2026 Honda Civic Two-Motor Hybrid System Wins Prestigious “Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” Award

With praise for its power, efficiency and refinement from the editors at WardsAuto, the Honda two-motor hybrid system powering the Honda Civic 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 honor.

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 nearly 40% of sales.

Variants of the two-motor hybrid system are also available in the Honda Accord and CR-V, and represent more than 50% of Accord and CR-V sales. 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.

What Wards Said About the Honda Two-Motor Hybrid System
“The Honda two-motor hybrid system in Honda Civic hybrid models lands on our list for the second straight year, as it still provides an excellent balance between performance and fuel economy, something that’s typically lacking in electrified powertrains.” – Gary Vasilash, judge-2025 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems

“Along with the marriage of athleticism and fuel-sipping the Honda two-motor hybrid system imbues in the compact Honda Civic hybrid, the transparency of its operation and its affordability are other factors that wowed our judges.” – Christie Schweinsberg, manager and judge-2025 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion System.

Hybrid System Made in Ohio
The all-new fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid-electric power unit is built by associates at the Honda Transmission Plant in Ohio using domestic and globally made parts. It is paired with an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, made at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio. 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. For the first time these components are manufactured at the Anna Engine Plant, improving production efficiencies and increasing capacity.

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 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 torque¹, the Civic hybrid-powered trims are the most powerful non-Type R Civics ever, providing quick, effortless acceleration while receiving outstanding EPA fuel economy ratings – including a 50-mpg city rating for Civic Sedan Sport and Sport Touring hybrids.

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 with Americans purchasing more than 13 million Civics since 1973, making it one of the top three best-selling passenger cars in America over the past 52 years³. An unparalleled success, the 11th-generation Civic serves as the gateway to the Honda brand and America’s most popular vehicle with Gen Z buyers, first-time new car buyers as well as multicultural customers⁴.
Learn more about the Honda Civic here.