The 2017 Honda Civic EX gets 32 MPG combined, making it a smart choice for those who want good gas mileage without giving up practicality and reliability. It’s not a hybrid and it’s not marketed as a hyper-efficient economy car. The Civic EX balances good fuel economy with a well-equipped, comfortable, and enjoyable compact sedan. The ideal buyer wants a sensible daily driver that doesn’t feel like an appliance and values Honda’s dependability and resale value but doesn’t want to spend extra on a hybrid or compact EV.

City and highway performance

The Civic EX’s EPA ratings are 29 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. The CVT’s programming and the engine’s characteristics perform well in both environments. In cities, the readily available torque and smooth acceleration make navigating stop-and-go traffic easy. A driver can cruise easily on the open road with 38 MPG. The CVT manages engine speed, keeping it at a lower RPM to maximize efficiency. Some may not like a CVT, but Honda’s version is well-tuned and avoids the droning found in some continuously variable transmissions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Honda Civic EX at $1,641. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Fuel expenses will change based on local gas prices and driving habits, but $1,641 lets you compare the Civic EX to other vehicles. This cost efficiency saves Civic buyers money over the car’s life.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures are only a starting point, real-world MPG can change. The 2017 Civic EX meets its fuel economy claims. Many drivers have reported numbers close to the EPA estimates, sometimes exceeding them on longer drives. Being gentle with the accelerator and anticipating traffic can improve mileage. Aggressive driving and frequent short trips will reduce MPG, but not by much.

How it compares

The 2017 Honda Civic EX compares well against its rivals in the compact sedan group. The Toyota Corolla gets about 32 MPG combined in its LE trim, similar to the Civic EX. The Mazda3 also gets around 32 MPG in its base configuration. A Hyundai Elantra Eco gets around 35 MPG combined, a bit better than the Civic, but the Honda has a better reputation and is more refined. The Civic’s resale value and reliability, combined with its fuel efficiency, often convince buyers to choose it. You can also research CIVIC MPG across all years here to find your optimal Civic from a MPG perspective.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is important. The CVT responds well to a light touch, so don’t floor it unless you have to. Gradual acceleration saves gas and makes for a smoother ride.

Keep your tires inflated properly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Even a few PSI can change mileage.

Avoid idling too long. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes gas. This is very important in the city.

Cruise control can help on long, flat highways by keeping your speed constant. Avoid cruise control on hills, because it may downshift too much, cancelling out the fuel savings. You can research all Honda fuel economy data to see how other models score, too.