2026 Honda Civic Hybrid Wins Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsions Award
The Honda two-motor hybrid system, praised for its power, efficiency, and refinement by the editors at WardsAuto, has been recognized with the āWards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systemsā award. This achievement marks the third consecutive year that a Honda hybrid-electric powertrain has earned this prestigious honor.
The Honda two-motor hybrid system in Honda Civic hybrid models lands on our list for the second straight year, as it still provides an excellent balance between performance and fuel economy, something thatās typically lacking in electrified powertrains.
Along with the marriage of athleticism and fuel-sipping the Honda two-motor hybrid system imbues in the compact Honda Civic hybrid, the transparency of its operation and its affordability are other factors that wowed our judges.
Advancing Hondaās Electrification Strategy
At the core of Hondaās electrification efforts, the fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system powering the Civic Sedan and Hatchback delivers ultra-smooth, responsive performance while maximizing fuel efficiency. This advanced system provides dynamic driving without compromising passenger and cargo space, resulting in a sportier and more enjoyable experience behind the wheel.
The Civic hybrid has also been named the 2025 North American Car of the Yearā¢, a title that highlights its position at the top of the 11th-generation Civic lineup. Hybrid variants now account for nearly 40% of Civic sales.
Hondaās award-winning two-motor hybrid system is also available in the Accord and CR-V, representing more than 50% of their combined sales. Later this year, the highly anticipated 2026 Honda Prelude hybrid-electric sports coupe will join the lineup, expanding Hondaās hybrid-electric portfolio to four fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient models.
Built in Ohio
The fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid-electric power unit is produced at the Honda Transmission Plant in Ohio, using a mix of domestic and globally sourced parts. It pairs with a newly developed 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine built at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio. All major components (including the block, cylinder head, crank, connecting rods, and camshafts) have been redesigned for greater strength and efficiency. For the first time, these parts are being manufactured at the Anna facility, improving both production efficiency and output.
The 2026 Honda Civic Hybrid
Offered as either a sedan or hatchback, the 2026 Civic Hybrid sits at the top of the Civic lineup, blending the nameplateās signature fun-to-drive spirit with Hondaās award-winning two-motor hybrid system. The system employs two powerful electric motors to deliver impressive performance.Ā Available in four trimsāLX (sedan only), Sport, Sport Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybridāthe hybrid-powered models boast 200 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torqueĀ¹, making them the most powerful non-Type R Civics ever. They also achieve excellent fuel economy, with the Civic Sedan Sport and Sport Touring Hybrids earning an EPA city rating of 50 mpgĀ².
Unlike traditional transmissions or CVTs, Hondaās hybrid system relies on the interaction of its two motors to transfer force directly, offering smooth and predictable acceleration as well as efficient low-rpm cruising. Linear Shift Control further enhances driving by recreating the familiar rev-linked sensation of conventional gear shifts under acceleration. Drivers can also choose from four levels of regenerative braking, selectable through steering-wheel paddles, for greater control during deceleration.
To elevate comfort and handling, Civic Hybrid models feature unique spring and damper tuning along with specially developed tires. They also benefit from enhanced quietness thanks to Active Noise Control on all trims and wheel resonators on the Sport Touring.
Civicās Legacy
The Honda Civic is Hondaās longest-running automotive nameplate. Since 1973, more than 13 million Civics have been sold in America, making it one of the top three best-selling passenger cars in the country over the past 52 yearsĀ³. The 11th-generation Civic continues this legacy as the gateway to the Honda brand and remains the most popular vehicle in the U.S. among Gen Z buyers, first-time new car buyers, and multicultural customersā“.
- Total system horsepower (ISO net) of the peak, concurrent output of the two electric motors and gasoline engine.
- Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings; Use for comparison purposes only; your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition, and other factors.
- Based on Wards Intelligence cumulative U.S. light vehicle sales among passenger cars, 1972-2025CYTD Aug.
- Based on Strategic Visionās New Vehicle Experience Study 2021-2025.