2026 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid Review

Finding the right hybrid sedan used to feel like a compromise. You either got great gas mileage or a car that was actually fun to drive, but rarely both. If you’ve been cross-shopping the Toyota Prius or Hyundai Elantra, you know exactly what I mean. But after spending a week with the new 2026 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid, I think the game has changed.

This car surprised me.

It’s not just about the NRCan-estimated 4.9 L/100 km combined rating, though that number is impressive. It’s about how it feels when you merge onto the highway or take a sharp corner. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything from the sharp new Blue Lagoon Pearl paint to the tech inside.

You get wireless Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, and features that actually make your daily commute easier. So, grab a coffee and let’s see if this Honda is the one for you. I’ll break down the real-world details you need to know.

2026 Honda Civic Canadian Prices

In Canada, the 2026 Honda Civic is offered as a sedan and a hatchback. The sedan, our review car, is offered in four trims, with the base Civic LX starting at $28,340. The next trim is the Civic Sport, which starts at $32,200. The next two trims are hybrids, with the Civic Sport Hybrid starting at $34,100 and the Civic Sport Touring Hybrid starting at $37,600. These prices do not include $1,830 for Freight & PDI, “Dealer Fee” of $999, $126 in AC and Tire duty.

The hatchback version of the Civic is is offered in three trims, removing the LX trim from the 5-door version of the Civic. The hatchbacks are priced the same as the sedan.

Powertrain and Performance

This is where the Civic Hybrid separates itself from the pack. It packs real muscle under the hood. The throttle response is instant, making city driving feel lively rather than sluggish.

2.0L four-cylinder engine with two electric motors

Honda uses a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system here. It pairs a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. One motor mostly acts as a generator, while the other drives the wheels.

This setup delivers 200 horsepower and a robust 232 lb-ft of torque. I never felt the car struggle, whether I was merging onto a fast-moving highway or passing a truck on a two-lane road. It is actually the most powerful Civic you can buy comfortably outside of the Type R.

Engineers also added a feature called Linear Shift Control. It mimics the gear shifts of a traditional gas car under hard acceleration, so you don’t get that annoying “drone” often found in other hybrids.

200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque

Those numbers—200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque—make a real difference in daily driving. When you step on the gas, the electric torque is there immediately.

The Civic’s main competitor, the Corolla Hybrid, produces only 138 horsepower. The difference is night and day. In the Civic, acceleration feels swift and confident. You don’t have to plan your passing maneuvers ten seconds in advance.

For a car with the Civic nameplate, this powertrain delivers a mix of energy and efficiency that is hard to beat.

If you are looking for even more oomph and driving thrills, the 2026 Honda Civic Si or even the much more powerful Civic Type R is also available.

Driving modes: Sport, Normal, Eco, and Individual

The 2026 Civic Sport Touring Hybrid gives you four distinct driving modes to match your mood. I found myself switching between them often depending on the road conditions.

• Normal Mode: This is the default for a reason. It balances the hybrid battery usage with the gas engine for a smooth, predictable drive. The throttle response is perfect for daily errands.
• ECON Mode: If you want to chase that 50 MPG number, this is the mode to use. It softens the throttle response and adjusts the air conditioning to maximize fuel efficiency. It’s great for stuck-in-traffic commutes.
• Sport Mode: This wakes the car up. The steering feels heavier, and the throttle is much more sensitive. It unlocks the full potential of the 200 hp for a fun back road drive.
• Individual Mode: I love this feature. It lets you mix and match settings. I set mine to have Sport steering weight but Normal powertrain response, giving me a sharp feel without wasting gas.

Switching modes is as simple as toggling a switch on the console. The digital dash changes color to match, so you always know which mode you are in.

Driving Experience

The best way to describe driving this hybrid is “seamless.” It darts off the line with a strong electric push. The steering is precise, and the switch between electric and gas power is so smooth that I often had to look at the energy flow meter to know which one was working.

Brisk acceleration (0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds)

I tested the acceleration on a clear on-ramp, and it is quick. The Civic Hybrid hits 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds. That is faster than the manual-transmission Civic Si.

The hybrid powertrain uses the electric motor to fill in the gaps where a gas engine might lag. You get that “electric car” feel right when you touch the pedal. It makes merging into gaps in traffic stress-free.

Unlike some sporty cars that guzzle gas, this one lets you have fun without the guilt. Speaking of gas, according to NRCan, the 2026 Honda Civic Hybrid is rated at 4.7/5.1/4.9 L/100 kilometers in city/highway/combined driving. During my week-long review of the Civic Hybrid, the onboard computer showed an average consumption of 4.8 L/100 km in mixed city/highway driving of 40/60 city/highway.

Precise steering and nimble handling

Steering is a Honda strong suit, and it shines here. It feels direct and communicates what the front tires are doing.

The low center of gravity, helped by the battery placement under the rear seat, keeps the car planted in corners. I took it through some winding roads, and the chassis felt stable and balanced. The suspension strikes a nice middle ground—firm enough for good driver feedback but soft enough to soak up potholes.

Whether dodging city potholes or sweeping through a cloverleaf ramp, the car feels controlled. It’s rare to find this kind of athletic handling in a car designed for fuel economy.

Smooth transitions between electric and gas power

One of my biggest gripes with older hybrids was the clunky transition when the gas engine turned on. Honda has solved that.

In the 2026 Civic Sport Touring Hybrid, the switch is almost imperceptible. In slow city traffic, the car glides on electric power silently. When you need more power, the 2.0-liter engine wakes up smoothly to assist or charge the battery.

I also used the steering wheel deceleration selectors (paddle shifters) to control the regenerative braking. It allows you to slow down just by lifting off the gas, similar to downshifting in a manual car. It makes the drive feel more engaging while sending energy back into the battery.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2026 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid doesn’t look like an “economy car.” It has a presence that grabs your attention, it’s a much better looking car than the previous generation Civic. I love the sharp lines and the way the bold LED headlights cut through the darkness. The hatchback shape is my favorite feature because it hides practical utility inside a sporty wrapper.

Loading groceries or gym bags is simple thanks to the wide opening.

Sleek and modern aesthetics

This car sits low and wide, giving it a stance that feels grounded and ready to move. The sculpted roofline creates a sporty hatchback silhouette that separates it from boxier sedans.

I really like the new color options for 2026, especially the Blue Lagoon Pearl. It pairs perfectly with the dual low-beam LED headlights that come standard. The angular taillights add a modern touch to the rear.

Interior and Comfort

The interior feels like a class above the typical compact car. It uses soft-touch materials and has a clean, horizontal design. I felt comfortable immediately.

Premium materials and spacious cabin

The first thing I noticed was the metal honeycomb mesh that spans the dashboard. It hides the air vents and looks incredibly modern.

I sat in the leather-trimmed seats, which are standard on the Sport Touring trim. They feel durable and premium. The cabin feels open, thanks to the low cowl and large windows.

In the back, my taller friends had decent room. The 37.4 inches of rear legroom is generous for this class. Because the battery is under the seat, you don’t lose any floor space. ² You can comfortably fit four adults for a long dinner trip. The one-touch power sunroof lets in plenty of light, making the grey interior feel airy.

Comfortable, supportive seating

Honda calls these “Body Stabilizing Seats,” and I can see why. I spent three hours in traffic, and I didn’t have any lower back pain.

The heated front seats are a lifesaver on cold mornings. The driver’s seat has 8-way power adjustment, so finding the perfect position is easy. The front passenger gets 4-way power adjustment as well.

Reviewers often rate this interior highly, and I agree. The suspension does a great job of filtering out road harshness, keeping the ride comfortable.

Intuitive physical climate controls

Thank you, Honda, for keeping real knobs. I hate having to dig through a touchscreen just to change the fan speed.

Here, you get three large, knurled dials that click satisfyingly when you turn them. You can adjust the dual-zone automatic climate control without taking your eyes off the road.

The buttons for the heated seats and defrosters are right there, too. It’s a simple, user-friendly layout that proves physical controls are still superior for things you use every day. The easy-to-read digital gauge cluster shows your temperature settings clearly, so there is no guesswork.

Technology and Features

The tech in this car is a major highlight. It integrates Google Built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay seamlessly. It feels like your phone and your car are finally speaking the same language.

Google Built-in and Bose sound system

The Sport Touring Hybrid comes standard with Google Built-in. This means Google Maps and Google Assistant are native to the car.

I logged in with my Google account, and all my saved locations appeared on the 9-inch color touchscreen. Best of all, Honda includes a 3-year unlimited data plan for these apps, so you don’t have to worry about using your phone’s data for navigation.

For music, the Bose premium sound system uses 12 speakers, including a subwoofer. It features Bose “Centerpoint” technology that creates a surround-sound effect. I played everything from podcasts to bass-heavy tracks, and the audio was crisp and clear.

Wireless charging and larger infotainment screen

Cords are a thing of the past in this cabin. The wireless phone charging pad is located conveniently in front of the shifter.

I placed my phone there, and it connected to wireless Apple CarPlay instantly. The 9-inch touchscreen is responsive and bright. It has a finger rest at the bottom, which stabilizes your hand while you tap—a small detail that makes a big difference on bumpy roads.

This larger screen and wireless capability give the interior an upscale vibe that rivals like the Elantra Hybrid struggle to match.

Advanced driver-assistance features

Safety tech can sometimes be annoying, but Honda Sensing is tuned well. It’s standard on all trims, but the Touring adds a few extras.

• Traffic Jam Assist: This helps steer and brake in stop-and-go traffic below 45 mph. It makes rush hour much less tiring.
• Blind Spot Information (BSI): The warning lights are in the mirrors, where they should be. They are bright enough to see easily in peripheral vision.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: This is a lifesaver in parking lots. It warns you if a car is approaching from the side while you are backing up.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: It maintains a set distance from the car ahead smoothly, without jerky braking.
• Lane Keeping Assist: It gently corrects steering if you drift, but it doesn’t feel like it’s fighting you.

Both the IIHS and NHTSA have given the Civic platform high marks for crash safety, which adds real peace of mind.

Pros and Cons

No car is perfect. To help you decide, I’ve broken down the clear winners and the few misses I found during my test drive.

Comparisons at a Glance

Pros: Excellent performance, upscale features, high fuel efficiency

The biggest pro is the powertrain. The 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque make it genuinely fun to drive. It’s significantly faster than the competition.

I also consistently hit close to the NRCan rating. I was even able to get 4.2 L/100 km in city driving, which is fantastic for a car this quick. The transition between gas and electric is smooth, and the brake pedal feel is natural—something many hybrids get wrong.

The interior quality feels a step up. Features like the Bose sound system, leather seats, and Google Built-in make it feel like a baby luxury car. At a price point around $40,000 , the value proposition is strong considering the standard equipment.

Cons: Limited rear headroom, no rear vents/USB ports, minor road noise

The sleek roofline looks great, but it cuts into the back. If you have passengers over 6 feet tall, they will brush their heads against the headliner.

I was also disappointed to see no rear air vents or USB ports in the back of the center console. In 2026, rear passengers expect to be able to charge their phones.

While the noise reduction package helps, there is still some road noise on rough highways. It’s not deafening, but you will hear the tires humming more than you might in a Toyota Camry. If you prioritize absolute silence over handling, this is something to test on your own drive.

2026 Honda Civic Sport Hybrid – The Sensible Choice

The 2026 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid hits a sweet spot that few other cars manage. It delivers the fuel economy you need to save money, but it doesn’t bore you to tears behind the wheel. The hybrid powertrain is potent, the handling is sharp, and the tech features like Google Built-in are genuinely useful.

It has a few quirks, like the tight rear headroom and lack of rear charging ports. However, for a driver who wants a car that can handle a commute, a grocery run, and a fun weekend drive all in one, this is the one to beat.

If you are ready to stop visiting the gas station so often, I’d recommend taking one for a spin. Just make sure to test out Sport mode—you might be surprised at how much fun 50 MPG can be.

2026 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid Review Photo Gallery

People Also Ask