2010 Honda Insight: First Drive

Fuel efficient and practical, the Insight is no Prius

While the Toyota Prius is considered the poster child of green driving, the original Honda Insight posted the highest gas mileage of any car we have ever tested. But that two-seater was overshadowed by the Prius. Now Honda has taken renewed aim at the Prius with an updated four-door, five-passenger Insight that somewhat resembles a
7/8-scale Prius.

The least-expensive hybrid on the market, the Honda Insight has a starting price of $19,800. The Insight EX we recently bought cost $21,970.

Initial impression

Our Insight has been averaging about 38 mpg so far, putting it between the Civic Hybrid at 37 mpg overall and our current mileage champ, the outgoing Prius, at 44 mpg, in our experience. The Prius and Insight share a practical hatchback design with a horizontal-split rear window, similar to that on the Honda CRX of the late 1980s.

The car feels considerably tauter and more tied-down than the Prius, but the ride is stiff and choppy. Road noise is pronounced, too. Overall the handling is sound, though not sporty. Stability control is glaringly absent on the base LX model, but is standard on the EX.

The Insight's 1.3-liter gasoline engine, combined with the electric drive, gives it a total output of 98 hp. Acceleration is leisurely. A green "Econ" button makes responses even more muted for better fuel economy. Its continuously variable transmission works well. The car shuts off the engine at stops, as do all hybrids. But unlike the Prius', it starts, with a slight vibration, as soon as the brake pedal is released.

Honda calls the Insight (and the Civic Hybrid) a full-hybrid, because the engine's valves and fuel delivery are sometimes disabled at low speeds, but the hybrid system lacks the ability to move the car on electric power without turning the gas engine—a big part of the enjoyment in driving a hybrid.

Inside, the cockpit feels narrow, and the front seats are firm and supportive. A telescoping steering column aids in making the driving position comfortable. The rear is somewhat cramped, and it's too easy to bump your head getting in and out of the back seat. Switchgear and cubbies feel solid despite the hard plastic, but there are a few signs of cheapness here and there.

A function in the onboard computer allows you to optimize your driving style for best fuel economy. It even gives you an "Eco Score" at the end of each trip. Unlike many hybrids, the Insight has a tachometer that puts the driver more in touch with the car. Paddle shifters by the steering wheel allow quick overrides between seven pre-selected ratios, in another attempt to give the Insight more "driver" appeal than the Prius has.

CR's take

While the Insight is fuel efficient and practical, it sacrifices some comfort and refinement. For now, it is the least-expensive hybrid available, although Toyota is offering discounts on the Prius to compete, and in preparation for a redesigned Prius that arrives in June. We'll wait to see whether the new Prius steals the Insight's thunder, again.