two motor generators. (The clutch is not for eCVT operation, it is direct drive.)
Even tho I keep up with your channel and saw your video on the new Prius before I saw one in person, when I did see one in person, I saw it from the side first and ngl my brain went "wow what new startup EV is that"
That sounds like a "you" problem. If you are chained by other people's opinions of the car you drive, then you should reconsider being a teenager in your mind. e@@janoycresnova9156
@@janoycresnova9156 my dad said the same thing. This mindset is a typical upper-middle-class mentality. You want a car for you, not for your image. If you like it, you buy it. You know what walks for you.
Really well explained Alex, one of your best videos yet and you’ve sold me on the car, great to see some new thinking in vehicle efficiency, if only they could bring this tech to the full size SUVs as well
This is the car ive been waiting for ever since my 09 civic bit the dust. I just wish the hatch came in the same blue lagoon color as sedan instead of the sand color.
Assorted comments: This one is semantics: Yours is the only review I've seen that says "serial/parallel," and I think it will cause confusion. Just like "Honda eCVT" v "Toyota eCVT" and "CVT." What you describe is _switching_ _between_ serial operation (below about 40 mph, or when power is needed at any speed) and parallel operation (cruising above 40 mph). "Serial-parallel" is what Toyota's eCVT does, using both paths at the same time. I prefer not mentioning "parallel" much, since that mode is not used in any situation where performance matters. I'm not sure what you mean around 8:50. It's the same engine in the Civic, CR-V, and Accord, so it can't be more efficient here. But your point is also incorrect. For my 2018 Accord, the fixed gear ratio means RPM=37*MPH. Across a range of speeds, this means (efficiencies eyeballed from that paper by Takeshi Wakamatsu): 40 mph 1480 rpm 40.2% 50 mph 1850 rpm 40.4% 54 mph 1998 rpm 40.6% (peak) 60 mph 2220 rpm 40.5% 70 mph 2590 rpm 40.4% 80 mph 2960 rpm 40.0% These changes in efficiency are negligible. A second gear would not affect it much. will just drop a little in speed - maybe 30 mpg to 60 mph. But the car needs less power at those speeds. The CR-V needs this so it can increase power for towing. And, the problem with using this lower-speed clutch when not towing, is that the extra power has to be stored in the battery. Yes, it will be used later in EV drive. But because battery charge comes from gas, and there are losses when using the battery, _EV_ _drive_ _uses_ _more_ _gas_ _than_ _hybrid_ _or_ _engine_ _drive._ Let that sink in, because it sounds wrong. But sending more power through the battery will reduce efficiency, not improve it And that is related to why Hondas seem to lose MPG at higher highway speeds, compared to other hybrids. KIt isn't the fixed gear. It is that Honda is already near-optimum efficiency at 40 mph, and Toyota is not. With its larger ICE in similar cars, Toyota has to either operate below the most efficient level of power, or send much more through the battery which also reduces efficiency. The faster they go, the less of a problem this is. Nitpick: 9:03 "This is hands down the most efficient Honda Hybrid currently on sale in North America." The thought is correct, but you mean "most economical." Efficiency means how much fuel is used to make a certain amount of energy. Economy means how much fuel is used for a specific task. All of these Honda hybrids are equally efficient, but the larger ones need more energy so they are less economical. I really like the way you described the paddles at 21:38 "They allow you to adjust the amount of throttle liftoff regeneration you get." This is perfect, and often misunderstood. While tire width does affect mpg, wheel diameter affects it more. In fact, the mpg changes in different trims of the Accord and Camry are due to wheel diameter (the Camry LE also has narrower tires). To compare efficiency (correct meaning), this Civic's mpg should be compared to the Camry SE's, not the Prius. They have the same wheels and tires, and are almost the same size (!!!). So they should use the same energy, and economy is equivalent to efficiency.
Alex- Thanks for the great and detailed review! Love the new Civic Hybrid Hatchback but do not love my local Honda dealers for adding mark-ups to these cars' already steep MSRP. Perhaps I need to work on improving my relationship with said Honda dealers.:) As for the comparison to Civic SI, you could swap lots of parts from SI to the Hybrid, but not the fantastic manual transmission or LSD that SI has. It's nice to have choices!
Hi Alex. There is a way to let the engine rev to it's highest efficiency range for the quickest 0-60 time. While stopped, if you hold down both the brake and the gas then release the brake the engine won't fake shift and it'll stay in its efficiency range. I don't remember if sport mode needs to be active or not.
On a search for my next commuter car and after driving the Prius Prime, i was going to check this out. I stopped watching after no lumbar support. For those with longer commutes and that are on the back nine of life, it's a must. Let me guess, you have to upgrade to the Acura Integra for lumbar. Anyway, on to the Model 3.....
Can you make a video comparing all of the different mainstream car companies, lane centering technology? I would be interested in knowing who has the best self driving
this is pretty much the perfect car for 90% of people. the fake shifting is so goofy though, wild that consumers hate the rev droning that much. probably a similar story for the vents. honda must have some data saying that shoppers in the US don't drive with >=3 people enough
The biggest miss with Honda’s hybrid system is the fact that it doesn’t capitalize on the fact that it’s at its most efficient state when the clutch is engaged. At speeds lower than ~44MPH, before the clutch is engaged, the car should prioritize being EV Mode unless the battery is at a notably low level. Once you hit 44MPH and greater, the engine honestly should just stay on at all times until the battery is full. This way, the car doesn’t have to worry about having a low state of battery when it’s at its least efficient, under 44MPH, because when the driver is doing over 44MPH, the battery will always be charged AND the clutch will constantly be engaged.
Toyota's AWD in their hybrids is a gimmick for buyers who think they need it, but don't know that it won't get them unstuck. The only Hondas that have it use a mechanical system that can distribute any amount of power to any wheel. It is a harder hit on MPG and space, but it actually does what it is supposed to do.
It will still connect the engine with a high-speed clutch when you punch it for maximum performance. But around town and under 50mph it will be serial hybrid
My 2013 with 285k miles is still hanging in there but I’m liking this Civic Hybrid. 0-60 in 6 seconds beats my current 10 seconds😂. I’ve owned 2 FK8 Type Rs and love the current gen’s styling as well. Regarding your point about being able to add Honda performance items to improve handling/braking…Honda recently revealed a prototype Acura Type S with 6 piston brakes and all kinds of carbon fiber parts/aftermarket wheels etc. that lowered it’s weight by 200lbs. These parts are supposed to be available for the Type R/Civic as well. My sons both have the Accord 2.0t which has that great detuned Type R engine BUT a lot smaller/horrible brakes…so having a brake upgrade option is great for those who want shorter stopping distances…basically cheaper insurance than having to go to the body shop etc. no matter what car that you drive…Accord/Civic Hybrid.😁👍
@@justwingingit1 Sofyan's time on Redline Reviews was 6.9 sec. He brings his own timing equipment, though that wasn't on his home turf drive. I love Alex's reviews, he and Sofyan are my go to for reviews.
@@rc1298 Honestly…I’m just going by Alex’s consistent 6 second comment all day long but Motortrend’s times as well. I understand that track/road conditions/weather(wet/dry) will always play a factor…so something in what’s stated in that general ballpark is what I’m going by. Personally, a hybrid will be the absolute last choice for me having owned one for the past 11 years and I’ll tell you why. Even though I find current hybrid technology/performance interesting…I have experienced too many real world experiences of trying to safely overtake slower vehicles on mountain roads…who decided to speed up approaching a blind corner simply because they could(more powerful vehicle)putting me in a life threatening situation. I’ve also had vehicles pull in front of me,slow down on the freeway while going to work in the early AM hours when no other traffic was around just for kicks(apparently). I would ignore them(go around them safely) and they would repeat the process. Why would people do this?! Only reason I came up with is for their sick environment. An underpowered car such as a hybrid can’t pass/overtake a more powerful vehicle that decides to play games…and they know it! I wish I was making this up but years of commuting have been very sobering to me to say the least. I have learned that purchasing a more powerful reliable performance car(Type R) and paying the difference in fuel is far safer than being subjected to situations I’ve described/road ragers putting myself/family in harms way. In Southern California where I reside having the option to distance yourself from bad drivers that I’ve tried to stay away from but keep blocking me etc. is worth it. Just my two cents…my wife always reminds me of the bad situations I’ve been in being in an underpowered car every time I’m nearly sucked back into the Hybrid Vortex…never again!!!
I wish I could understand Honda's thinking. They must believe than non hybrid cars do get flat tires so they provide a spare tire but they must think that hybrid cars are somehow immune from flats because they do no provide a spare in their hybrid models.
had the 2016 civic ex with the 1.5 turbo and averaged 38 mpg as hard as i could drive it. one of the downsides with these road huggers if they are so close to the lines everything felt like constant lines of a star wars game. another was the way you are eye level with truck bumpers. and when it comes to cruising most bigger vehicles try to ride you and push you around . i did love the vehicle very dependable but the way you have. to fight for your space was a dangerous game sometimes. i hope they keep working towards bigger vehicles with this efficency.
What's missing from this equation is the superior engineering of the Toyota Prius Prime. The mileage is unrivaled, the features are more advanced and the longevity is legendary.
If they made a sporty version of this and upped the power a little bit, I'd buy it tomorrow. It o wouldn't take much. The Si has all the sharpness I would want, and if they paired this hybrid system with a larger motor or the 1.5t, it would also be quick enough. Honda could and should absolutely do this. Still, this is probably the best hybrid on the market and I'm recommending this to everybody looking for a new car.
Only issues I could find with this car: 1. I have a bit of an issue w/ a lot of the Honda seats. They sort of angle downwards, and then have a tiny upward panel at the back of the seat. The best seats should just be flat and supportive. It's not healthy for your lower back to be angled down. 2. They don't include Sirius XM capability built-in. You could use on your phone or buy an adapter to plug into the USB-C... but for those of us who enjoy Sirius XM, I'd like it built-in to the OS for a car that costs $34k. Otherwise, I'm sure this will be a great car!
Alex is hands down one of my favorite automotive professionals on youtube
Honda should not add artificial engine sounds. Bad move. I want a quiet cabin and rather have the whole cabin insulated. Dynamat, etc, whatever to insulate.
the best!
Yep, great in depth details
Agreed, Alex and AMD over at Car Care Nut. Alex for the market positioning and statistics and AMD for mechanical expectations.
I love Alex's reviews especially, the ones for hybrid cars because I love getting a detailed description of different hybrid systems
This hybrid Civic in wagon form would be perfect. I so wish wagons came back.
🙌🙌🙌🙌
Wagon fan? Honda has a CR-V they'd like to sell you! Seriously I'd LOVE a Civic wagon but Honda thinks they: won't sell and can sell the CR-V for more money at the same build cost.
Because Americans want big vehicles and think SUVs or jacked up crossovers make them safe and give space ... And they hate wagons ...
Hatchback wagon potato potahto
@@scottkronmiller3746my dream luxury vehicle is a wagon lol
Terrific car, and review, but I wish people would make more of a fuss over the missing spare tire in an increasing number of cars. Not an issue until you need the spare, and it happens.
True. Not buying a car without spare tire.
Agreed 👍
Its a matter of space. They dont exist in almost every hybrid due to weight and space constraints of hte battery. This is one of the areas your compromise on with a Hybrid or EV or Plug In. Thats how they get their touted range. If your buying a gas vehicle with no spare, well theyre just being cheap to be cheap. I wish it was a customer option but I would rather it be cut and I add it in later than be charged for something I am ok without.
My current car didn't bring a spare tire but did have a space for one.
So I bought a spare tire and a jack, problem solved.
But the fact that they don't include one is crazy to me.
@@paragonnight437 It's not a matter of space, or weight, or cost. For example, the same space exists in the Hybrid and non-hybrid Accord, but the hybrid does not have a spare while the non-Hybrid does.
It's safety. In a collision, the spare becomes a missile aimed at the HV battery. Unlikely? Yes. But possible.
They did the right thing with the Insight and called it “Civic” again!
one of the best automobile reviews , as always. Great work!
Still some things missed. Cabin and road noise testing with decibel meter. The incandescent bulbs on rear are cheap and should be LED which is a pass for me with everything else. We need passenger mirror passing camera like my Accord 2014 Coupe has. And how long will /Honda update the software? My 2014 was abandoned the year later. Has bluetooth issues, etc.
@@WarpedTrekker The passenger mirror camera was on the 2019 Insight, but removed from the 2020-2022 model years. I asked two dealers why and both said the indicator was safer in that it didn't distract the driver. I liked the camera, but it looks like it's not to return.
Some guys try too hard to be slick and "cool" with their presentation. I don't want hyperbole, just a straightforward honest review.
I am a new subscriber to this channel.
The “fake shift” thing should be a setting you can change.
Completely. If you aren't afraid of change you should be allowed to disable it, it just wastes energy.
You disable it by pulling the plug on the module under the vents near the glove box. There is a TH-cam video on doing just that.
It only does it in SPORT mode you can customize INDIVIDUAL mode to be SPORT without the "fake shift" sound
@@MrMlyarber maybe you meant the fake rev sound? because fake shifting is not disable-able by pulling anything.
@@MrMlyarberdo you have a link?
I love the emphasis on the cluster being where you expect it to be!
I own the new Prius. The gage cluster works better in the HUD position. Especially for a hybrid driver. Every time I see someone complaining that they can't see it, they're laying down in the seat. My wife is 5' tall and loves driving it.
Another good and thorough report from Alex. For $32K and a top trim, Honda should certainly be including lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat or at least, make it available as an extra. I know it is uncommon in this sector but like Alex, my back needs it. So, that is enough for me to say no, to what otherwise, is a practical and efficient car.
I agree. It needs a lumbar. My 2019 lx hatch has the horrible manual seat with no lumbar and it is the weak point of my entire car lol. I want to upgrade to this hybrid and the no lumbar is annoying me already lol
Same here. I have back issues and need lumbar support and why I got a 2019 Accord (2.0T). I remember my 2001 Civic EX coupe had lumbar support, and the seats were more comfortable back then in both Civic and Accord. The seats in the last 2-3 generations suck when it comes to comfort in both models. They are too thin with not enough support. My wife's 2014 Accord EX has crappy seats. We were going to replace it with a Civic Hybrid but now it looks like we 'll buying an Accord Hybrid because we need the lumbar support.
Lack of rear seat air vents bothers me in a $32K+ vehicle.
who cares... if you are in the drivers seat, why would it bother you if the germs and the dust on rear seat are getting some ventilation ?
I dont know what honda is doing with this car lol it's a great hybrid but weird decisions were made
@@cipher_ they honestly overdid themselves. This cars 0 to 60 time is aster than a 2025 civic si and faster than a fully loaded camry corolla or accord. Major win in my book with the hybrid 2025 civic model. Will be buying one very soon. I test drove one today and it felt like a v6 tbh
Name a honda civic that’s ever had rear ac vents. Always crying about something
For those of us who will have kids in the back this is disappointing
What a gem of engineering. This would 100% be my choice if I were in the market for an affordable hybrid.
Toyota is still the best in hybrid tech.
Ummm Toyota is more expensive for a Corolla hybrid this is a top trim Civic hybrid....way more affordable@@solderbuff
@@truckercowboyed2638Base price Corolla hybrid $23,625. Base price Civic Hybrid $28,750. The Civic is $5,125 more expensive.
LOL. Many are not buying.
The new graphics are a great touch! Been subscribed for a long time and always neat to watch you get better and better(!)
Thanks! We're constantly trying to improve things.
We just got a 2024 Accord Sport Hybrid which has pretty much the same drivetrain and engine. It will put a Lexus to shame in terms of smooth drive and absolutely silent running.
The Sport is the lowest trim level, but still really nice. Would have looked at the 2025 Civic, but the 2024 Accords are going for about the same as a comparable 2025 Civic Hybrid.
The main thing that got us to buy it is the transmission. Just a rock-solid design, no belts or other CVT fail points. The Accord is a pretty big car, but wow, the mileage is incredible, and it gets up and goes much better than the turbo which I drove in a test drive.
This video really helped put my mind at ease finding out the Civic, CRV and Accord share a lot of the same engine components.
Your intro is what makes you unique, Alex. Gives a perspective to look forward to the rest of the content! Spot on.
I wish Honda had this same innovation and drive with acura. Acura needs a hybrid.
I think this would be perfect for the Integra
Maybe the upcoming ADX will get this hybrid powertrain.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide how’s the mid range and top end in this hybrid civic? Does it peter out too badly?
They'll just reskin this, slap Acura badge on it and call it Integra 2025
The way the 2-motor system works it's fairly linear in terms of power delivery.
So this makes the integra look really sad.
Honda is making an absolutely horrible decision making Acura EV-only and not focusing on hybrids.
Till the ADX comes along.
@@bhmbill we'll see. Acura has a record of disappointing its faithful customers
Same. I would considered integra hybrid but instead got BMW i4.
@@chrissetina1107 I miss my melting interiors
Thanks for the thorough review Alex, you really are the best at what you do.
Alex thank you for the comprehensive review. I have watched a number of reviews and every review has been most positive. The sport hybrid is on the top of my list to replace my GTI.
Man this thing really does it all. Glad Honda stepped up their hybrid system. At current national prices for gas and electricity a 50MPG car is cheaper per mile than most EVs. I'm an EV guy but I'm really impressed with this.
Not if you have a solar panel, or live in Canada. I only pay 2.8 cents per kwh at night.
This battery also only costs like 2k compared to 20k @i6power30
@@i6power30 Yeah..but you live in Canada
If it had AWD then it would truly do it all but I guess that it would eat into their precious SUV sales
@@janoycresnova9156 Prius has AWD. Honda is still behind Toyota
I've been following him for years, and wow, he's lost weight! Looking good!
Other than the lack of rear seat vents and lumbar support, this is a home run for Honda. If they can build enough of them, I suspect they'll outsell the Prius.
And the lack of AWD which Prius has
Prius has 10% more mpg, which is huge, and it is improved on a proven tried and true hybrid system that's guarantee to get you 300k miles easy. Honda isn't exactly known for hybrid battery longevity.
I don't think that difference will be very significant. The higher the mpg on these cars go, the less difference to savings an increase makes. Law of diminishing returns.
@@davidpauk2637 even at 10 gallons per tank with 6 extra mpg, that's 60mpg, which could be up to 2 extra days of gas per tank, pretty significant i would say.
Would love a Civic Si in hatchback. I think that's a winner.
I like it. I wish there was PHEV version of this. Same drive train, just a bigger battery.
Most thorough review I've seen. Excellent job!
Best review I've seen of this car. Very good overview of the sportyness, for people that may be considering an Integra or SI
I smiled when he said he was taking a dive instead of going further down the rabbit hole [sic]. Solid review of a good hybrid.
I thought this was Clickbait, but as a longtime Prius fan and owner of several, I think I like this more.
That thing screams senior citizen 😂. The new Prius / Camry is much better
@@Negev-Israel I would agree if they didn't reduce the cargo area
@@Negev-Israel Prius/ camry is more expensive and the quality of the materials are worst . prius 44.000euro , camry 42.700 euro - civic 33.500 starting
@@sileniu not worse than Honda though. But if you're looking for nice quality interiors, Nissan/Mazda is your best bet.
Many reviewers speak about how difficult it is to keep the dash clean from dust, but as an owner of the Type R I can dispel this notion. I have no problem keeping the dash clean with a detail brush and the vacuum.
Seem like a cheap keyboard vacuum would be perfect.
Yea if I was going to make that sort of complaint it would be about the lower front honeycomb grill and bugs.
Have you tried using a lump of silly putty on the vent?
@@Blank00 Good idea
I put a dash carpet in my civc, easy to clean & works amazing with window glare
I have a 2024 Si that I have had for a year now and really love it. When I saw this coming out, I was wondering how it would compare. Thanks for talking about it. Now wondering if I will trade in my Si for this, it is very tempting. It will probably depend on dealer markups. We will see.
Wow! Very nice review! You’re the best automotive youtuber, very detailed and knowledgeable. Makes me want to get civic hatch now.
I see no reason to buy an EV when this is available.
I get free electricity at night. So i can charge for free and wale ip to a full car every morning. So it still beats gas even at 50mpg. Plus no oil changes. It costs me zero dollars to run our EV. But yeah, this honda is pretty awesome if you don’t have your own garage to charge in for free.
@@schtinerbock4570 I'm glad it works for you, but that's not at scale and I think that's what holds back e.v's. I'd buy an ev if 1) range was better--I drive in a a lot of rural areas and 2) if I had "free electricity" Merry Xmas
I have been talking about this type of system for 15 years...I said a small diesel engine to run generator to power full time electric motors was the way to go for power, efficiency, and no range anxiety. Seems Honda has put some of that together 👍
@@weirdshibainuI agree, though my 1) is free electricity. To the gentlman who say he charges it for free? How and do they know you are charging your car?
@Robmiezer66 yep...basically a locomotive engine. A diesel electric
Amazing information spoken in such a concise and engaging way-- Wonderful review!
Amazing high quality review. No fluff
Glad you liked it!
Honda hybrid's max power output is probably only achieved at high speeds where it's operated in parallel mode with engine revving near red line and some electric boost from the battery.
I always love the Civic for the simplicity and refinement. I'm glad they put a hybrid system in the hatch!
Now Honda should put the same hybrid system in the HRV!
YES! The HRV desperately needs it!
I bet they will do that on the mid-refresh model as they did to the Civic here.
I bet that would be a hot seller!
@@kencai6803 I hope so. It would be solid competition to the Corolla Cross hybrid.
I doubt they will ever do that. It would cannibalize the CRV sales too much.
I've been anxiously awaiting this car and the only thing that seems to be letting me down at the moment is the lack of options. I understand they're more luxury options but I wish I could get a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats as part of a package. I live in an area that gets quite cold and I'd much rather ditched heated seats for both a heated steering wheel to be able to get in my car and start driving near immediately as well as ventilated seats to keep my back from sweating on long drives in the warmer months. All things considered though those are pretty small gripes.
The omission of rear ac vents and USB ports for that price is inexcusable
Pretty cheap of a trillion dollar company like Honda. Also no spare or jack.
Alex, It is great to see more competition in the hybrid field. Let's see if Honda's chief competitor will raise its game by bringing its best compact Hybrids to this market. Of course, I am referring to the Corolla Touring and Touring Sports which earn many accolades in the markets where they are sold and offer some variants with AWD. 🤩🤩
Considering that they sell the Corolla Cross hybrid, I doubt that will happen. Toyota already has more hybrids than any other car brand in North America, so I really don't see why they can't just update one of them to compete better with this.
@@damilolaakanni They already have a car in production in Japan and England that would beat this impressive new Civic hatch. BTW who saw the Crown Estate/Signia wagon coming to this market yet here it is.
Who and what is a Corolla Touring?
@@janoycresnova9156 the Corolla wagon that Toyota doesn't sell in North America.
@@janoycresnova9156 If you type words 'Corolla Touring' in the Search bar, all will be revealed.
I agree 100% instead of the SI
20:00 Endlich mal ein Tester, der das ECVT richtig erklärt. Es gibt eben kein CVT - fast immer treibt der Elektromotor den Wagen an. Bravo! Gut gemacht!
Great job. Very informative. If I end up buying one, you should get a commission.
I don’t get how they can rationalize an extra $1,200 for the hatchback version…with no extra features. Highway MPGs are worse too.
Just sat in both at the auto show, the civic is super nice, very roomy comfortable and cheaper. The Prius however was tiny felt like a coffin way smaller than the previous design mostly due to the trim snd center console design and the low roof, I barely fit in the seat. I’m only 5’11”
Coming off a Honda Fit (‘08 model year) this thing would be a like a rocket ship for me.
People complain about missing features probably expect too much from an entry level vehicle, (people complaining about rear vents probably like their cold knees because that’s all those vents do on cars I’ve been in)
To address some complaints I’ve seen in another comment.
Just fold your mirrors yourself, it’s another little motor that will fail in the future.
Get a lumbar cushion.
Motorized lift gates will fail, at least I can replace struts on a regular lift gate.
Skill issue in parking, get more mirrors and get to know your car better.
Honestly ventilated seats sound like another problem with your a/c waiting to happen.
Passenger vents mean more vacuum lines that will fail and frankly today’s a/c systems are more efficient and powerful than the ones of the past, your passengers can live without them.
Get a longer cable and a hub if you want rear seat charging access.
The tail lights, specifically the brakes, are led, it’s just the turn signals and reverse lights that are traditional incandescent.
This would be my daily. I really don’t need particular options that the touring has because very little is different outside of parking sensors, the sound system, and the power seat features that are offered to the passenger and driver (6 vs 8 way adjustable between sport and sport touring iirc and power seat for the front pax, and I can do without the leather tbh)
I really wish they offered fog lights, but that may be an accessory package for later. I’m really glad they have heated mirrors because I never bother to wipe them off before I leave and they would help me in the early mornings.
Heated seats on what’s considered an entry vehicle really jumps to me as a premium feature that while I can live without, will certainly be enjoyed when I utilize it.
I’m glad the instrument cluster (I know it’s just a display now) features customizable key points, and that it features a needle gauge display along with the number display for the speedometer. I’ve driven some vehicles and the lack of a needle speedometer (even if just a bar going around a dial display) really off puts me.
The dual-motor drive train sounds like a very dialed in system, a more true hybrid set-up that functions as a generator for the battery.
I wish Honda USA brought the Hybrid Fit/Jazz over because it’s scurrying around in Europe right now and I honestly think it would have given Toyota’s Prius a real run for its money in the compact hatchback sector.
Honestly m, even with its optical illusion bumper chin underbite, this car is a great all rounder with some strong points that put it above, if not matching, the Prius.
Wow, you have the most comprehenisve car review channel I have ever seen. No only do you review the car, you compare the reatures to other cars - which in my view is the point of a review. I have been waiting to buy a new car for about 15 years but haven't because all the cars I'm interested in have had the large infotainment screen high on top of the dash instead of lower within the dashboard. Do you think those screens will ever by put lower?
Great review as usual Alex. IMO its nearest competitor is actually the Toyota Camry SE (at least a competitor of the Civic Sedan hybrid.) Both are fast, good-driving cars. It'll be interesting to see whether the Civic can challenge the Camry in terms of sales volume.
Now we need the accord vs civic video
Excellent Review, straight forward and concise with clear dictation. For those of us that actually drive on the "correct" Side of the Roadway, ( across THE POND ), we are increasingly imposed to drive at a reasonable speed...hence I am actually achieving between 59 to 64 m.p.g., based on UK measurements.
The Honda CIVIC 'Series 11' is a truly fantastic, comfortable vehicle in my opinion certainly well worth very serious consideration.
Order one TODAY, you will not be disappointed. STAY SAFE...G.R.
I prefer to say that you don't drive on the "right" side of the road. Anybody can take that either way they want.
@jeffjo8732 Have a truly SUPER Christmas, and New Year, I'm already enjoying MY early "Chrimbo Pressie"...SNOW TYRES...sorry 'Tires'...
That’s a very compelling argument for the hybrid Alex. Thanks for a great video. 😊
Latch location section is a good addition. One suggestion: flip the image on the top left corner so that the image and video are facing "the same direction".
Saw a 2025 civic hybrid touring in-person. It is beautiful car but $34.5k MSRP is a bit high.
From the look and space perspective, I prefer this over the new Prius. Prius is way too low for us. But I am perplexed why there is no basic lumbar support in this car.
I pick up my 25 Civic Sport Touring Hybrid Sedan tomorrow! First Honda….coming from Subaru for the last 18 years. Wanted a sedan again.
How are you enjoying it?
@@funnyfarm299 Love it so far! Averaging just over 46 mpg over 75 miles since picking it up mixed between suburban streets and the highway. The acceleration is fantastic. Punched it too hard turning a corner from a full stop and spun the front tires. Merging on to a highway and accelerating from 50 to 70 in about 3 seconds is awesome. Keep in mind this is all new to me coming from a Subaru Crosstrek with a 2.0L motor and 160hp.
@@ab7019totally understand. i own a 2.5 liter 182 hp Crosstrek but am not a fan of the CVT or acceleration. But i need it for the snow for now. going forward i will go down a BEV rpute or a hybrid like the civic or equivalent q uiva
@@z1az285 I had a 2017 Crosstrek (2.0 liter - 160 hp) with a 2” lift kit and snow rated tires. It’s quite unstoppable in the snow (live in the Northeast) but I have to my college aged daughter to take to school with her. My wife has a 17 Forester so I can use that if snow is really bad. Meanwhile, I’m getting 50-51 mpg plus a great hp boost with the new Civic. Love the mpg AND the handling!
@@funnyfarm299 love the car. Can’t say enough good things between the high mpg (50-51 mixed) and the great linear acceleration!
I really like this car, but I would really like the option to buy a spare tire kit and maybe a cheaper LX trim with 16" rims with 60 profile tires than these 235/40/18 tires. FYI, the Prius' are available with spare tire kit at the parts department, but I don't know if there is enough space here.
The spare well is unchanged and has the threaded insert so yes a spare will fit.
Yes. I love this car but 18’s are a guaranteed bent rim or tire bubble sentence on long island with our third world roads
Alex, at 20:35, you mention Honda not allowing the engine to rev out and not perform simulated shifts. I've seen elsewhere that if you hold the brake and gas from a stop and release the brake, the car will do just that, thus getting a few tenths faster on the 0-60 sprint.
Alex - we need your exclusive trunk space test! Don’t forget your roots!
I know, I keep meaning to bring that back but we keep clipping them out because episodes get long and we have to trim, etc.
This is what I wanted when I bought my 2018 hatch. I liked the Insight but needed the versatility of the hatch. Since I keep my vehicles at least 10 years, I'll have to wait a bit for this one unless something catastrophic happens to mine.
All 2018 hatchback trims have a turbo engine, which is the most unreliable powertrain component that Honda makes, so you might not have to wait too long
Same with my 19. Love it and thought I would keep it forever but the cvt in it scares me and the turbo is just another failpoint. This new hybrid has no transmission to blow basically and will probably last forever.
Small battery packs like this will only be like $2500 in the future to replace
I appreciate the comparison with the Prius as I was wondering the same when honda announced the hybrid plans for the hatchback. I still drive 2012 Prius.. looks great easy to clean and runs great... this one is on the list if my prius dies. Great vid Alex. Keep up the content!
Who gives a hoot whether the signal lights are incandescent or LED? As long as they are clearly visible and attractively styled, they're good for me.
Because of the cost of the vehicle. Any car over $30k without LED lighting is because of cost cutting. The strange thing is that the HR-V is less expensive and has standard full LED lighting inside and out.
@@1997nick Here's the thing it's a suppose to be a starter vehicle so that's fine. A good thing about incandescent is u don't need to buy a whole new light assembly, just the bulb. Light assembly usually cost upwards of $100s.
@@evilsam4 Honda's positioning of the Civic says otherwise. $30k+ is not exactly a "starter" price. Sorry but if I'm paying that much, I want the features to be as good or better than something cheaper (the HR-V).
Honestly seeing this on the same roads I drive my civic hatch (non hybrid) on is so cool, especially watching an experienced driver
Great review as always Alex. I've also been eyeing the Corollacross hybrid as the spiritual successor to the Prius. I have a 2012 Prius that will need to be replaced soon and while the new Prius looks great it's simply no longer practical for my need due to the cramped interior. The Corollacross hybrid addresses this plus adds a bit of clearance and AWD for when it snows. Which are a nice bonus where I live. They're cheap too which I love! Haha
As a current Acura Integra 6 Speed Manual owner, if I buy another one on the platform, I don’t see a compelling reason to get the Integra anymore. That being said, I’d probably get the SI. I’ve gotten 42 MPG in the Integra on long highway trips and I also easy get low to mid 30’s around town.
Was there even a compelling reason to get an Integra over the Civic anyway? They didn’t do a whole lot to separate these vehicles. I rarely even see an Integra on the road and I’m in a densely populated area.
Great review. Honda did a nice job with this body style. For my liking I wish they would bring the Freed to America.
If I was after a new car, this would be at the top of the list!
Excellent review I just wanted to clarify something. The Toyota ecv transmission also has no belt or pulleys.
And... in the eCVT operations, the Honda has no, well, anything. Just the two motor generators. (The clutch is not for eCVT operation, it is direct drive.)
Correct, but we're focusing on the Honda hybrid system here. If we dove deep into all of them we'd be here all day :)
Even tho I keep up with your channel and saw your video on the new Prius before I saw one in person, when I did see one in person, I saw it from the side first and ngl my brain went "wow what new startup EV is that"
I definitely prefer the look of the Prius. Without a doubt.
But you'd have to tell people you are driving a Prius which is embarrassing
@@janoycresnova9156 no one thinks the new prius is embarassing
@@bitbat9it's still a Prius which carries a negative image no matter how they style it. Plenty of people want nothing to do with that name.
That sounds like a "you" problem. If you are chained by other people's opinions of the car you drive, then you should reconsider being a teenager in your mind. e@@janoycresnova9156
@@janoycresnova9156 my dad said the same thing. This mindset is a typical upper-middle-class mentality. You want a car for you, not for your image. If you like it, you buy it. You know what walks for you.
Really no compromise here (except for some the no A/C vents in the rear). Excellent vehicle.
Lots of comprises, no rear ac vents, usbs, no lumber support, poor backup cam quality, no spare tire, no foglights, incandescent rear turn lights, etc
Cant even uber with this brand new car. How do you not have rear charge ports or a/c.
No AWD which Prius has
I like the drivetrain, but not so much the style
@@mrnarason There are vents under the front seats
Really well explained Alex, one of your best videos yet and you’ve sold me on the car, great to see some new thinking in vehicle efficiency, if only they could bring this tech to the full size SUVs as well
Great video! You know your stuff, very knowledgable. Thanks for the info!
This is the car ive been waiting for ever since my 09 civic bit the dust. I just wish the hatch came in the same blue lagoon color as sedan instead of the sand color.
Assorted comments:
This one is semantics: Yours is the only review I've seen that says "serial/parallel," and I think it will cause confusion. Just like "Honda eCVT" v "Toyota eCVT" and "CVT." What you describe is _switching_ _between_ serial operation (below about 40 mph, or when power is needed at any speed) and parallel operation (cruising above 40 mph). "Serial-parallel" is what Toyota's eCVT does, using both paths at the same time. I prefer not mentioning "parallel" much, since that mode is not used in any situation where performance matters.
I'm not sure what you mean around 8:50. It's the same engine in the Civic, CR-V, and Accord, so it can't be more efficient here. But your point is also incorrect. For my 2018 Accord, the fixed gear ratio means RPM=37*MPH. Across a range of speeds, this means (efficiencies eyeballed from that paper by Takeshi Wakamatsu):
40 mph 1480 rpm 40.2%
50 mph 1850 rpm 40.4%
54 mph 1998 rpm 40.6% (peak)
60 mph 2220 rpm 40.5%
70 mph 2590 rpm 40.4%
80 mph 2960 rpm 40.0%
These changes in efficiency are negligible. A second gear would not affect it much. will just drop a little in speed - maybe 30 mpg to 60 mph. But the car needs less power at those speeds. The CR-V needs this so it can increase power for towing.
And, the problem with using this lower-speed clutch when not towing, is that the extra power has to be stored in the battery. Yes, it will be used later in EV drive. But because battery charge comes from gas, and there are losses when using the battery, _EV_ _drive_ _uses_ _more_ _gas_ _than_ _hybrid_ _or_ _engine_ _drive._ Let that sink in, because it sounds wrong. But sending more power through the battery will reduce efficiency, not improve it
And that is related to why Hondas seem to lose MPG at higher highway speeds, compared to other hybrids. KIt isn't the fixed gear. It is that Honda is already near-optimum efficiency at 40 mph, and Toyota is not. With its larger ICE in similar cars, Toyota has to either operate below the most efficient level of power, or send much more through the battery which also reduces efficiency. The faster they go, the less of a problem this is.
Nitpick: 9:03 "This is hands down the most efficient Honda Hybrid currently on sale in North America." The thought is correct, but you mean "most economical." Efficiency means how much fuel is used to make a certain amount of energy. Economy means how much fuel is used for a specific task. All of these Honda hybrids are equally efficient, but the larger ones need more energy so they are less economical.
I really like the way you described the paddles at 21:38 "They allow you to adjust the amount of throttle liftoff regeneration you get." This is perfect, and often misunderstood.
While tire width does affect mpg, wheel diameter affects it more. In fact, the mpg changes in different trims of the Accord and Camry are due to wheel diameter (the Camry LE also has narrower tires). To compare efficiency (correct meaning), this Civic's mpg should be compared to the Camry SE's, not the Prius. They have the same wheels and tires, and are almost the same size (!!!). So they should use the same energy, and economy is equivalent to efficiency.
Another advantage over the SI and Integra is a much lower chance of oil dilution and head gasket failures
I love mine ... I got the Sport (better deal) in red ... Quick, quiet, comfortable ... I can't quite get the 50mpg yet, but pretty close
Alex- Thanks for the great and detailed review! Love the new Civic Hybrid Hatchback but do not love my local Honda dealers for adding mark-ups to these cars' already steep MSRP. Perhaps I need to work on improving my relationship with said Honda dealers.:) As for the comparison to Civic SI, you could swap lots of parts from SI to the Hybrid, but not the fantastic manual transmission or LSD that SI has. It's nice to have choices!
Hi Alex. There is a way to let the engine rev to it's highest efficiency range for the quickest 0-60 time. While stopped, if you hold down both the brake and the gas then release the brake the engine won't fake shift and it'll stay in its efficiency range. I don't remember if sport mode needs to be active or not.
Well, it will stay in hybrid drive, but not " highest efficiency range." It will rev up to 6000 rpm and stay there; i.e., no fake shifting.
On a search for my next commuter car and after driving the Prius Prime, i was going to check this out. I stopped watching after no lumbar support. For those with longer commutes and that are on the back nine of life, it's a must. Let me guess, you have to upgrade to the Acura Integra for lumbar. Anyway, on to the Model 3.....
Argh!! I was going to wait for this car to come out but bought the CRV Hybrid last year. It's crazy how 500lbs weight difference and you lose 15 mpg.
Can you make a video comparing all of the different mainstream car companies, lane centering technology? I would be interested in knowing who has the best self driving
Second. Based on other reviews it seems that Hyundai is very good.
I wish they put the main traction motor in the rear and let the engine/clutch drive the front wheel.
Outstanding detailed review and analysis!
this is pretty much the perfect car for 90% of people. the fake shifting is so goofy though, wild that consumers hate the rev droning that much. probably a similar story for the vents. honda must have some data saying that shoppers in the US don't drive with >=3 people enough
The biggest miss with Honda’s hybrid system is the fact that it doesn’t capitalize on the fact that it’s at its most efficient state when the clutch is engaged. At speeds lower than ~44MPH, before the clutch is engaged, the car should prioritize being EV Mode unless the battery is at a notably low level. Once you hit 44MPH and greater, the engine honestly should just stay on at all times until the battery is full. This way, the car doesn’t have to worry about having a low state of battery when it’s at its least efficient, under 44MPH, because when the driver is doing over 44MPH, the battery will always be charged AND the clutch will constantly be engaged.
You don't want the battery to be full because then you can't regen brake. The regen braking is where most of the hybrid mileage benefit comes from.
You mentioned one big difference being the prius AWD. But it is pretty bad, see the TFL slip test video on youtube.
Toyota's AWD in their hybrids is a gimmick for buyers who think they need it, but don't know that it won't get them unstuck. The only Hondas that have it use a mechanical system that can distribute any amount of power to any wheel. It is a harder hit on MPG and space, but it actually does what it is supposed to do.
It will still connect the engine with a high-speed clutch when you punch it for maximum performance. But around town and under 50mph it will be serial hybrid
Great review. Thanks for the comparison in the conclusion.
I need to get my hands on this car as soon as possible. Will likely be my first new car
Honda finally gets its hybrid right and hits a true home run. Kudos.
And it only took them until 2013 to do it. That's when this system originated (in Japan; 2014 Accord in North America).
This was the review I was waiting for!
My 2013 with 285k miles is still hanging in there but I’m liking this Civic Hybrid. 0-60 in 6 seconds beats my current 10 seconds😂. I’ve owned 2 FK8 Type Rs and love the current gen’s styling as well. Regarding your point about being able to add Honda performance items to improve handling/braking…Honda recently revealed a prototype Acura Type S with 6 piston brakes and all kinds of carbon fiber parts/aftermarket wheels etc. that lowered it’s weight by 200lbs. These parts are supposed to be available for the Type R/Civic as well. My sons both have the Accord 2.0t which has that great detuned Type R engine BUT a lot smaller/horrible brakes…so having a brake upgrade option is great for those who want shorter stopping distances…basically cheaper insurance than having to go to the body shop etc. no matter what car that you drive…Accord/Civic Hybrid.😁👍
I'm seeing other outlets report 0-60 as 7-7.5 seconds. Are we positive ABG numbers are correct?
@@editz01Motortrend’s estimate for the Si was 6.9-7.2. The Hybrid shows as 6.2 and 15.1 in the quarter.
@@justwingingit1 Sofyan's time on Redline Reviews was 6.9 sec. He brings his own timing equipment, though that wasn't on his home turf drive. I love Alex's reviews, he and Sofyan are my go to for reviews.
@@rc1298 Honestly…I’m just going by Alex’s consistent 6 second comment all day long but Motortrend’s times as well. I understand that track/road conditions/weather(wet/dry) will always play a factor…so something in what’s stated in that general ballpark is what I’m going by. Personally, a hybrid will be the absolute last choice for me having owned one for the past 11 years and I’ll tell you why. Even though I find current hybrid technology/performance interesting…I have experienced too many real world experiences of trying to safely overtake slower vehicles on mountain roads…who decided to speed up approaching a blind corner simply because they could(more powerful vehicle)putting me in a life threatening situation. I’ve also had vehicles pull in front of me,slow down on the freeway while going to work in the early AM hours when no other traffic was around just for kicks(apparently). I would ignore them(go around them safely) and they would repeat the process. Why would people do this?! Only reason I came up with is for their sick environment. An underpowered car such as a hybrid can’t pass/overtake a more powerful vehicle that decides to play games…and they know it! I wish I was making this up but years of commuting have been very sobering to me to say the least. I have learned that purchasing a more powerful reliable performance car(Type R) and paying the difference in fuel is far safer than being subjected to situations I’ve described/road ragers putting myself/family in harms way. In Southern California where I reside having the option to distance yourself from bad drivers that I’ve tried to stay away from but keep blocking me etc. is worth it. Just my two cents…my wife always reminds me of the bad situations I’ve been in being in an underpowered car every time I’m nearly sucked back into the Hybrid Vortex…never again!!!
I put some Brembo brakes on an Elantra and stopping performance is mind boggling 😅
I think the sight lines are better and so is the ease of access in the Civic vs. the Prius.
Like the door to door shoulder height measurement. Can we also do a door to door seat measurement too?
Hm, I think we might be already at data point overload in the slides, but we'll see what might work.
I love it. I wonder if I waited until 26 what possible upgrades or changes could happen? (lumbar?)
I wish I could understand Honda's thinking. They must believe than non hybrid cars do get flat tires so they provide a spare tire but they must think that hybrid cars are somehow immune from flats because they do no provide a spare in their hybrid models.
Especially with 18” rims. Gonna get some tire bubbles or bent rims. Just get AAA and let them deal with it
had the 2016 civic ex with the 1.5 turbo and averaged 38 mpg as hard as i could drive it. one of the downsides with these road huggers if they are so close to the lines everything felt like constant lines of a star wars game. another was the way you are eye level with truck bumpers. and when it comes to cruising most bigger vehicles try to ride you and push you around . i did love the vehicle very dependable but the way you have. to fight for your space was a dangerous game sometimes. i hope they keep working towards bigger vehicles with this efficency.
This is basically a more practical version of the new Prius. Looking forward to buying this or the Prius in the coming years
Can the fake shifting be disabled - configurable eCVT? If we let it run at optimal engine speeds, FE and/or performance could be even better.
What's missing from this equation is the superior engineering of the Toyota Prius Prime.
The mileage is unrivaled, the features are more advanced and the longevity is legendary.
LOL
If they made a sporty version of this and upped the power a little bit, I'd buy it tomorrow. It o wouldn't take much. The Si has all the sharpness I would want, and if they paired this hybrid system with a larger motor or the 1.5t, it would also be quick enough. Honda could and should absolutely do this.
Still, this is probably the best hybrid on the market and I'm recommending this to everybody looking for a new car.
Why did they have to fishify the Civic... the old Bumper looked so much better
Only issues I could find with this car:
1. I have a bit of an issue w/ a lot of the Honda seats. They sort of angle downwards, and then have a tiny upward panel at the back of the seat. The best seats should just be flat and supportive. It's not healthy for your lower back to be angled down.
2. They don't include Sirius XM capability built-in. You could use on your phone or buy an adapter to plug into the USB-C... but for those of us who enjoy Sirius XM, I'd like it built-in to the OS for a car that costs $34k.
Otherwise, I'm sure this will be a great car!