2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Now on Sale with Increased Fuel Economy

The final two members of the 2014 Honda Civic family will go on sale this month, with the 2014 Civic Hybrid at dealerships now and the 2014 Civic Natural Gas expected to go on sale February 15. Pricing has ratched up slightly for both, however: The hybrid model will have an MSRP of $24,635 (up $275), while the CNG-powered Civic will start at $26,640, and that's a jump of $335. Those aren't just empty price increases, either.

Both the 2014 Honda Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas enjoy the same kind of styling updates provided for the rest of the roster, along with the automaker's Display Audio sound system that will boast a 7-inch, gesture-capable touchscreen. An "expanded-view" driver's mirror is standard on the pair as well, and the Civic Hybrid then further benefits from a smart-entry system with push-button start. For the 2014 Honda Civic Natural Gas—still the only factory-built, CNG-powered car from a mainstream automaker—a more premium standard cabin is in the mix, as is an upgraded "Leather Navi" trim that adds leather seating with a heated front row, heated outside mirrors, and six audio speakers.

Perhaps more importantly, engineers have managed to squeeze a few more miles per gallon from the 2014 Honda Civic Hybrid. The car still relies on a powertrain that complements a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic transmission and Honda's newest hybrid tech, but some aero tweaks, a new fuel pump and ignition coil, retuned engine sensors, and other upgrades help move the EPA needle from 44 mpg in all testing modes to a new line of 44 mpg city/47 mpg highway/45 mpg combined.

The 2014 Honda Civic Natural Gas remains at the equivalent of 27 mpg city/38 mpg highway/31 mpg combined, yet here folks have to remember that this entry actually doesn't use gasoline at all. As its name implies, the Civic Natural Gas operates on natural gas, which is extracted from domestic sources and helps this specific model earn a 10/10 score from the EPA for its ability to limit CO2 emissions.

Honda also will continue to provide national support for its natural-gas model by selling it in 37 states across the country.