Which Trim of the Honda Civic Is the Best Buy?Michael Simari - Car and Driver (Michael Simari - Car and Driver)The Civic has always offered sporty fun blended with thrift and practicality.We'd go for the hybrid powertrain for more punch and better fuel economy.The hatchback costs a bit more than the sedan, but is worth it for flexibility.See Our Comprehensive Honda Civic Make-Model PageShop New Cars | Shop Used CarsLaunched in the mid-1970s with impeccable timing, the Honda Civic offered thrifty efficiency when people needed it the most. However, the secret to the car's success was that it was also great fun to drive, something that only improved over the coming generations. The current model still does a great job of combining these characteristics, but there's one trim that does it better than the rest.Which Civic Trim Level Is the Best?The standard Civic's 150-hp base engine is a little underpowered, but for $25,890, the entry-level LX isn't quite the penalty econobox that super-basic Hondas were in the past. That said, we'd recommend stepping up to the 200-hp hybrid engine, which you can get in the Sport trims and up.AdvertisementAdvertisementSedan versus hatchback is a matter of personal preference, but we'd take the $31,790 Civic Sport hatchback even with its $1200 premium over the sedan model. The liftback rear opens up a huge amount of practicality, everything from big box store cargo-hauling to camping excursions; the hybrid system offers acceleration times about the same as a Civic Si; and the car has all that great Honda handling fans have come to expect. One small car, packed with all-around capability.Michael Simari - Car and Driver (Michael Simari - Car and Driver)What Options Should You Consider?Honda organizes its lineup largely by trim rather than optional extras. On the plus side, that means the Sport Hybrid comes standard with dual-zone climate control, heated seats, a power moonroof, and an eight-speaker stereo. In the negative column, you can't just option a wireless charging pad for your phone or a larger touchscreen – you'll have to step up to the Touring trim for those.What Do I Miss Out On in the Higher Trim Levels?For either hatchback or sedan Civics, the Sport Touring Hybrid sits at the top of the tree, and bundles together leather and a Bose stereo system. If you're buying a Civic as a thrifty yet peppy commuter, who cares about leather, right? Well, the drawback is that only the Touring comes with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a wireless charger for your smartphone. Below the Touring, you'll have to plug in every time.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.AdvertisementAdvertisementShop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029