For a long time, the Civic has been associated with the idea of a small, reliable and affordable car, the logical choice for people who simply want something to get them from point A to point B. In Sport Touring Hybrid 2026 form, which I recently drove, it clearly plays in a different league. This Civic positions itself as a well-equipped compact sedan, with a hybrid powertrain producing 200 horsepower and an advertised consumption of around 4.9 L/100 km. It is clearly aimed at people who drive a lot and want to cut their fuel bill without sacrificing comfort or driving enjoyment.
On board: comfort and tech
Inside, the Sport Touring Hybrid confirms this move upmarket. The design is clean and modern, with a horizontal dashboard layout, intuitive controls and solid assembly quality. The faux-leather seats are heated front and rear, the driver’s seat offers multiple power adjustments, and the heated steering wheel is a welcome touch once temperatures drop.
On the tech side, the 9-inch central screen is straightforward to use, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto quickly become hard to live without. The Bose audio system will appeal to those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel, and the Honda Sensing suite bundles the main modern driver aids: adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and lane departure alerts, among others. At this price point, the one real omission is a 360-degree camera, which would be very useful for tight urban parking.
On the road and at the pump
The Civic Sport Touring Hybrid feels designed for everyday use... and that is a compliment! In city driving and on the highway, the roughly 200 combined horsepower are more than enough to merge or pass without stress. The steering is responsive, the chassis feels composed and the suspension does a good job of absorbing rough pavement. In my mixed use, with a lot of urban driving, it was realistic to get close to the claimed 5 L/100 km. For a compact sedan with this level of performance and equipment, that is a strong selling point, and you never really feel like you are “suffering” just to save fuel.
Verdict?
With a price of around $40,500 before taxes, the Civic Sport Touring Hybrid is no longer an entry-level small car. That number may feel high if you are thinking of older-generation Civics, but it is (unfortunately) in line with today’s well-equipped hybrid compacts. Where the Civic stands out is in the balance of what it offers: very low fuel consumption, a well-thought-out cabin, generous equipment and a reputation for reliability that is well established.
If you drive a lot, do not want an SUV and plan to keep your car for several years, this is definitely a model to put on your shortlist. For that type of buyer, the 2026 Civic Sport Touring Hybrid is a logical, solid choice that largely justifies its place at the top of the lineup.
