The 2015 Honda Civic Natural Gas gets 31 MPG combined, but this figure needs careful consideration because it uses Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), not gasoline. The Civic Natural Gas appealed, and still appeals on the used market, to a specific buyer. This is a pragmatist willing to trade convenience and performance for significantly reduced fuel costs and emissions, especially if their commute kept them relatively close to CNG refueling stations.

City and highway performance

The Civic Natural Gas doesn’t have class-leading MPG figures on paper, but gasoline MPG equivalency isn’t comprehensive, so this isn’t the whole story. The EPA rates it at 27 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the lower energy density of CNG compared to gasoline. In practice, you’ll visit the CNG pump just as frequently as a gasoline-powered Civic, but the cost per fill-up will likely be much lower, depending on CNG prices in your area.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Honda Civic Natural Gas at $1,450. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average price of CNG at the time of calculation, and the vehicle’s combined MPG rating. It’s important to understand that this is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local CNG prices, and the distance you drive each year. It provides a useful benchmark for comparing the running costs of the CNG Civic to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to achieve the EPA’s numbers without conscious effort. Like any vehicle, aggressive driving, excessive idling, and neglecting maintenance will negatively impact fuel economy. The Civic Natural Gas, with its smaller fuel tank and the limited availability of CNG refueling stations, requires a proactive approach to fuel management. Plan your routes accordingly, use fuel consumption data displays to optimize your driving style, and don’t wait until the last minute to find a CNG station.

How it compares

Comparing the 2015 Honda Civic Natural Gas to its gasoline counterparts or other environmentally focused vehicles reveals its niche appeal. The standard 2015 Honda Civic with its 1.8L gasoline engine achieved up to 35 MPG combined in LX trim, and the hybrid variant could attain over 45 MPG combined. These numbers seem superior, but the significantly lower cost of CNG could still make the Natural Gas version the cheaper option. Even dedicated EVs like the Nissan LEAF (around 114 MPGe combined rating) require careful consideration of electricity costs and charging infrastructure, elements the CNG Civic buyer had to weigh when the vehicle was new.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and anticipation of traffic flow are key to maximizing efficiency in the Civic Natural Gas. Avoid sudden bursts of speed, maintain a steady pace, and use regenerative braking if equipped. The car’s 5-speed automatic transmission is adequate, but not particularly efficient. Smooth throttle inputs are critical for optimizing fuel consumption.

Regular maintenance, especially tire inflation and air filter replacement, plays an important role. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, and a clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, both impacting fuel economy. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals for optimal performance. Check all Honda fuel economy data to compare other models.

Pay attention to the weight you’re carrying. The Civic’s trunk isn’t huge, so unnecessary cargo adds weight, increasing fuel consumption. Remove any items you don’t need and avoid using the roof rack (if equipped) unless absolutely necessary. Even small reductions in weight can make a difference over time. Compare the CIVIC MPG across all years.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without adding any distance to your trip. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This is especially important in CNG vehicles, as the relatively low fuel costs can make it easy to overlook the impact of idling on your wallet and the environment.