NOTE: Pricing based on data collected March 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology

Vehicle Summary
Honda first introduced the Civic Hybrid in model year 2003 and redesigned it in model year 2006 to reduce both global warming and smog-forming emissions while improving overall vehicle performance (a third redesign is due for model year 2012). The 2011 Civic Hybrid is a compact car that seats five people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon (mpg). It is now third behind the Toyota Prius and Lexus CT 200h in overall fuel economy. It is a mild hybrid, offering idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking; however, it cannot run on electric power alone.

Environmental Score
The Civic Hybrid obtains a 29 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Civic—a solid overall performance, though numerous other vehicles (including the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid) have now passed the 30 percent improvement mark. Its overall fuel economy matches the Honda Insight, and its relative reduction of global warming emissions are greater than the two-seat Honda CR-Z. While Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system does not offer electric-only drive, the fuel savings that Honda achieves with the IMA system is comparable or superior to many full-hybrid systems. This shows that so-called mild hybrid drivetrains should not be considered inferior to “full” systems—the proof of the technology is in the results. The smog-forming emissions performance of the Civic Hybrid is very good, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 9. This score, combined with the global warming emissions reduction, give the Civic Hybrid an environmental score of 7.2, trailing only the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid in the non-luxury hybrid class.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology

Hybrid Value
Honda is charging $3,658 for the hybrid system(1) in the Civic Hybrid, similar to the upcharge for the Ford Fusion Hybrid ($4,190), and about the same as the Toyota Prius ($3,665). It is also considerably less than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ($5,400). With a solid 29 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this gives the Civic Hybrid a Hybrid Value rating of “Very Good.” Interestingly, though, Honda is charging considerably less for hybridization of the Insight ($2,576) and CR-Z ($1,837). 
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology

Forced Features
Offsetting its otherwise high marks for environmental improvement and hybrid value, Honda continues to load the Civic Hybrid with extras over and above what is on the base-level Civic, to the tune of $3,687. This merits a “$$$” Forced Features score. This is unfortunate, since Honda has shown with both the Insight (no forced features) and CR-Z ($1,753 worth of features) that it can bring hybrids to the market that allow consumers to choose where they want to invest their money. Sample forced features on the Civic Hybrid include a theft-deterrent system; six-speaker audio system; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; security system with remote entry and trunk release; deck-lid spoiler; and vehicle stability assist with traction control. Click to see full list of forced features. Click to see full list of forced features.
 Scorecard Forced Features methodology

Hybrid Scorecard Home

Additional Info

Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.

1. To calculate the cost of the hybrid system, we compared the Civic EX and Civic Hybrid because their standard features were the most similar. One glaring difference, however, is the Civic EX comes with a moonroof, while the Civic Hybrid does not. Since Honda does not offer a standalone moonroof option, we had to look at other manufacturers that offer this as a standalone option in order to discern an accurate cost estimate. Based on our findings, we estimated the cost of the moonroof to be $825 and we used that amount in our analysis.