2027 Honda Civic Sport-L and S+ Shift Explained

Honda has added a new trim to the 2027 Civic lineup, the Sport-L, and a new drive mode called S+ Shift to the Civic Sport Touring Hybrid. If you are shopping the Civic in Victorville or anywhere in the High Desert, here is what Honda says about each, and what it has not shared yet.

• Sport-L: a first-ever Civic trim that Honda places between Sport and Sport Hybrid, with a 2.0-liter engine
• S+ Shift: a drive mode that simulates a performance transmission, available on the Sport Touring Hybrid
• Body styles: the Sport-L is listed for both the Sedan and the Hatchback

Table of Contents

• What Is the Civic Sport-L?
• What the Sport-L Adds
• Honda S+ Shift
• Fuel Economy by Model
• Honda Sensing and Safety
• Who It Fits, and Honest Limits
• Common Questions

What Is the Civic Sport-L?

According to Honda, the Civic Sport-L is the first of its kind in the Civic lineup. It slots between the Civic Sport and the Sport Hybrid, and Honda says it brings premium features that were previously exclusive to hybrid trims to a gas-powered Civic. It uses a 2.0-liter engine with a CVT, and Honda lists it for both the Sedan and the Hatchback.

Honda says the 2027 Civic Sedan and Hatchback are reaching dealerships, with the Sport-L expected to join the lineup. Ask us about availability. For the Sedan, see our guide to what’s new on the 2027 Civic Sedan. For cargo and hybrid numbers on the Hatchback, see the 2027 Civic Hatchback guide.

What the Sport-L Adds

Honda lists these items as the Sport-L’s new content, along with where each one was available before:

Honda has not listed wheel details for the Sport-L or any technology beyond the Honda Sensing suite, so ask us about those when you visit.

Honda S+ Shift

S+ Shift is a drive mode on the 2027 Civic Sport Touring Hybrid. Honda says the technology was pioneered on the 2026 Honda Prelude and that it “simulates a performance transmission,” including virtual rev-matched downshifts and gear holding, plus enhanced engine sounds meant to increase the driver’s connection with the car.

Note that S+ Shift is a hybrid feature. Honda names only the Sport Touring Hybrid for it, so it is not part of the Sport-L. If you want to know how the hybrid system itself works, our explainer How Honda Hybrids Work covers it.

Fuel Economy by Model

Here are Honda’s 2027 EPA ratings for the Sport, Sport-L and hybrid models:

Based on 2027 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

The Sport-L matches the Sport on paper, while the hybrids lead on city mileage. If most of your driving is stop-and-go around Victorville and Hesperia, the hybrid numbers deserve a close look. If you spend more time on the 15, the gap narrows.

Honda Sensing and Safety

Honda says every 2027 Civic comes with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Forward Collision Warning and Road Departure Mitigation. All Sport models also add blind spot information with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. For a feature-by-feature walkthrough, see Honda Sensing Explained.

Who It Fits, and Honest Limits

The Sport-L suits drivers who want a more comfortable Civic cabin, with leather, heated and power seats and dual-zone climate, but prefer a gas engine to a hybrid. For commuters who value fuel economy above all, the hybrids rate higher. For drivers who want the S+ Shift experience, that is a Sport Touring Hybrid feature.

A few limits to keep in mind. The Sport-L is arriving later than the rest of the lineup, so timing may differ from the other trims. Honda has not stated horsepower or torque for the 2.0-liter engine, so we are leaving those numbers out. And if you are curious about the performance end of the Civic family, our 2027 Civic Type R guide covers that separately.

Common Questions

Q: What is the 2027 Honda Civic Sport-L?

It is a new Civic trim that Honda places between the Sport and Sport Hybrid. Honda says it adds leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and other features that were previously exclusive to hybrid trims. It is listed for both the Sedan and the Hatchback.

Q: Does the Civic Sport-L have a hybrid engine?

No. Honda lists the Sport-L with a 2.0-liter engine and a CVT. The Civic hybrids are the Sport Hybrid and the Sport Touring Hybrid.

Q: What is Honda S+ Shift and which Civic has it?

Honda S+ Shift is a drive mode that simulates a performance transmission, with virtual rev-matched downshifts, gear holding and enhanced engine sounds. Honda names the Civic Sport Touring Hybrid as the model that adds it.

Q: Is Honda Sensing standard on the 2027 Civic?

Yes. Honda says all 2027 Civic models are equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, and all Sport models also have blind spot information with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Q: When will the Civic Sport-L arrive at Valley Hi Honda?

The 2027 Civics are reaching dealerships, with the Sport-L expected to join the lineup. Ask us about availability. Arrival timing at each dealership can vary, so call Valley Hi Honda at (760) 962-9600 to ask about the 2027 Civic.

Want to see the 2027 Civic for yourself? Visit Valley Hi Honda at 15710 Valley Park Ln, Victorville, CA 92394 or call (760) 962-9600 to ask about 2027 Civic models. You can also browse new Honda inventory or value your trade.

© 2026 Valley Hi Honda. All rights reserved. Honda Sensing® and Collision Mitigation Braking System™ are Honda trademarks. Features and availability vary by trim and model. Always drive for the conditions.