
Honda has achieved outstanding recognition at the 2026 What Car? Awards, reinforcing its reputation for reliability, quality and hybrid innovation in the UK automotive market. The brand secured two major honours, with the Honda Civic e:HEV winning Family Car of the Year, while Honda was also named Most Reliable Car Brand.
The Honda Civic e:HEV hybrid impressed the What Car? judging panel thanks to its combination of excellent fuel efficiency, practical interior space and engaging driving performance. Following its recent update, the Civic benefits from refreshed styling, enhanced interior materials and improved comfort, making it one of the best family hybrid cars currently on sale.
Judges praised the Civic e:HEV for delivering a smooth and refined driving experience alongside strong real-world economy, highlighting its value for drivers looking for a reliable, economical and well-equipped family hatchback.
In addition to the Civic’s success, Honda’s award for Most Reliable Brand was based on the results of the What Car? Reliability Survey, where Honda achieved the lowest fault rate of any manufacturer. Any reported issues were typically resolved quickly and at no cost to owners, underlining Honda’s long-standing commitment to build quality, dependability and customer satisfaction.
Reacting to the Civic's award, Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, commented:
“The Honda Civic is one of the most spacious and practical family cars on sale. Plus, it manages to combine a comfortable ride with fun handling. Its hybrid set-up delivers gutsy performance, quiet running, and superb real-world fuel efficiency. And, if you buy on PCP finance, you get all of this for a competitive price.”
Reacting to the Honda's award, Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, commented:
“While Honda always performs well in the annual What Car? Reliability Survey, 2025 saw it move up to the top spot. For starters, it had the lowest fault rate of any brand. And on the rare occasions that problems did occur, these were put right swiftly and at no cost to owners.”
Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile, Honda Motor Europe – UK, added:
“We’re delighted to see the Civic recognised once again, and to receive further validation of Honda’s long-standing reputation for reliability. These awards reflect the dedication of our teams, our retail partners and the trust our customers place in the brand. It’s a fantastic way to begin 2026.”
These accolades further strengthen Honda’s position as a leading manufacturer of reliable hybrid cars, family vehicles, and efficient petrol-electric models, making Honda a top choice for UK drivers in 2026.