Written byKey Highlights:
- The base Civic LX price increases by $345.
- Civic Si jumps by $1,200, now over $30,000.
- No significant feature changes confirmed yet.
- Pricing reflects broader market trends and inflation.
- Civic still offers substantial value, but faces tougher competition.
The 2026 Honda Civic is arriving with a higher price tag, and potential buyers of all varieties might want to take note—official: Honda Hikes Civic Pricing Across the Board. Pricing for the entire model lineup is now available, including the base model LX and fan favorite Civic Si. Although the bump for the base model is relatively slight, that for the Si is rather more substantial, and could be worrying news for enthusiasts of value-performance sedans.
The new base Civic LX price starts at $25,045, plus destination. That’s $345 more than the 2025 model. That’s a small bump, but it means the long march toward higher new car prices continues. The Civic’s Sport, EX, and Touring trims receive similar increases of $450 to $550. The Touring model, the line’s top choice for comfort and technology, now starts at $31,645.
But it’s the Civic Si that shines. Sporty Civics in Honda land now start at $30,650, which is $1,200 more than in 2025. That pushes it away from “budget performance” and more towards the realm of rivals like the Volkswagen GTI and Subaru WRX. The Si has long been one of the last bastions of buyers who like their manual transmission and have a fun-to-drive approach. However, at this new level, some people will begin to wonder whether it still delivers the same value for the money.
So far, Honda has made no announcements about major upgrades for the 2026 Civic, and early indications suggest that the basic mechanical and equipment lineup will remain unchanged. The LX is still going to use the 2.0-liter I-4 with CVT tranny found on its predecessor, and the Civic Si gets to keep its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual. That would make most of what you are paying for in 2026 the same car that you could have bought last year, only at a higher price.
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The price increase, though, is not exclusive to Honda. Car companies have widely raised prices in response to inflation, supply chain challenges, and higher production costs. With demand strong and inventory tight in some markets, brands feel more comfortable passing on these increases to buyers. Yet it’s not unreasonable for consumers to expect more when they are asked to pay more, especially in a brand-competitive segment where features and value are key.
Even with the price increase, the Honda Civic remains one of the most reliable and well-rounded compact cars on the market. Known for its fuel economy, elegant design, and substantial resale value, it remains a good choice for buyers seeking a practical car that doesn’t sacrifice soul. However, the base price starts to creep up, and the Si eventually pushes past the $30,000 barrier. In that case, Honda may have to contend with some value-driven alternatives from the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda3.
In the end, the 2026 Civic remains a smart pick, although it is no longer as nimbly able to wear a badge that says budget-friendly. But shoppers with their eyes on a purchase this year will have to factor in the extra cost — and do some soul-searching on whether the Civic’s well-earned reputation still justifies a higher price. If there are new features or updates later in the model year, that could help even things out. Until then, consumers will also have to ask themselves whether the known Civic experience is worth a little more out of pocket in 2026.
Sources: Honda, CarsDirect, CarBuzz
