Ranked #3 inÂ
Compact Hybrid Sedan| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Impressive fuel economy figures | Gas engine sounds loud at times | Blind-spot alert and cross-traffic alert now standard Ex trim onwards |
Quick acceleration performance | Unintuitive infotainment system | Omission of LaneWatch rear-facing camera system |
A refined and spacious cabin | ||
Striking exterior design |
$22,930
price151 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower99 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm
torqueContinuously Variable-Speed Automatic
transmission1.5L 4cyl FWD CVT
engine-
basic warrantyThere used to be a time when caring for mother Earth used to cost a huge chunk of money, but that isn’t the case these days with the wide range of hybrids available in our market. Honda takes a different approach in terms of styling of the Insight and keeps its distance from the quirky off-beat designs and keeps it sleek and elegant for this compact sedan that is based on the Honda Civic.
As Honda has packed all the premium and luxury features only in the top-end trim which costs a premium, it is best to opt for the EX trim that adds a handful of safety functions and driver aids and yet keeps the price to a minimum.
A couple of years after entering its third generation, the 2021 Honda Insight looks and feels fresh inside out and hence sees very few changes this year. The 151 hp combined output and 52 mpg of combined fuel economy are what attracts most buyers to the Insight. Add to that the long list of features and a low asking price of $24,125, the 2021 Insight does look promising against the likes of the Hyundai Elantra hybrid and the Toyota Corolla hybrid.
The Honda Insight is only offered in three trims with no options for powertrain options to choose from and comes with a front-wheel-drive as standard. The base LX trim covers all the essentials efficiently and makes for an exciting budget option. The EX trim adds only a few convenience and technology features, while the top-end Touring trim offers a host of premium creature comforts and hence costs considerably more.
|
Trims |
LX |
EX |
Touring |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$24,125 |
$26,005 |
$30,035 |
|
Key Features |
Dusk Sensing LED Headlamps |
Blind Spot Warning |
Front Fog/Driving Lights |
|
Lane Departure Warning |
Post-Collision Safety System |
Universal Remote Transmitter |
|
|
Pre-Collision Safety System |
Satellite Radio |
Dual Zone Front Climate Control |
|
|
6-speaker 160W audio system |
8-speaker 180W audio system |
10-speaker 450W audio system |
|
|
Adaptive Cruise Control |
Heated Power Front Seats |
||
|
Rear View Camera |
Leather Steering Wheel |
||
|
Cloth Upholstery |
Leather Upholstery |
Which trim should you buy?
As Honda has packed all the premium and luxury features only in the top-end trim which costs a premium, it is best to opt for the EX trim that adds a handful of safety functions and driver aids and yet keeps the price to a minimum.
The 2021 Honda Insight is powered by a 1.5-liter 107 hp and 99 lb-ft gasoline engine that is complemented by twin electric motors, which together generate 151 hp and 197 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine in itself isn’t the greatest but together with the hybrid setup does perform pretty well, taking under 8 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint, which is quite fast for a hybrid car.
The power is sent only to the front wheels as standard through a CVT automatic transmission, which limits its capabilities in slippery or snowy conditions. The car feels brisk and agile in city conditions and can manage overtakes comfortably at highway speeds but obviously won’t set any lap or drag race records with 16.2 seconds taken to cover the quarter-mile.
|
Model |
Honda Insight Hybrid LX |
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue |
Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$24,125 |
$24,555 |
$24,595 |
|
Engine |
1.5L, Gas/Electric Inline-4 |
1.6L, Gas/Electric Inline-4 |
1.8L, Gas/Electric Inline-4 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
|
Transmission |
CVT |
6-speed automatic |
CVT |
|
Power |
151 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
139 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
121 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
|
Torque |
197 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
105 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
|
0-60 mph (sec) |
7.7 |
8.0 |
10.3 |
|
Quarter Mile (sec) |
16.2 |
16.4 |
17.6 |
|
Top Speed (mph) |
114 |
112 |
104 |
The Honda Insight is the most powerful hybrid compact sedan on offer, although there isn’t much competition for it. The Elantra hybrid and Corolla hybrid are both priced very similarly to one another and only costs marginally more than the Honda. That being said, the Corolla hybrid takes a painstakingly slow over 10 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the Elantra hybrid is also marginally slower than the Honda.
The Honda Insight neither looks nor feels like a hybrid when behind the wheel. Different drive modes like the Normal, Sport, Econ, and EV modes offer a varied style of driving dynamics while the light, precise and responsive steering makes for a fun car to drive. That being said, it is not sporty in any which way possible but resembles the Civic’s characteristics ever so slightly.
The drive modes do their part well, with Eco limiting the power and returning the best fuel efficiency rating, while the Sport mode does offer more power and sharper steering response. The Insight has pretty solid ride quality as well, floating over most undulations rather effortlessly. Some of the larger bumps will surely rock you around but the car feels planted in most scenarios.
Being a hybrid, Honda employs a regenerative braking system as standard and hence the car begins slowing down the moment you step off the gas pedal and even before depressing the brake pedal if you set them so. A set of 11.1-inch front and 10.2-inch front ensures that the Insight will stop at a pretty decent 125 feet of braking distance in the 60-0 mph panic braking test.
|
Model |
Honda Insight Hybrid |
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Brake Rotors: Front (in) |
11.1 |
11.0 |
10.8 |
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (in) |
10.2 |
10.0 |
10.2 |
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
2,987 |
3,031 |
2,850 |
|
60-0 mph (ft) |
125 |
N/A |
119 |
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the lightest sedan here and also employs pretty sizable brake rotors, therefore does a phenomenal job in halting the vehicle as it has a stopping distance of just 119 feet. The Hyundai Elantra is the heaviest of the lot and although the official braking distances are not yet available, expect performance on par with the Insight.
The biggest advantage of buying a hybrid is the superior fuel efficiency it offers over conventional gas-powered vehicles. The 2021 Honda Insight does pretty well in this regard, offering an EPA-rated fuel economy of 52 mpg combined. The 10.6-gallon fuel tank is on the smaller side, but the high fuel efficiency translates to a pretty solid driving range of over 500 miles on a single tank of gas.
|
Model |
Honda Insight Hybrid |
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
55 |
49 |
53 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
49 |
52 |
52 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
52 |
50 |
52 |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) |
10.6 |
12.4 |
11.4 |
|
Range (City / Highway / Combined) (miles) |
583 / 519 / 551 |
608 / 645 / 620 |
604 / 593 / 593 |
The Corolla hybrid has almost identical fuel economy figures as that of the Insight and also employs a slightly larger gas tank which translates to a longer driving range. The Hyundai Elantra hybrid on the other hand has a marginally lower fuel efficiency but also offers a much larger gas tank which aids it in offering the longest driving range in this comparison.
Honda has managed to achieve the perfect middle ground in terms of the interior of the Insight. It isn’t the largest car in its class but still manages to be pretty spacious. Similarly, there aren’t many luxuries and does not feel as premium as some others in the segment, but there is no compromise in the build and materials quality. Creature comforts are limited in the base trim but feel sufficient in the top trim.
In terms of space, there is abundant space at the front to fit an average American rather comfortably in its bucket seats upfront. At the rear too, there is a good amount of legroom for taller passengers, but the sloping roofline limits a bit of the headroom which might be a concern for a few. The over 15 cu-ft of trunk space can be extended with a foldable rear seat. There are also plenty of storage spaces and cubby holes all around the cabin.
|
Model |
Honda Insight Hybrid |
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
39.3 / 56.9 / 42.3 |
40.6 / 56.5 / 42.3 |
38.3 / 54.0 / 42.0 |
|
Rear Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
36.9 / 55.0 / 37.4 |
37.3 / 55.6 / 38.0 |
37.1 / 51.7 / 34.8 |
|
Trunk Capacity (cu-ft) |
15.1 |
14.2 |
13.1 |
The Hyundai Elantra hybrid also offers a decent-sized boot while the Corolla hybrid compromises a bit in this department. The Corolla also has the most cramped back seat with the headroom being limited for both the front and rear seat occupants. The Elantra hybrid feels the most spacious as it has the best legroom and headroom to offer amongst the hybrids present here.
The base trim gets a very basic but easy-to-use 5-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and an average-sounding 6-speaker audio system. The EX trim adds a couple of speakers more but still isn’t quite the greatest, and one has to go all the way to the Touring trim to enjoy all the modern-day technology and latest features. The 10-speaker sound system is really good but the feature-loaded infotainment isn’t the greatest to use and spoils the overall experience for a top model car.
Based on the Civic and positioned just below the Honda Accord, the 2021 Insight resembles a lot to its siblings but is distinctive enough to stand out from either of them. It gets its own unique front grille and taillights design, but the headlamps are almost identical to the Civic. Also, the conventional look of the Insight makes it stand out from the sea of quirky-looking hybrids which many have not been a fan of in the first place.
|
Model |
Honda Insight Hybrid |
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
2,987 |
3,031 |
2,850 |
|
Length (in) |
183.6 |
184.9 |
182.3 |
|
Width (in) |
71.6 |
71.9 |
70.1 |
|
Height (in) |
55.6 |
55.7 |
56.5 |
|
Ground Clearance (in) |
N/A |
5.3 |
5.3 |
|
Wheelbase (in) |
106.3 |
107.1 |
106.3 |
The Corolla hybrid is the most compact sedan in this comparison which justifies the limited cabin and trunk space. The Elantra hybrid on the other hand is the largest in terms of dimensions while the Honda Insight is positioned between them. Both the Corolla hybrid and the Elantra hybrid have an identical ride height and although the official ground clearance details haven’t been disclosed by Honda, expect it to be similar to the other two.
Honda has always done well in terms of safety and the 2021 Insight is no different either. The NHTSA rates the Honda Insight with a perfect 5-star overall rating, while also managing to bag the “Top Safety Pick+” accolade from the IIHS for performing exceptionally well in their safety tests for the 2021 model year. The base trim misses out only on a handful of driver aids which aids it in getting such high safety ratings. A highlight of the safety and driver assistance features has been listed below.
The closest competitor to the Insight, the Hyundai Elantra looks and even feels underpowered but manages to perform decently with acceleration times only marginally slower than the Insight. It has a marginally lower fuel efficiency but the larger gas tank compensates for it. Add to that the feature-loaded and spacious cabin that it has to offer right from the base trim, shifts a lot of buyers towards itself in this segment.
Despite having a much larger engine than the Insight, the Corolla hybrid has an outright boring acceleration performance and yet is only as good as the Insight hybrid in terms of fuel efficiency. The cabin too isn’t the greatest with quite a few hard plastic trims and the cramped rear seat. The trunk is a size smaller as well than the 2021 Insight and hence it loses out in this competition to the Honda Insight.
The 2021 Honda Insight offers a very balanced and all-around performance in the hybrid compact sedan segment. The cabin feels pretty good and also offers a great amount of cabin and trunk space. The efficiency is good and there are plenty of creature comforts on offer. The ride is smooth and composed and the attractive pricing makes it an exciting prospect. Therefore, if you care about our mother nature and also wish to save some money in terms of fuel bills, the Honda Insight might turn out to be just the right choice for you and your family.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Honda Insight Hybrid Ranked #2 | 7.6 sec | 15.8 sec | 112 mph | |||
2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan Ranked #1 | 7.3 sec | 15.8 sec | 116 mph | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan Ranked #3 | 7.8 sec | 16.1 sec | 112 mph | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Sedan Ranked #4 | 8.5 sec | - | - |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Honda Insight Hybrid Ranked #1 | 55 mpg | 49 mpg | 52 mpg | 10.6 gal. | 583/519.4 mi. | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan Ranked #1 | 53 mpg | 52 mpg | 52 mpg | 11.4 gal. | 604.2/592.8 mi. | |||
2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan Ranked #1 | 51 mpg | 53 mpg | 52 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 673.2/699.6 mi. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Sedan Ranked #2 | 53 mpg | 56 mpg | 50 mpg | 11 gal. | 583/616 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Honda Insight Hybrid Ranked #3 | 183.6 in. | 71.6 in. | 55.6 in. | - | 106.3 in. | |||
2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan Ranked #1 | 192.1 in. | 72.4 in. | 56.9 in. | 5.7 in. | 111.2 in. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Sedan Ranked #2 | 184.1 in. | 71.9 in. | 55.7 in. | 5.3 in. | 107.1 in. | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan Ranked #4 | 182.3 in. | 70.1 in. | 56.5 in. | 5.3 in. | 106.3 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Honda Insight Hybrid Ranked #2 | 15.1 cu.ft. | 97.6 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Sedan Ranked #1 | 14.2 cu.ft. | 99.4 cu.ft. | 48.9 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan Ranked #2 | 13.1 cu.ft. | 88.6 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan Ranked #2 | 15.1 cu.ft. | 99.9 cu.ft. | - |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Honda Insight Hybrid Ranked #1 | - | 15.1 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan Ranked #2 | - | 15.1 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan Ranked #3 | - | 13.1 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Sedan Ranked #4 | 48.9 cu.ft. | 14.2 cu.ft. | 48.9 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Honda Insight Hybrid Ranked #1 | 850 lbs. | 2987 lbs. | |||
2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan Ranked #1 | 925 lbs. | 3480 lbs. | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan Ranked #1 | 825 lbs. | 2850 lbs. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Sedan Ranked #1 | 981 lbs. | 3031 lbs. | - |
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User Overall Rating
Posted On: July 23, 2024
The 2022 Honda Insight EX genuinely impressed me with its fuel efficiency, with up to 55 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. It combines eco-friendliness with a comfortable, beautiful interior with supportive seats. The 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration make the drive much more enjoyable and convenient for both me and my passengers. In terms of safety,...
