1 / 4Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Honda Civic
The benchmark compact sedan, refined again
Honda Civic review
The 11th-generation Honda Civic sedan trades the previous car's busy styling for clean, mature lines, and it works. Inside, a low dashboard and honeycomb mesh vent strip give it a genuinely upscale feel for the class. Two gas engines are offered, a 2.0-liter base unit and a punchier 1.5-liter turbo, both tuned for everyday efficiency rather than drama. It remains the compact yardstick rivals are measured against.
On the road the Civic feels more grown-up than its price suggests. The base 2.0-liter four is adequate rather than quick, content to commute and sip fuel, while the 1.5-liter turbo adds the mid-range shove that makes highway merges and passing feel effortless. The CVT does an honest job of keeping either engine in its sweet spot, though it still drones under hard acceleration. Sport trims also retain a slick six-speed manual, a rarity worth celebrating in this segment.
Handling is where the Civic earns its reputation. The chassis is composed and the steering is precise and nicely weighted, so it stays planted on a back road without punishing you over broken city pavement. Ride quality is firm but never harsh, and road noise is well suppressed for the class. It is the kind of car that flatters an average driver and rewards an engaged one.
The cabin is a high point. Material quality, ergonomics and the simple, logical control layout put many pricier cars to shame, and the physical climate dials are a relief in an age of touchscreen menus. Space is generous front and rear, and the trunk is large and usefully shaped. The standard 7-inch screen feels basic, but the 9-inch unit on higher trims is responsive and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Value is strong, though not unbeatable. Honda's reputation for reliability and resale holds the Civic's long-term costs down, and the standard Honda Sensing safety suite is comprehensive. The main caveats are a base engine that asks for patience and a starting price that has crept upward, narrowing the gap to roomier or hybrid alternatives.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Upscale, ergonomic interior
- Engaging, composed handling
- Strong fuel economy
- Comprehensive standard safety kit
- Excellent reliability and resale
What could be better
- Base 2.0L engine feels slow
- CVT drones under hard acceleration
- Starting price has risen
- Base screen looks dated
Honda Civic price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| LX Best value | PetrolAutomatic (CVT) | $24,250 |
| Sport | PetrolManual | $26,450 |
| EX | PetrolAutomatic (CVT) | $27,900 |
| Sport Touring | PetrolAutomatic (CVT) | $31,000 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Honda Civic colours
Crystal Black PearlExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
Quietly excellent daily driver
I cross-shopped the Corolla and Elantra and the Civic just felt a notch nicer inside. The 1.5 turbo has plenty of pull for my highway commute and I'm averaging around 37 mpg. My only gripe is the CVT noise when I really get on it.
Reliable but base engine is lazy
Got the LX to save money and it's been flawless and cheap to run. Honestly the 2.0 engine struggles a bit when the car is loaded with family, so test drive it first. The interior layout and physical climate buttons are fantastic though.
The manual makes it special
Bought the Sport with the six-speed and I grin every drive. The shifter is crisp, the steering is sharp, and it still returns great mileage. It's the most fun you can have in a sensible, affordable sedan right now.
Alternatives to the Honda Civic
Audi A4
4.3$42,000 – $57,000Starting MSRP
BMW 5 Series
4.5$59,000 – $74,000Starting MSRP
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
4.4$62,000 – $88,000Starting MSRP
Tesla Model 3
4.5$42,490 – $54,990Starting MSRP
Honda Civic — frequently asked questions
Which Civic engine should I choose?
The base 2.0-liter is fine for relaxed city driving and is the most affordable, but the 1.5-liter turbo (EX and Sport Touring) is noticeably stronger on the highway while returning similar fuel economy, making it the better all-rounder for most buyers.
Is a manual transmission still available?
Yes. The Sport trim offers a six-speed manual, which is increasingly rare in this class. All other trims use a CVT automatic.
What kind of fuel economy can I expect?
Expect roughly 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway on the more efficient trims, landing near 36 mpg combined in mixed real-world driving.
Is the Honda Civic reliable?
The Civic has a long track record of strong reliability and class-leading resale value, which helps keep long-term ownership costs low.
How safe is the Civic sedan?
Every Civic includes Honda Sensing, a suite with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, and the car has earned top crash-test ratings.
Does it support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with the larger 9-inch touchscreen on higher trims; base trims use a 7-inch screen with wired connectivity.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.