2025 Toyota Prius vs 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback

Few cars can put a smile on your face when driving and making the monthly payment like a 2024 Civic can. That’s especially true when it comes to the hatchback version, which adds significant utility and an available manual transmission to the mix. Last redesigned for 2022, the Civic hasn’t seen any major changes since then. But next year, the 2025 Civic Hybrid arrives in both hatch and sedan flavors.

Verdict: We’re big fans of the 2024 Honda Civic. Unless you want all-wheel drive, you can’t go wrong with this excellent compact car. It’s practical and safe, affordable yet first-rate, and thanks to its available turbocharged engine is a blast to drive. Instead of getting a small SUV like everyone else, strongly consider a Civic Hatchback instead.

Decades ago, few cars were anywhere near as fuel efficient as the Toyota Prius. Today, the 2025 Prius remains the fuel economy champion, but numerous alternatives are close behind. Some even offer more interior room at a lower price. That reality, coupled with the Prius’ cramped interior, limited trunk space, and general weirdness, means hybrid car buyers have options. In response, Toyota adds a new Nightshade trim level with a blacked-out look to the 2025 Prius lineup.

Verdict: The point of the 2025 Toyota Prius is fuel economy, but our Prius Nightshade test car averaged 39.2 mpg, falling significantly short of the EPA estimate of 52 mpg in combined driving. That certainly isn’t superior to roomier hybrid cars from Honda, Hyundai, or from within Toyota’s own lineup.