It might be hard to believe, but Honda has been manufacturing their beloved Civic model since all the way back in 1972. Honda’s focus has long been on efficiency, but recently, their thoughts have turned to hybrid and electric power. In a recent press release, Honda confirmed that they would boost its hybrid sales by making some of its core models recipients of hybrid powertrains. The overarching goal is to reduce GHG emissions while progressing toward fully electrified vehicles like the upcoming Prologue – Honda’s first all-electric SUV.
This means we will be getting an all-new Honda Civic Hybrid in 2024. Like the standard Civic, it will be available as a hatchback and sedan. The Civic Hybrid will essentially be replacing the not-so-popular Honda Insight, combining all the specs we love on the Civic with a strong hybrid powertrain. But what exactly should you expect from this new line-up?
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There Won’t Be a Plug-in Hybrid
First and foremost, the 2024 Honda Civic Hybrid will not have a plug-in (PHEV) hybrid powertrain option. For the time being, buyers will have to settle for standard hybrid powertrain options. The gas-powered Civic itself will carry over mostly unchanged, but the hybrid will be introduced as an alternative to the gas engine.
A Civic Hybrid Hasn’t Been Sold in the US Since 2015
While the Civic is a high-selling model for Honda, there has not been a Civic Hybrid on the US market since 2015. That Civic wasn’t particularly powerful with its 110 combined horsepower from a 4-cylinder engine and electric motor. It did, however, produce 44 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway. Although we do not yet know exactly what to expect from the new Civic Hybrid’s powertrain, it is easy to surmise that it will be stronger than that previous one.
Part of the Bigger Picture
Honda has made no bones about their intent to hybridize their entire line-up, and they have already made some progress in that regard. As it stands right now, Honda’s objective is to get their CR-V and Accord models to be 50 percent hybrid, and the Civic Hybrid will only serve to expand that goal.
Even though the market has veered away from small passenger cars like the Civic, Honda sees the benefit of electrifying their sedans and hatchbacks. These vehicles bring in multicultural, younger consumers who are interested in more eco-friendly vehicle options.
The Hybrid Powertrain’s Specs
Let’s face it, Honda loves surprising us. That is why the details on the 2024 Honda Civic Hybrid are minimal. If we look to the European variants of the Civic Hybrid, though, we see that they use two electric motors paired to a 4-cylinder engine. Together, they serve up 181 hp. And, looking at the Accord Hybrid, we know that it can get 204 total hp with 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway.
The Civic Hybrid will likely use a powertrain similar to one of those two when it debuts. Putting the Accord Hybrid’s turbo engine into the Civic would make for a whole lot of fun to drive. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Honda decides to dump that turbo-hybrid into the Civic Hybrid.
More details will emerge leading up to the release of the 2024 Honda Civic Hybrid, so keep your eyes peeled for more news about this upcoming hybrid variant. Honda might be slower to adapt to hybridization and electrification than other auto manufacturers, but they have been methodical in their approach. The upcoming Civic Hybrid is certainly something to be excited about as it promises even more efficiency from an efficiency-minded but ultimately spunky model.
