The 2027 Honda Civic gains new features aimed at buyers seeking more driving engagement and premium equipment, including the Prelude’s S+ Shift mode for top-trim hybrid models and a new Sport-L trim for shoppers who want added luxury without the higher price of the hybrid lineup.
Honda Adds Prelude-Inspired S+ Shift to the Civic
The headline update for the 2027 Honda Civic is the addition of S+ Shift transmission mode to the Sport Touring hybrid, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles.
The feature first appeared in the Prelude. Although the Civic’s hybrid powertrain does not use conventional gear ratios, S+ Shift simulates an eight-speed transmission and allows drivers to “shift” through the simulated ratios.
The system does not make the Civic faster, but it adds another layer of driver engagement for those who want more involvement than simply pressing the accelerator.
The addition is notable because the Prelude and Civic use the same hybrid powertrain. It is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid that operates as a series hybrid most of the time, with the engine coupling to the drive motor when needed for maximum power or improved efficiency.
The powertrain produces 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, giving it more torque and about the same power as the discontinued Civic Si.
What the Civic Hybrid Does Not Get
Despite sharing the Prelude’s hybrid powertrain, the Civic Sport Touring hybrid does not receive the Prelude’s Type R suspension or the Civic Si’s limited-slip differential.
Both Civic body styles do offer greater practicality than the Prelude, while the Si was not available as a hatchback.
Another limitation is that the S+ Shift feature is exclusive to the Sport Touring trim. The less expensive Sport hybrid uses the same powertrain but does not receive the feature.
Even so, Honda is adding a new element of engagement to its hybrid Civic lineup for the 2027 model year.
New Sport-L Trim Brings More Premium Features
The other major addition to the 2027 Civic lineup is the new Sport-L trim. It is available only with the non-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and is designed to provide many of the hybrid models’ luxury features at a lower price.
The Sport-L receives leather upholstery, silver interior trim and power-adjustable front seats from the Sport Touring hybrid.
It also includes front seat heating, dual-zone climate control, illuminated vanity mirrors and a passenger-side seat-back pocket, features that are available across the hybrid lineup.
2027 Honda Civic Pricing
Every 2027 Honda Civic trim level receives a $300 price increase. The base LX sedan now starts at $24,995 before destination charges.
With the unchanged $1,295 destination charge, the LX sedan reaches $26,290.
The new Sport-L trim starts at $28,495 for the sedan and $29,695 for the hatchback.
Those prices put the Sport-L models below Civic versions costing more than $32,000 that offer some of the same features. However, the Sport-L has less power and worse fuel economy.
2027 Civic Models Arrive Soon
The $300 increase is relatively modest, but the 2027 Civic lineup otherwise sees few changes to standard or optional equipment beyond the additions to the Sport-L and Sport Touring trims.
The 2027 Honda Civic continues to offer a small-car option with new equipment for the model year. Honda says the 2027 models should begin arriving at dealers very soon, while the Sport-L trims are expected to appear closer to the end of the year.
