Japanese automaker Honda produces several affordable and competitive vehicles for multiple segments. One of its most popular nameplates also happens to be its most affordable model for 2026: the Honda Civic.
The 2026 Honda Civic sedan is a compact car with a low starting price, plenty of great trim options and a history of reliability. How much does a brand-new Honda Civic cost and is it worth buying in 2026?
The 2026 Honda Civic sedan starts at $24,695. It comes in four trims.
The Civic is one of the most affordable new cars on the market, and it comes in upper trims that offer more creature comforts and modern tech. Even the Sport Touring Hybrid final configuration is affordable compared to the average new vehicle price of over $50,000.
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Honda Civics use a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 150 horsepower. It earns 32 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway. Civic hybrid trims produce more horsepower and are more efficient than the base Civic LX sedan, but also pricier.
Honda’s popular sedan comes with a long list of standard features that improve with every trim level. Standard features on the base model LX include a front USB port, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a lane keeping assist system, traffic sign recognition and a collision mitigation braking system.
Its final configuration, the Sport Touring Hybrid, boasts creature comforts and tech like leather-trimmed seats, a wireless phone charger, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a one-touch power moonroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system and more.
The Honda Civic has been the go-to affordable sedan for thousands of American car buyers for years because the nameplate is associated with cheap ownership costs and longevity. Parts are plentiful and inexpensive. Repairs also tend to be cheap.
If you’re in the market for a new sedan that has decent driving dynamics and will last for years without serious mechanical issues, the 2026 Civic is a solid choice. Its hybrid powertrain option has ushered the nameplate into the future thanks to a power boost from electric motors and stellar fuel economy (49 miles per gallon combined).
There’s a price difference of $4,700 between the base model and the most affordable Civic hybrid trim (Sport Hybrid). While the base model may be more affordable, Honda’s hybrid could offer more long-term ownership value in terms of power and annual fuel cost savings.
The Honda Civic is the best compact car of 2026, according to a ranking list compiled by Kelley Blue Book. Main rivals include models like the Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4 and Toyota Corolla.
Honda’s small car is pricier than several rivals but its handling, ride quality and enjoyable performance make it worth the money in the eyes of many car buyers. If you’re a driving enthusiast, the Civic sedan (and its hybrid trims) are worth serious consideration.

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