Honda Insight: Price, Specs, Features & Review
The Honda Insight is a hybrid sedan built for drivers who want excellent fuel economy, a clean and mature design, and a more refined daily driving experience than many economy-focused compact cars. It fits commuters, hybrid shoppers, and small families who want sedan comfort with low fuel costs and easy ownership.
Honda positioned it as a sleek, efficiency-first hybrid sedan, but it is important to note that the Insight was discontinued after the 2022 model year in the U.S. market.
8.7 / 10 — WheelPedia Rating
Every vehicle we review is scored on a 1–10 scale based on how well it delivers on performance, comfort, efficiency, value, and real-world usability. These ratings help show where it stands in its segment.
Key Highlights
Last U.S. Model Year: 2022
Starting MSRP: about $25,000–$26,200
Top Trim Price: about $29,000–$30,900
Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder hybrid system
Horsepower: 151 hp combined
Transmission: E-CVT
Drivetrain: FWD
Fuel Economy: up to 55 city / 49 highway / 52 combined mpg
Best For: commuting, hybrid efficiency, daily driving, used hybrid sedan shoppers
Specifications
| Spec | Details |
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Insight |
| Body Type | Compact hybrid sedan |
| Segment | Compact car |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel Tank | 10.6 gallons |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches |
| Length | 183.6 inches |
The Insight was built for buyers who wanted the fuel-saving benefits of a hybrid without the awkward styling or unusual driving feel that some hybrid cars used to have. It rode on a Civic-like platform, which helped it feel more normal and more refined than many efficiency-first cars.
Expert Tip
If you are buying a used Honda Insight, the EX trim is usually the smarter value pick for most buyers. It already brings the core hybrid efficiency, Honda Sensing safety tech, and strong day-to-day usability. The Touring adds nicer features, but the EX keeps the best fuel economy and is often easier to justify on the used market.
Overview
The Honda Insight filled an interesting role in Honda’s lineup. It gave buyers a dedicated hybrid sedan without forcing them into a larger and more expensive Accord Hybrid. It also offered a more traditional sedan look than many hybrid cars, which made it appealing to buyers who wanted fuel savings without drawing attention to the fact that they were driving a hybrid.
In the U.S. market, the final Insight was offered through the 2022 model year in two trims: EX and Touring. Both used the same 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain and front-wheel-drive layout. The difference mostly came down to comfort and feature content. The EX focused more on value and maximum efficiency, while the Touring leaned more toward comfort and premium touches.
From our view, the Insight’s biggest strength was how normal it felt. It did not try too hard to be futuristic. It simply gave buyers a well-packaged hybrid sedan with strong mileage, smooth driving behavior, and a cabin that felt easy to live with.
Price & Trims
| Trim | Starting MSRP (2022) | Key Features | EPA Fuel Economy |
| EX | about $25,000–$26,200 | Honda Sensing, 16-inch alloys, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 55 / 49 / 52 mpg |
| Touring | about $29,000–$30,900 | Leather seats, moonroof, dual-zone climate, power driver’s seat, premium audio | 51 / 45 / 48 mpg |
The Insight kept its lineup simple. The EX was the value-focused trim and the one most buyers would likely choose for the best efficiency-to-price balance. The Touring gave you a more upscale cabin and extra comfort features, but it also lost a bit of fuel economy because of added weight and equipment.
Since the Insight is no longer sold new, pricing today depends on used-market mileage, condition, accident history, and location. In general, low-mileage 2022 models still hold up well because the Insight remains a practical and efficient hybrid sedan.
Engine, Performance & Fuel Economy
The Honda Insight used one hybrid powertrain across both trims, and it was built around efficiency first. That said, it still delivered enough power to avoid feeling weak in normal driving.
Engine Options
- 1.5L Atkinson-cycle inline-4 gasoline engine
- 107 hp from gas engine
- 99 lb-ft of torque
- Two-motor hybrid system
- 129-hp propulsion motor
- 151 hp combined system output
- Lithium-ion battery pack
- E-CVT transmission
- Front-wheel drive
Driving Feel
In real driving, the Insight feels smooth, quiet, and composed. It is not a sporty compact sedan, but it is also not a sluggish economy car. The hybrid system gives it decent low-speed response, and the overall tuning suits city commuting and highway cruising well. The steering is light, the ride is comfortable, and the car feels more refined than many people expect from a fuel-economy-focused hybrid.
One of the Insight’s best qualities is how easy it is to drive normally. It does not require the driver to adapt to some strange hybrid personality. It simply feels like a polished compact sedan that happens to save a lot of fuel.
Fuel Economy
| Trim | City | Highway | Combined |
| EX | 55 mpg | 49 mpg | 52 mpg |
| Touring | 51 mpg | 45 mpg | 48 mpg |
Those are strong numbers for a compact sedan that still offers decent comfort and normal everyday usability. The EX is the efficiency leader, while the Touring gives up a little mileage for more features.
0–60 MPH Acceleration (Tested)
Tested under real-world driving conditions
| Model / Trim | 0–60 mph | Quarter-Mile | Notes |
| Insight EX | about 7.3–7.7 sec | about 15.8 sec | Strongest runs come with good traction and battery support |
| Insight Touring | about mid-7-second range | slightly slower than EX | Added weight can cost a little time |
Based on our performance data, the Insight is quicker than many buyers might expect from a high-mpg hybrid sedan. It launches smoothly rather than aggressively, but once moving, the hybrid system gives it a useful mid-range pull. It is not fast in a sporty sense, but it is more than adequate for normal driving, highway merges, and passing.
Interior, Comfort & Technology
Inside, the Insight focused on simplicity and comfort rather than flashy design. That worked in its favor. The cabin layout was clean, the controls were easy to use, and the overall feel was more mature than some other hybrid cars in its price range. Because it shared a lot of its packaging logic with the Civic, it also felt more natural than some dedicated hybrids that sacrificed usability for style.
The EX trim already covered the main daily needs well, which is another reason it made so much sense as the lineup’s sweet spot. The Touring added the kind of upgrades that made the car feel more upscale, especially for buyers who spend a lot of time in traffic or on the highway.
Cabin and tech highlights
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Cloth seats on EX
- Leather seats on Touring
- Dual-zone climate control on Touring
- Power driver’s seat on Touring
- Premium audio on Touring
- Moonroof on Touring
The Insight was not built to feel luxurious, but it did a good job of feeling well organized and easy to live with. That matters more than fancy styling in a car like this.
Safety Features & Ratings
Safety was one of the Insight’s stronger selling points. Honda gave both trims a solid set of driver-assistance and safety features, which made the car more attractive to commuters, small families, and buyers who wanted a hybrid without stepping down in safety equipment.
Common safety and driver-assistance features include:
- Honda Sensing
- Adaptive cruise control
- Collision warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Stability and traction control
- Rearview camera
The Insight’s safety equipment helped it feel like a more complete compact sedan instead of just a fuel-economy tool.
Safety disclaimer: For official crash-test ratings and safety evaluations, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy
- Smooth and refined hybrid powertrain
- More mature styling than many hybrids
- Comfortable everyday driving feel
- Strong value in EX trim
- Good safety equipment
- Easy used-car ownership case for many buyers
Cons
- Discontinued after 2022
- Used-only purchase path now
- Touring loses some efficiency
- Not especially sporty
- Less cargo flexibility than a hatchback or crossover
Should You Buy the Honda Insight?
You should buy the Honda Insight if you want a used hybrid sedan that offers excellent fuel economy, a clean design, and a more refined driving experience than many budget-focused compact cars. It makes a lot of sense for commuters, daily drivers, and buyers who want a practical used Honda hybrid without moving into a larger sedan or crossover.
You may want to skip it if you want a brand-new hybrid, more cargo flexibility, or a more performance-focused compact car. The Insight was built around efficiency and comfort, not sporty character.
For the right buyer, though, the Insight still makes a strong case. It is efficient, comfortable, easy to drive, and well suited to people who want a hybrid sedan that does not feel odd or compromised. That is a big reason it still holds appeal on the used market.
FAQs
Is the Honda Insight discontinued?
Yes. The Honda Insight was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2022 model year.
How much did the Honda Insight cost when new?
The 2022 Honda Insight started at about $25,000–$26,200 for the EX trim and reached about $29,000–$30,900 for the Touring trim.
What engine does the Honda Insight use?
The Insight uses a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system for a combined 151 horsepower.
What is the fuel economy of the Honda Insight?
The EX is rated at 55 city / 49 highway / 52 combined mpg, while the Touring is rated at 51 city / 45 highway / 48 combined mpg.
Is the Honda Insight a good used car?
Yes. For many buyers, the Insight is a strong used hybrid sedan because it offers excellent fuel economy, good safety features, and an easy-to-live-with driving experience.
How fast is the Honda Insight from 0 to 60 mph?
The Insight can reach 60 mph in about 7.3 to 7.7 seconds depending on trim, conditions, and test setup.
Does the Honda Insight have Honda Sensing?
Yes. Honda Sensing was included on both final-year trims.
Is the Honda Insight better than the Civic?
They serve different buyers. The Insight is better for hybrid fuel savings, while the Civic is the better fit if you want a newer active model range and more trim variety.
Summary
The Honda Insight was one of the smartest hybrid sedans in its class because it combined strong fuel economy with a more normal, refined sedan experience. Its biggest strengths were efficiency, smooth daily driving, solid safety equipment, and a clean design that aged well. Its biggest weaknesses were that it was discontinued, it is now a used-only model, and it never aimed to be especially sporty or highly configurable.
Overall, the Insight is a smart buy for people who want a used hybrid sedan that feels polished, efficient, and easy to own. It wins on balance, and that is exactly why it still deserves attention even after leaving the lineup.