Recently, I embarked on an unexpected and lengthy road trip in my Civic Hatchback Sport Touring. Driven by the need to travel from NE Ohio to Bradenton, FL, and then up to Indiana before returning to Ohio, the journey covered approximately 2,600 miles. Despite the somber circumstances prompting the initial trip, this extensive drive provided an excellent opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the Civic Hatchback Sport Touring’s capabilities as a long-distance cruiser.
The Civic Hatchback Sport Touring proved to be a comfortable companion for both myself and my wife throughout the journey. We found the car offered ample space for luggage and personal items, easily accommodating everything needed for a week-long stay. While the absence of memory seating was a minor inconvenience during driver changes, it was far from a significant issue. The car’s technology performed reliably as expected, seamlessly integrating with navigation and entertainment needs.
One aspect that became increasingly noticeable over the long miles was the level of road noise within the cabin. While not unbearable, the high volume of road noise was consistently bothersome, particularly at higher interstate speeds. This is an area where potential owners considering long trips might want to take note.
However, the fuel economy of the Civic Hatchback Sport Touring was genuinely impressive. Across predominantly interstate driving, maintaining an average speed of around 75 mph, the car achieved an average of 35.88 mpg. This figure is commendable for a vehicle in its class and powertrain configuration. Notably, this mileage was achieved even with a minor oversight on my part – forgetting to engage ECO mode for a portion of the drive. Had ECO mode been consistently active, and had I adhered to a slightly lower speed of 70 mph, it’s highly likely the fuel economy would have surpassed 36 mpg, further enhancing its efficiency for long journeys.
A point of consideration for potential touring enthusiasts is the Civic Hatchback Sport Touring’s fuel tank size. With a tank range of less than 400 miles, refueling stops became relatively frequent. While regular breaks are necessary on long drives, the need to stop for fuel roughly every three tanks on each leg of the trip felt somewhat cumbersome. Despite typically refueling after using only about 9.2 gallons per tank, driven by a preference to avoid pushing the range in unfamiliar areas, a larger fuel tank would undoubtedly enhance the “Touring” aspect of this trim level, reducing the frequency of fuel stops on extended journeys.
In conclusion, despite minor drawbacks such as noticeable road noise and a somewhat limited fuel tank range, my first major road trip in the Civic Hatchback Sport Touring was overwhelmingly positive. The car delivered excellent fuel economy, commendable comfort, and sufficient space, making it a capable and efficient vehicle for long-distance travel. For those considering the Civic Hatchback Sport Touring for road trips, it stands as a strong contender, offering a compelling blend of sporty performance and touring practicality.
