Civic bags Wheels Car of the Year

The Honda Civic E:HEV L has been named Wheels Car of the Year (COTY) for 2025-26.

Wheels describes it as a beautifully executed family sedan that is a model of hybrid drivetrain efficiency.

To better reflect the considerations of consumers and select a realistic field of contenders for this year’s award, the average purchase price of the 20 cars tested was $56,000.

Now in its 62nd year, the Wheels award is the world’s longest, continuous annual car award, a symbol of quality and excellence recognised across the automotive spectrum.

The Civic topped this year’s podium ahead of the MG HS Hybrid+ mid-size SUV in second place, and the Toyota GR Corolla in third spot.

The winner, with a recommended retail price of $49,900, was decided at Victoria’s Lang Lang Proving Grounds in early November after a rigorous week of testing by Wheels judges.

The Honda Civic emerged victorious because the judges found it was car that would continue to reward the buyer long after purchase and because of its fuel efficiency, its refined drive, beautiful finishing and all-round practicality.

“In the same way last year’s winner (the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N) was a celebration of innovation and moved EVs into a different space, the Civic’s win this year is a celebration of tradition, quality and execution,” Wheels’ managing editor Trent Nikolic said.

“The new Civic is a fantastic car in every sense of the word, representing value, delivering safety, driving superbly and presenting a high-quality cabin.”