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

Lisa Conant, Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Reviewed by

Lisa Conant, Automotive Content Specialist

Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on September 29th, 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Summary
  • The Honda Civic’s fuel economy rating can depend on the model year and trim, but the 2022 Civic has an EPA-estimated 31 city and 40 highway miles per gallon (mpg) for the LX trim.
  • The 2022 Honda Civic EX trim is considered the most fuel-efficient in its class with 33 city and 42 highway mpg.
  • Towing or hauling heavy cargo, short drives, and driving in cold weather are some factors that can affect your Honda Civic’s fuel economy.

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. Image credit: Honda Newsroom.

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 can typically be prevented by sticking to your Civic’s maintenance schedule. Image credit: Honda Newsroom.

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.

About The Authors
Reviewed By Lisa Conant

Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.