2017 Honda Civic: Performance and Fuel Economy Deep Dive
Theres a real thrill in discovering that a car can be both genuinely fun to drive and remarkably easy on your wallet at the pump, and the 2017 Honda Civic delivers on both counts.
The 2017 Civic represents the 10th generation, building on the complete redesign from 2016. This was the year Honda introduced the hatchback body style to the lineup, expanding the Civic’s appeal to drivers who needed more versatility without sacrificing the engaging driving experience the nameplate is known for . It was also the first year Honda paired the punchy 1.5-liter turbo engine with a six-speed manual transmission in the sedan and coupe, giving driving enthusiasts more control over the boosted power .
TL;DR
The 2017 Honda Civic offers a range of powertrains, headlined by a responsive 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that provides a great blend of performance and fuel efficiency. The standard 2.0-liter engine delivers 158 horsepower, while the popular 1.5-liter turbo produces between 174 and 205 horsepower depending on the trim . Fuel economy is a class-leader, with CVT-equipped models achieving up to 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway . Choosing the Sport or Sport Touring trims with the more powerful tune of the 1.5L engine means you’ll need to use premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance .
Key Takeaways
- Two Main Engines: The 2017 Civic comes with a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with power ratings from 174 to 205 hp .
- Turbo Is the Pick: The 1.5-liter turbo engine offers significantly better performance, with peak torque arriving from as low as 1,700 rpm, making the car feel quick and responsive in daily driving .
- Class-Leading MPG: The most efficient models, featuring the 1.5L turbo with a CVT, are rated at an excellent 31 mpg city / 40 mpg highway / 34 mpg combined .
- Fuel Matters: The Sport and Sport Touring trims (180 hp) are tuned for and require premium unleaded fuel (91 octane) to achieve their performance figures. All other 1.5L turbo models (174 hp) run on regular 87-octane fuel .
- Real-World Results: Owners consistently report highway fuel economy in the high 30s to low 40s mpg, confirming the EPA’s estimates are achievable in normal driving .
The Powertrain Lineup
When you look under the hood of a 2017 Civic, you have a couple of different stories depending on the trim level.
The Base Engine: 2.0-liter 4-Cylinder
This is the standard engine you’ll find in the LX, LX-P, and EX sedan and coupe models . It’s a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter producing 158 horsepower . While it’s a perfectly capable and reliable engine, the real star of the show is the turbocharged option. The base engine’s fuel economy is still very competitive for a non-turbo engine, getting up to 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway in some configurations .
The Game Changer: 1.5-liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
This is where the 2017 Civic starts to feel genuinely sporty. Depending on the trim and tune, this direct-injected engine comes in a few flavors:
- 174 Horsepower: Found in the LX, EX, and EX-L trims of the hatchback, and the EX-T, EX-L, and Touring trims of the sedan and coupe. This version is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel (87 octane) .
- 180 Horsepower: Exclusive to the Hatchback Sport and Sport Touring trims. This version is tuned for more power and features a center-mounted dual exhaust system. However, it is designed to benefit from and requires premium unleaded fuel (91 octane) to reach its full potential .
- 205 Horsepower: For the enthusiast, the return of the Si badge in 2017 brought a “tweaked” version of the 1.5-liter turbo producing 205 hp, available only with a 6-speed manual transmission .
“In Civic Hatchback Sport and Sport Touring models that are designed to benefit from premium unleaded fuel, output jumps to 180 horsepower…”
Here’s a quick breakdown of the engine outputs and fuel recommendations for the most common configurations:
| Model & Trim | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Recommended Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX / EX / EX-L (Hatchback) | 1.5L Turbo | 174 hp | 162-167 lb-ft | Regular (87 Octane) |
| Sport / Sport Touring (Hatchback) | 1.5L Turbo | 180 hp | 162-177 lb-ft | Premium (91 Octane) |
| EX-T / Touring (Sedan/Coupe) | 1.5L Turbo | 174 hp | 162 lb-ft | Regular (87 Octane) |
| Civic Si (Sedan/Coupe) | 1.5L Turbo | 205 hp | – | Premium |
Transmission Choices
Your choice of transmission also affects both performance and fuel economy. The continuously variable transmission is smooth and efficient, while the 6-speed manual offers more engagement and control .
- 6-Speed Manual Transmission: Standard on the base LX models and the Sport hatchback. It’s known for a smooth and precise shift feel, though some reviewers noted the manual transmission revs higher at highway speeds (around 2,900 rpm at 75 mph) .
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Standard on most higher trims, the CVT is designed for maximum fuel efficiency. While it can display some “rubber band” effect under hard acceleration, it quiets down nicely during cruising and delivers class-leading mpg numbers .
Fuel Economy Deep Dive
The 2017 Civic’s fuel economy is one of its main selling points. The combination of its turbocharged, direct-injected engines, excellent aerodynamics, and efficient transmissions pays off at the pump .
EPA Ratings By Configuration
The official EPA ratings show just how efficient this Civic can be. Here’s a look at the key numbers from Honda’s press materials :
| Configuration | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L Turbo (CVT) – LX / EX / EX-L | 31 | 40 | 34 |
| 1.5L Turbo (6MT) – LX Hatchback | 30 | 39 | 33 |
| 1.5L Turbo Sport (CVT) – Sport/Sport Touring Hatchback | 30 | 36 | 32 |
| 1.5L Turbo Sport (6MT) – Sport Hatchback | 30 | 39 | 33 |
Real-World Performance
The official numbers are impressive, but they’re backed up by what owners and reviewers actually experienced.
- Reviewers saw 30.7 mpg: In a test drive of a Hatchback Sport Touring, Consumer Guide recorded a real-world fuel economy of 30.7 mpg over 261 miles of mixed driving, which was 55% city and 45% highway .
- Owners are hitting 40+ mpg: Many owners report hitting the EPA estimates or even beating them. One driver noted getting an amazing 42 mpg on their commute, while another reported 44 mpg on a highway trip from Denver to Glenwood Springs . A long-term owner with the Sport manual transmission averaged around 32 mpg in mixed driving, with highway trips seeing 40 mpg .
- CVT vs. Manual: A comprehensive review noted that with a mix of highway and city driving, they achieved 40 mpg with the CVT and 38 mpg with the manual transmission, both figures very close to the highway ratings .
Performance Review: How Does It Drive?
The 2017 Civic isn’t just about saving fuel; it’s about making the drive enjoyable. The move to the 1.5-liter turbo engine was a significant step up in driving dynamics.
The Turbo Feeling
The 1.5-liter engine, especially in its 174-hp tune, delivers its peak torque (162 lb-ft) from as low as 1,700 rpm . This means you get a strong shove of power right from a stop, making the car feel quick and responsive in city traffic. The engine’s power delivery is a key reason reviewers praised the car’s “engaging driving personality” .
Owners rave about the “turbo power really kicks in when you need it” and describe the car as “nimble” with “plenty of pickup and fun to drive” . The sportier 180-hp tune in the Hatchback Sport and Sport Touring adds a little extra bite, especially when paired with the premium fuel it’s designed for.
Handling and Ride Quality
The 10th-generation Civic sits on a new, more rigid platform that improves handling and ride quality . Driver feedback consistently points to a car that feels “rock solid” at high speeds on the highway, with “great steering” and minimal body roll around corners . This balance of a comfortable yet athletic ride is a frequently cited strength in reviews .
A Note on the CVT
If you opt for the CVT, know that it’s tuned for efficiency. Some reviewers note it can show a “moderate amount of the rubber band effect” under hard acceleration, but it settles down to a quiet hum when cruising . For many drivers, the fuel economy gains are worth this minor trade-off.
A Potential Concern: Fuel Dilution
It’s important to be aware of a known issue that affected some 2017 models equipped with the 1.5-liter turbo engine. Some owners reported a problem where gasoline mixed with the engine oil, a condition known as fuel dilution . This was a known issue that Honda investigated, so it’s something to watch for if you’re shopping for a used model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which engine is better, the 2.0-liter or the 1.5-liter turbo?
A: The 1.5-liter turbo is widely considered the better engine. It provides significantly more power and torque, making the car feel quicker and more responsive. It also achieves equal or better fuel economy compared to the 2.0-liter in most configurations .
Q: Does the 2017 Honda Civic require premium gas?
A: It depends on the trim. The standard 1.5-liter engine (174 hp) in the LX, EX, and EX-L trims runs fine on regular unleaded (87 octane). However, the Sport and Sport Touring trims (180 hp) are designed to operate on premium unleaded (91 octane) to achieve their full power rating .
Q: What is the real-world fuel economy of the 2017 Civic?
A: Owners and reviewers consistently report achieving the EPA estimates. Many have recorded highway mileage in the high 30s to low 40s mpg. A mixed-driving average of around 32-34 mpg is very common .
Q: Is the 2017 Honda Civic fun to drive?
A: Yes, especially with the 1.5-liter turbo engine. The car is praised for its responsive acceleration, sharp steering, and well-tuned suspension that balances a comfortable ride with sporty handling .
Q: What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Civic Sport Hatchback with a manual transmission?
A: The EPA rating for the Sport Hatchback with the 6-speed manual transmission is 30 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined . However, owners report getting even better mileage, sometimes exceeding 40 mpg on the highway .
References
For further reading and data verification:
- Honda Newsroom: 2017 Civic Hatchback Powertrain Press Kit
- Consumer Guide Auto: 2017 Honda Civic Review
- Edmunds: 2017 Honda Civic Owner Reviews
- Autoguide: 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Review
What’s your experience with the 2017 Civic? Drop your thoughts and average MPG in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
