Before the arrival of the eleventh-generation Honda Civic in 2022, this model was a true staple of the Australian affordable sedan market. However, it has now turned into a niche product that is rarely seen on the roads.
This is largely due to the fact that a few years ago Honda Australia decided to position the Civic as a more premium car. Apart from the flagship Type R variant, the model is now available in only two well-equipped hybrid trims. Prices have increased, and sales have plummeted.
Review: Honda HR-V e:HEV X — small in size, but big where it matters
I have long been curious to explore the new Civic: how it fits into the market compared to much cheaper competitors. In some aspects, it significantly outperforms others, but its price is hard to justify for many, if not most, buyers.
Key facts
| Model: | 2026 Honda Civic e:HEV LX |
| Starting price: | AU$55,900 (US$39,000) including on-road costs |
| Dimensions: | 179.5 x 70.9 x 55.7 inches (4,560 x 1,802 x 1,415 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 107.6 inches (2,735 mm) |
| Curb weight: | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) |
| Powertrain: | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine / two electric motors |
| Power: | 181 hp (135 kW) / 315 Nm (232 lb-ft) |
| 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): | ~8 seconds |
| Transmission: | eCVT |
| Fuel consumption: | 5.2 L/100 km (45.2 US mpg) |
| On sale: | Now |
Priced out of its own segment
Back in 2020, the old Honda Civic cost from AU$22,590 (US$15,700) including on-road costs in Australia, making it a direct competitor to the popular Toyota Corolla. Now the starting price of the Civic is AU$49,900 (US$34,800) for the base e:HEV L trim and AU$55,900 (US$39,000) for the e:HEV LX variant.
Photo by: Brad Anderson / Carscoops
For comparison, in the US, prices for the current generation Civic have remained relatively stable compared to its predecessor — from $25,745, allowing the model to remain a legitimate competitor to the Corolla, which starts a few thousand dollars less.
Given the Australian price changes, it is not surprising that sales have declined in recent years. In 2019, when the tenth generation was nearing the end of its lifecycle, 10,531 units were sold. This is significantly lower than the peak of 14,672 sales in 2017. For comparison, in 2025 only 933 new models were sold, and in 2024 — 966 cars across the country.
Although the overall market has actively shifted toward SUVs and crossovers in recent years, the Toyota Corolla still sells reasonably well in Australia — 9,860 units last year.
Part of the price jump is likely due to the current Civic being equipped with a hybrid powertrain, while its predecessor was only offered with a conventional internal combustion engine. The system consists of a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, a 1.05 kWh lithium-ion battery, and two electric motors. Power is sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT.
Familiar Honda interior
Photo by: Brad Anderson / Carscoops
The cabin of the Civic e:HEV LX will be familiar to anyone who has tested modern Honda models — it shares many parts with other cars in the lineup.
The steering wheel is leather-wrapped, has plenty of physical buttons and switches, and feels excellent in hand. Behind it is a relatively small 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, which, despite being incredibly clear, offers almost no customization — a drawback.
On top of the dashboard is a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. During the first few days of testing, Android Auto refused to open, regardless of connection method (wired or wireless). The only way to connect the phone was a full factory reset. After that, everything worked without issues.
The pleasant honeycomb mesh on the dashboard hides the air vents, which are adjusted using stylish levers. The transmission tunnel is covered in glossy plastic, but fortunately, it is not black piano lacquer, so it does not collect fingerprints or scratches. I did not particularly like the gear selector buttons — during U-turns, they feel less convenient than a traditional lever or even a steering column stalk.
The quality of materials and assembly in the Civic is impeccable, which is expected at this price. It is definitely more premium than the much cheaper Corolla, although, in my opinion, not as luxurious as the top-tier Mazda3 Astina, which costs just over AU$47,000 (US$32,800).
At the same time, the Civic’s interior loses some flair and begins to look somewhat dated — though this applies to many competitors as well.
Photo by: Brad Anderson / Carscoops
Apart from the overall impression, the excellent driving position in the Civic is worth noting, almost like in the Type R. The driver’s seat can be lowered very low, and the presence of a panoramic roof creates a sense of space that is often lacking in small hatches, which can feel cramped and stuffy.
It is worth noting that the Civic sold in Australia is slightly different from the US version. Here, only the hatchback is available, while in the US, the model is offered exclusively as a sedan. Personally, I consider the hatchback the better choice: opening the trunk gives you a spacious cargo area, which expands to 1,187 liters (41.9 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded.
The downside of the hatchback is a slightly more sloping roofline than the sedan, so rear-seat passengers over 6 feet (183 cm) tall may find themselves short on headroom.
Mini-Accord feel
Driving the Civic e:HEV LX feels like a carefree journey. For those who value a smooth, quiet, and refined driving experience, the hybrid powertrain works excellently — at least most of the time.
The total output of 135 kW (181 hp) and 315 Nm (232 lb-ft) provides more than enough energy for everyday trips. The e-CVT operates imperceptibly, without jerks, because it is essentially not a true CVT. Depending on conditions, the engine acts either as a generator for the electric motor or, via a clutch, directly drives the front wheels. The simulated gear shifts feel natural, as in other Honda models, say, the HR-V.
Overall efficiency is good, although we did not achieve Honda’s claimed 4.2 L/100 km (56 US mpg). Over more than 650 km (404 miles) of driving, mostly on the highway, the average consumption was 5.2 L/100 km (45.2 US mpg), slightly higher than the 4.9 L/100 km (48 US mpg) I got on the Honda Accord e:HEV a few years ago under similar conditions. Perhaps more city driving, where regenerative braking works, would improve economy.
Photo by: Brad Anderson / Carscoops
Often, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine runs almost silently, as the car prefers to drive on electric power at low speeds. However, sometimes the engine unexpectedly revs to about 2,500 rpm, as if trying to recharge the small battery. This is not a major issue, but potential buyers should be aware of it.
Although the standard Civic was not designed as a purely driver-focused car like the Type R, it shares a few traits with the latter. The steering is extremely precise and well-weighted, which sets it apart from the overly assisted systems of some other new hybrids and EVs.
Honda has also successfully tuned the Civic’s suspension. It is soft over potholes and bumps, yet remains taut and responsive when you want to have some fun on a mountain road. However, the six-year-old Mazda3 exhibits equally good behavior in all conditions and costs significantly less.
Verdict
In the end, the Honda Civic e:HEV LX is a very solid car. It has all the same advantages as its predecessors: practical, good-looking, reliable, capable of serving for decades without issues.
However, the price tag is hard to justify. Compared to the aforementioned Mazda3 G25 Astina, the Civic offers acceptable value for money, but the Australian lineup sorely lacks a cheaper, non-hybrid version at around AU$35,000 (US$20,900). Currently, you can buy a hybrid HR-V for about AU$15,000 (US$10,500) less, and the even larger and more practical Honda CR-V hybrid starts at AU$49,900 (US$34,800).
Photo by: Brad Anderson / Carscoops
It is worth noting that the Honda Civic remains an attractive choice for those who value comfort, build quality, and fuel economy, but its positioning in Australia creates serious competition within the brand’s own lineup. As more affordable and equally high-quality alternatives enter the market, Honda may lose a significant portion of buyers who previously considered the Civic as an affordable family car. On the other hand, among enthusiasts of hybrid technology and refined design, this model can still find its niche — provided they are willing to pay for the image, not just practicality.