Honda Civic Hybrid remains No.1 choice for Gen Z and multicultural buyers

Honda highlights Civic Hybrid as the top vehicle for Gen Z, first-time and multicultural buyers in the U.S., supported by Strategic Vision NVES data.

The Honda Civic Hybrid has once again captured the spotlight. Its fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system, fitted to the 2026 Civic, has earned a place on the prestigious “Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” list. For the third consecutive year, a Honda hybrid powertrain has been recognized, underscoring the consistency of the company’s engineering approach.

Editors at WardsAuto praised the rare balance of efficiency and performance, often lacking in electrified drivetrains. In the Civic Hybrid, the system delivers 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, achieving up to 50 miles per gallon in city driving. A notable feature is Linear Shift Control, which mimics traditional gear changes and gives the driving experience a more natural feel.

The new hybrid system has been made more compact and efficient. Its two motors and 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine are assembled in Ohio, where for the first time components such as the crankshaft and cylinder block are produced locally. This move strengthens U.S. manufacturing and reduces reliance on imports while expanding capacity at Honda’s American facilities.

Already, the Civic Hybrid accounts for around 40% of Civic sales, while hybrid versions of the Accord and CR-V represent more than half of sales in their segments. These figures highlight Honda’s alignment with market trends and customer demand. The company also emphasizes that the Civic remains the number one vehicle among Gen Z buyers in the U.S., as well as a popular choice for first-time and multicultural customers, a point supported by Strategic Vision’s New Vehicle Experience Study.

Within Honda’s broader electrification strategy, the emphasis on hybrids has become more than a stopgap. While the company reaffirmed its long-term goal of selling only EVs and FCEVs globally by 2040, it scaled back short-term EV investments in 2025. The adjustment reflects current market conditions, where hybrid sales are growing faster than expected, while demand for pure EVs has cooled.

The upcoming return of the Prelude makes this shift even more symbolic. The new hybrid sports coupe is scheduled to launch in the U.S. in late 2025, followed by Europe in 2026. It shares the Civic Hybrid’s powertrain but adds sport-focused features and the new S+ Shift mode. Positioned as the fourth model in Honda’s hybrid lineup, the Prelude demonstrates a step-by-step approach toward full electrification.

The Civic Hybrid’s success at Wards is therefore more than just another accolade. It signals that Honda has found a balance between the brand’s traditional driving appeal and the growing demand for cleaner mobility. With Gen Z and multicultural buyers taking an increasingly active role in the market, the Civic and its hybrid future look more confident than ever before.