Quick Take: 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring

I was expecting to be properly whelmed by this Civic when I took it around some east-central Wisconsin roads during the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally. I expected it to be a pleasant, agreeable commuter car with an extra helping of sportiness -- Civics with the Sport designation aren't true performers like the Si or Type R, but they can still be fun.

Or in this case, heaps of fun -- this Civic handled shockingly well with nicely weighted, though a tad too artificial in feel, steering. I was surprised at how engaging to drive it was.

Those who want pure power from their Civic will need to shop for a Si or Type R. That said, the total system output of 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque from the hybrid powertrain (combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors, one of which functions as a generator) is adequate to get the job done. The car felt quicker than those numbers would indicate.

Honda tuned this chassis so that while the handling is sharp, the ride requires very little sacrifice. It is stiff, for sure, but never punishing.

And that, I think, is where this car shines. It's a daily driver for those who want fantastic fuel economy -- 50 mpg city/45 highway/48 combined -- and can't or won't make the sacrifices required by the Si or Type R. It's not nearly as stiff-riding as either of those, and you won't have to learn how to drive a manual. It's the well-rounded commuter car I wish more automakers produced.

If I had a teenager and was buying a brand-new car from them, I'd pick this one -- it's enough fun that it will generate good times, but not so much that your offspring will be the subject of a viral video.

True, an Si is cheaper -- the nearly $35K price tag is a bit eye-popping. Even with today's inflated cost of living and the extra expense of a hybrid powertrain, that does seem like a lot of money for a Civic. Indeed, you're sniffing around Accord territory.