Honda enjoys double success at the 2026 What Car? Awards

The awards, which were presented at a ceremony in London last week, are among the most respected in the UK car industry, following months of independent testing and analysis by the What Car? editorial team.

At the heart of Honda’s success is the Civic e:HEV, a model that has long been a familiar sight on British roads. Judges were particularly impressed by its balance of practicality, comfort and efficiency, praising the hybrid hatchback as a family car that delivers in everyday driving without feeling dull or compromised.

The latest version of the Civic benefits from updates introduced in 2025, including subtle design tweaks and improvements to the interior. These changes have helped refine the car’s look and feel while retaining the strong fuel economy and smooth hybrid performance that buyers have come to expect.

What Car? editor Steve Huntingford described the Civic as one of the most well‑rounded family cars on sale, highlighting its spacious cabin, comfortable ride and engaging handling. He also pointed to its real‑world fuel efficiency and competitive pricing as key reasons for its win.

Blue Honda Civic parked, awarded Best Family Car 2026 by What Car?

Alongside the Civic’s category victory, Honda was also recognised as Most Reliable Brand, a title informed by the magazine’s latest reliability survey. The results placed Honda at the top of the rankings, with the lowest reported fault rate of any manufacturer and strong scores for how quickly and effectively issues were resolved.

For many motorists, reliability remains one of the most important factors when choosing a new car, particularly as vehicles become more technologically complex. Honda’s latest award reinforces the brand’s long‑standing reputation for building cars that owners can depend on day in, day out.

Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda Motor Europe – UK, said the double win was a proud moment for the company and a reflection of the work done by teams across the business.

“To see the Civic recognised again, and to be named Most Reliable Brand, is hugely rewarding,” she said. “It shows the trust our customers place in Honda and the commitment we have to delivering quality and reliability.”

The What Car? Awards, first held in 1978, are widely regarded as a key benchmark for car buyers in the UK. Honda’s strong showing in 2026 underlines its continued relevance in a rapidly changing market, particularly as more drivers look towards hybrid technology that combines efficiency with familiar, everyday usability.