The Honda Civic’s Favorable Gas Mileage and Factors that Can Affect It

Exceptional ride quality, ample cargo space, and impressive reliability scores are some of the reasons why the Civic remains a popular pick among sporty sedans. But aside from these, the Civic is also one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the market.

Honda Civic MPG

The Honda Civic’s fuel economy rating can depend on the model year and trim. Using the 2022 Civic as an example, the fastback sedan has an EPA-estimated 31 city and 40 highway miles per gallon (mpg) for the LX trim. The Honda Civic’s gas mileage drops a bit for the Sport trim, which has an EPA-estimated 30 city and 37 highway mpg. The EX trim is considered the most fuel-efficient in its class with 33 city and 42 highway mpg.

The Honda Civic has a reputation for being one of the most reliable sedans in the industry. Owners enjoy favorable running costs because of good fuel consumption.

Newer models of the Civic also come with an Econ Drive Mode, which also helps save gas by adjusting the throttle response and reducing the running rate of the air conditioning system.

Factors that Can Affect Your Civic’s Fuel Economy

The estimated fuel economy rating of your Honda Civic can be affected by your driving habits and other conditions. Here are some factors that could lead to frequent trips to the gas station.

Towing or Hauling Heavy Cargo

Carrying excessive weight can cause the engine to work harder and burn more fuel than necessary. Consider dropping unnecessary items in the trunk when traveling to make the most out of your Honda Civic’s gas mileage.

Short Drives

It might seem ironic, but driving on short trips can cause your Honda Civic to burn more fuel than on long drives. This is because the engine takes some time to warm up, and frequently stopping and starting your vehicle prevents it from reaching the right operating temperature.

Driving In Cold Weather

The engine takes longer to warm up during cold weather, which means it’ll idle longer as well. The shorter the time the engine spends maintaining its operating temperature, the more fuel it consumes.

Heavy Braking or Acceleration

Frequent, heavy braking or acceleration can reduce your Honda Civic’s fuel economy by as much as 33% during highway driving.

Engine Problems

Engine problems like a leaking fuel injector, clogged air filter, or a misfiring spark plug can affect your vehicle’s overall performance and lead to excessive fuel consumption. Fortunately, these issues can typically be prevented by sticking to your Civic’s maintenance schedule.

Underinflated Tires and Alignment Issues

A flat tire or an alignment issue can lead to additional strain and pull against your vehicle’s motion. This will require you to exert more effort to keep your car moving in a certain direction and consume more fuel than necessary.