2026 Honda Civic Two-Motor Hybrid System Wins Prestigious “wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” Award
September 23 2025, Honda Canada
With praise for its power, efficiency and refinement from the editors at WardsAuto, the Honda two-motor hybrid system powering the Honda Civic Hybrid sedan and hatchback has received a “Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” award. This is the third year in a row a Honda hybrid-electric powertrain has received this prestigious honour.
A key step in the Honda electrification strategy, the ultra-smooth and responsive fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid system that powers Civic hybrid models maximizes fuel-efficiency without compromising dynamic performance or passenger and cargo space to deliver a sportier and more pleasant driving experience.
Named the 2025 North American Car of the Year™, Civic Hybrid models are positioned at the top of the 11th generation Civic lineup and represent over 60% of sales in Canada.
Variants of the two-motor hybrid system are also available in the Honda CR-V and Honda Accord which represents more than 60% of Accord and CR-V sales in Canada. The highly-anticipated 2026 Honda Prelude hybrid-electric sports coupe is arriving this fall, expanding the brand’s hybrid-electric lineup to four fun-to-drive and fuel efficient models.
Honda Hybrid System
The all-new fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid-electric power unit that powers the Honda Civic Hybrid sedan, which is proudly built at Honda of Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario, is paired with an all-new 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. All major components in the engine have been redesigned and improved, including the block, which now features stronger main bearing caps, cylinder head, crank, connecting rods and camshafts.
Honda Civic Hybrid
Positioned at the top of the Honda Civic lineup, the 2026 Civic Hybrid, offered as either a sedan or hatchback, combines the fun-to-drive spirit of Civic with the award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid system featuring two large and powerful electric motors.
The 2026 Civic Hybrid is available in four trim levels, starting with LX (sedan only) and Sport, and topped by the hybrid-powered Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid. With a combined 200 horsepower and an impressive 232 lb.-ft. of torque, the Civic hybrid-powered trims are the most powerful non-Type R Civics ever, providing quick, effortless acceleration while receiving outstanding fuel economy ratings – including 4.7 litres to 100km city rating for Civic Sedan Sport and Sport Touring Hybrid.
The Honda two-motor hybrid system does not require a traditional transmission or CVT for driving and generating power. The hybrid system relies on the interplay of the two motors rather than use a torque converter or mechanical pulley or belt. This form of direct drive force transfer offers smooth and predictable acceleration matched with efficient low-rpm highway cruising when the gasoline engine is in operation.
Linear Shift Control further elevates the driving experience by mimicking the vehicle speed-linked rev feel associated with a conventional drivetrain shifting gears under acceleration.
In addition, Civic Hybrid models have four levels of regenerative-braking deceleration available through selector paddles on the steering wheel. The multiple levels provide a wide range of control during deceleration.
To further amplify the legendary fun-to-drive spirit and class-leading ride comfort of Civic, the ride and handling dynamics of Civic Hybrid are optimized with unique spring and damper tuning, and a specifically developed tire. Hybrid trims also enjoy the highest levels of cabin quietness and ride comfort in the Civic lineup, with a robust noise reduction package that includes Active Noise Control on all hybrids, and wheel resonators on Sport Touring.
The Honda Civic is the brand’s longest-running automotive nameplate. Honda has sold over 15 million Civics in North America since 1973, and the 11th-generation Civic is an unparalleled success. Serving as the gateway to the Honda brand, Civic is Canada’s best-selling compact car.
