Civic Vs. Prius: Compact Hybrid Comparison

Toyota Prius Interior

Visibility is a bit of an issue with the Prius, because of the horizontal bar that crosses the back window and blocks a slim portion of the rearward view. Thick Prius windshield pillars can impede frontal views, but large mirrors are helpful.


In the Civic Hybrid, a large tachometer sits ahead of the driver, with Battery Charge indicators to its left. Above the tachometer is a big, easy to read digital speedometer, plus a bar-type fuel gauge and MPG indicator (which is not so easy to read). Unless you pay extra for an information screen, which includes a working diagram of how the hybrid powertrain is functioning, Toyota's Prius displays little evidence of its gasoline/electric configuration. In fact, you can barely tell when the gas engine is running. Toyota's information screen, if operative, is in the center of the dashboard. The high-mounted digital (green) speedometer is especially easy to read, but the electronic gearshift demands a bit of familiarization.

Safety and Star Ratings
Both models have standard antilock braking and a complement of six airbags: frontal-impact, front seat-mounted side-impact, and side-curtain type. A stability-enhancement system is available for the Prius, which has standard traction control. Both incorporate Brake Assist for enhanced reaction in an emergency stop.


Neither model has achieved the ideal five-star crash-test ratings all around, for both frontal and side impacts, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Instead, the Civic Hybrid gets dual five-star ratings for frontal impacts and a four-/five-star score for side impacts. Toyota's Prius gets twin four-star ratings for frontal impacts and a five-/four-star rating for side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given both the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius "Good" ratings for both frontal offset and side impacts.

Trim Levels
Honda's Hybrid model comes in a single trim level, though a version with a navigation system and satellite radio is offered. Civic Hybrids are equipped with power locks/windows, remote entry, automatic climate control, mirror-mounted turn signals, a rear spoiler, and 15-inch tires on alloy wheels. Unlike other Civics, the Hybrid lacks a split-folding rear seat, sunroof, and rear disc brakes.


Toyota offers three versions of its Prius. Basic Prius equipment includes automatic climate control, power locks/windows/mirrors, and remote entry. The "Base" model adds cruise control, heated power mirrors, and a cargo cover. The Prius Touring includes xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps, foglamps, a sport suspension, and 16-inch tires rather than the usual 15s.


Honda and Toyota hybrids can provide navigation assistance as an extra-cost option. Honda offers no other factory options, but the Prius can by augmented by several option groups.

Driving and Performance
Both hybrid models operate on a combination of gasoline and electric power, but they do so in different ways. With the Prius, if you start off from a stop by pushing gently on the gas pedal, and conditions are right, the car will start rolling on battery power alone. Somewhere past 20 mph, or if you push harder on the accelerator, the gasoline engine starts up. You feel the engine fire, but it does so promptly, with a gentle nudge of the starter motor.