Head-to-head
2025 Honda Civic vs 2025 Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 93.5 to 74.7, on fuel & range. The Honda Civic is ahead on safety.
B
2025 Honda Civic
The 2025 Honda Civic is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas midsize sedan with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Civic 4Dr, is EPA-ra…
vs
B2025 Tesla Model 3
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 is sold in the U.S. as an electric midsize sedan with 4 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model 3 Long Range RWD, …
Verdict · default weights
2025 Tesla Model 3
Clear winThe Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 93.5 to 74.7, on fuel & range. The Honda Civic is ahead on safety.
Fuel & range 2025 Tesla Model 3 leads by 60.9
Safety 2025 Honda Civic leads by 3.5
| Category · weight | 2025 Honda Civicoverall 74.7 | 2025 Tesla Model 3overall 93.5 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 39.1 | 100 | |||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 88.8 | 85.3 | |||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||
| Performancenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Tech & comfortnot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Overall | 74.7 | 93.5 | |||||||||
Safety-only comparison · 3 of 7 categories compared · specs not available for Tesla Model 3
Honda Civic: base trim LX FWD · Tesla Model 3: safety only (EPA and NHTSA record; specs not available). Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Tesla Model 3 wins
- It is rated 137 combined against 49 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $800 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($550 against $1,350).
Where the 2025 Honda Civic answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (105 against 122 filed with NHTSA).
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 85.
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
42 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | — |
| Cylinder count | 4 | — |
| Engine displacement | 1,993 cc | — |
| Engine type (full description) | Atkinson In-Line 4-cylinder | — |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | — |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 150 hp | — |
| Torque | 133 lb-ft | — |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 32 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 36 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 41 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.941 | — |
| Transmission type | Continuously Variable Transmission | — |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Overall height | 55.7 in | — |
| Overall length | 185 in | — |
| Overall width | 70.9 in | — |
| Wheelbase | 108 in | — |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 14.8 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 99 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.3 in | — |
| Second-row headroom | 37.1 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 42.3 in | — |
| Second-row legroom | 37.4 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 2,877 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 2,877 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson Strut | — |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-Link | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion | — |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 36.1 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 282 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Parking brake type | Electric | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 259 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | — |
| Wheel material | steel | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 215/55R16 93H | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 12.4 gal | — |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57 in | — |
| Second-row shoulder room | 56 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
113 features · differences first, then sharedSafety29 differ · 29 listed
| Feature | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow | std | — |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | std | — |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Advanced Front Airbags (SRS) | std | — |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Front Side Airbags | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | std | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) | std | — |
| Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor | std | — |
| Rear Outboard Passenger's Side Airbags | std | — |
| Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure | std | — |
| Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) | std | — |
| Auto High-Beam Headlights | std | — |
| Brake Assist | std | — |
| Child-Proof Rear Door Locks | std | — |
| Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) | std | — |
| Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer | std | — |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Knee Airbags (SRS) | std | — |
| Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) | std | — |
| Hill Start Assist | std | — |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row Outboard), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All) | std | — |
| Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines | std | — |
| Rear Seat Reminder (RSR) | std | — |
| Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) | std | — |
| Seat-Belt Reminder for all Seating Positions | std | — |
| Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor | std | — |
| Traffic Jam Assist | std | — |
| Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) | std | — |
| Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control | std | — |
| Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control | std | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | std | — |
Infotainment12 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 160-watt Audio System with 4 Speakers | std | — |
| 7-Inch Color Touchscreen | std | — |
| 7-Inch TFT Meter | std | — |
| Alexa Built-In | std | — |
| Android Auto™ Compatibility | std | — |
| Apple CarPlay® Compatibility | std | — |
| Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® | std | — |
| Bluetooth® Streaming Audio | std | — |
| HondaLink® | std | — |
| Radio Data System (RDS) | std | — |
| Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC) | std | — |
| USB-C 3.0A Smartphone/Audio Interface (x2) - Front Seats | std | — |
Convenience9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | std | — |
| 12-Volt Power Outlet (Front) | std | — |
| Cruise Control | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold | std | — |
| Honda Maintenance Program 1yr / 12k miles | std | — |
| One-Touch Turn Indicators | std | — |
| Power Door Locks | std | — |
| Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's and Front Passenger's Windows | std | — |
| Security System with Remote Entry and Trunk Release | std | — |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Climate Control System | std | — |
Seating2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Person Seating Capacity | std | — |
| One Piece Fold-Down Rear Seatback | std | — |
Interior13 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Area Light | std | — |
| Center Console with Sliding Armrest and Storage Compartment | std | — |
| Front Beverage Holders | std | — |
| Headroom (in.) (front/rear): 39.3 / 37.1 | std | — |
| Hiproom (in.) (front/rear): 54.3 / 48.9 | std | — |
| Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls | std | — |
| Legroom (in.) (front/rear): 42.3 / 37.4 | std | — |
| Map Lights | std | — |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft.): 99.0 | std | — |
| Shoulder Room (in.) (front/rear): 57.0 / 56.0 | std | — |
| Sliding Sunvisors | std | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column | std | — |
| Floor Mats | std | — |
Exterior18 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| All-Season Tires: 215/55R16 93H / 235/40R18 91W | std | — |
| Capless Fuel Filler | std | — |
| Compact Spare Tire: T125/80D16 97M / T125/85R16 99M | std | — |
| Curb Weight (lbs.): 2,877 / 2,935 / 3,208 / 3,252 | std | — |
| Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna | std | — |
| Height (in.): 55.7 | std | — |
| LED Brake, Side Marker and Taillights | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | — |
| LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off | std | — |
| Length (in.): 184.8 | std | — |
| Power Side Mirrors | std | — |
| Push-to-Release Fuel Filler Door | std | — |
| Track (in.) (front/rear): 60.9/62.0 / 60.5/61.6 | std | — |
| Two-Speed Intermittent Windshield Wipers | std | — |
| Weight Distribution (%) (front/rear): 61/39 / 64/36 | std | — |
| Wheelbase (in.): 107.7 | std | — |
| Wheels: 16 in with Full Covers / 18 in Gloss Black Alloys / 18 in Alloys with Matte Shark Gray Inserts | std | — |
| Width (in.): 70.9 | std | — |
Powertrain20 differ · 20 listed
| Feature | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive | std | — |
| Bore and Stroke (mm): 81 × 96.7 | std | — |
| CARB Emissions Rating: LEV3-SULEV30 / LEV4-SULEV30 | std | — |
| Compression Ratio: 13:1 / 13.9:1 | std | — |
| Continuously Variable Transmission | std | — |
| Direct Fuel Injection | std | — |
| Displacement (cc): 1,993 | std | — |
| Dynamic Drive Modes: 2-Mode Econ/Normal / 3-Mode Econ/Normal/Sport / 4-Mode Econ/Normal/Sport/Individual | std | — |
| Eco Assist™ System | std | — |
| Engine Type: Atkinson In-Line 4-cylinder | std | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (U.S. gal.): 12.4 / 10.6 | std | — |
| Horsepower (SAE net @ rpm): 150 @ 6,400 / 141 @ 6,000 | std | — |
| Idle-Stop | std | — |
| MPG Ratings (City/Hwy/Combined): 32/41/36 / 31/39/34 / 50/47/49 | std | — |
| Ratio Range: 2.526 ~ 0.408 / Electric Motor : 2.231 Lock-up : 0.805 | std | — |
| Redline (rpm): 6,700 / 6,250 | std | — |
| Required Fuel: Regular Unleaded | std | — |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @rpm): 133 @ 4,000-5,000 / 134 @ 4,500 | std | — |
| Tune-up Interval: 100k +/- Miles / No Scheduled Tune-Ups | std | — |
| Valve Train: 16-Valve DOHC Dual-VTC | std | — |
Chassis8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| MacPherson Strut Front Suspension | std | — |
| Multi-Link Rear Suspension | std | — |
| Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in.) (front/rear): 11.1 / 10.2 | std | — |
| Stabilizer Bar (mm) (front/rear): 26.5 x 4.5 (tubular) / 17.0 (solid) / 17.5 (solid) | std | — |
| Steering Ratio: 11.3:1 / 11.5:1 | std | — |
| Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock: 2.30 / 2.20 | std | — |
| Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft.): 36.1 / 38.1 | std | — |
| Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) | std | — |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume (cu ft.): 14.8 | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPHonda Civic
Safety Signal 85 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 105 · 11 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Steering (42), Forward Collision Avoidance (22), Fuel/Propulsion System (15)
Top recalls
- high Fuel System, Gasoline 24V763000 · 720,810 vehicles
- high Steering 24V744000 · 1,693,199 vehicles
Tesla Model 3
Safety Signal 85 B
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 3
Owner complaints 122 · 26 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (37), Forward Collision Avoidance (35), Steering (26)
Top recalls
- high Electrical System 25V690000 · 12,963 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V002000 · 239,382 vehicles
- minor Tires 24V935000 · 696,281 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Honda CivicLX FWD | Tesla Model 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | — |
| Price range across trims | — 4 trims | — |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | BEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Civic 4Dr | Model 3 Long Range RWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 49 | 137 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,350 | $550 |
| EV range | — | 363 mi |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Honda Civic or the 2025 Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 93.5 to 74.7, on fuel & range. The Honda Civic is ahead on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Tesla Model 3 scores 93.5 and the 2025 Honda Civic 74.7. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Honda Civic or the 2025 Tesla Model 3?
2025 Honda Civic: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 2 recalls. 2025 Tesla Model 3: no NHTSA rating yet, grade B, 3 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Honda Civic and the 2025 Tesla Model 3?
Where the 2025 Tesla Model 3 wins: it is rated 137 combined against 49 (EPA mpg or MPGe) and costs $800 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($550 against $1,350). Where the 2025 Honda Civic answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (105 against 122 filed with NHTSA). What they share: a Safety Signal of 85 and 5 seats.