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2021 Honda Insight – Test Drive

An Affordable and Fuel Efficient Solution

The Honda Insight is an affordable and fuel efficient compact sedan – that is, without the cheap feel. Despite similar dimensions as the Honda Civic, it feels reminiscent of the more expensive Honda Accord. Combined with an electric motor, the hybrid powertrain is exceptionally fuel efficient and power capable for daily driving, making it a great gradual step towards a future full EV alternative.

Starting price for the base EX trim can be had for as low as $25,210 that comes with plenty of safety and tech features including blind spot and cross-traffic alert system as well as the full Honda Sensing safety system. Most preferred would be the higher Touring trim that comes equipped with more luxury treatment including Leather-Trimmed Seats, heated front seats, and a Power Moonroof, better audio system and dual-zone climate controls. It costs about $4,000 more, but well worth the upgrade in our books.

Powertrain

The Honda Insight gets a trustworthy hybrid powertrain that strikes an excellent balance of both efficiency and performance. The miniature 1.5 liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine works in tandem with an electric motor to produce 151 horsepower. But it’s ultimately the fuel economy that puts the Honda Insight in the spotlight with an incredible EPA rating of 52mpg on the city and highway combined. All trims are limited to front-wheel drive configuration however.

A drive selector mode offers the standard ECO, Normal and Sport mode in which the LEDs on the instrument cluster are illuminated. Other than that, the powertrain technology is fairly basic, but gets the job done – very well.

Interior and Tech Features

Interior finishing in our tester Touring trim is surprisingly elegant that reflects the quality and craftmanship of its more expensive Honda Accord. A simple all-digital instrument cluster displays is subtle and easy to display with a center-mounted LCD screen to show additional menus, and vehicle configurations that are set by buttons located on the steering wheel.

Driver seating position sits low to the ground, but is comfortable and spacious. Rear seating arrangement fits two full size adults comfortably with the ability to extend added cargo-space via its 60/40 rear folding seats. To maximize interior space, Honda has placed the lithium ion battery pack deep within the front center console. Still, the trunk offers plenty of space for most daily needs.

Both the EX and Touring trim get an 8.0″ infotainment touchscreen that’s both compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Honda-Link navigation can be added as a configurable upgrade option and its performance proved to be both accurate and fairly quick to respond to voice-directed navigation. Touring trims also receives a more enhanced 10-speaker audio system.

Test Drive and Final Thoughts

The Honda Insight’s road character feels basic, but refined. Road practice reveals a smooth, quiet; yet capable ride with minimal fuss. Thanks to its quality interior build and seamless hybrid powertrain, the interior feels both quiet and comfortable. Other worthy notes are its well-tuned damping electronic steering and a balanced steering and handling feel most notably on winding and twisty roads.

It’s not exactly a car you can whip around corners, but if you can get over the fact, the Honda Insight makes for a great buyer’s choice looking for basic road practicality, efficiency and quality that comes along with its great entry-level price point.

Specifications

  • Vehicle : 2021 Honda Insight
  • Model : Touring
  • Vehicle Type : Compact Sedan
  • Seating Capacity : 2+3
  • Engine : V-4 + Electric Motor
  • Transmission : CVT Transmission
  • Price as tested: $30,005

Pros

  • Exceptional fuel economy
  • Excellent build quality and ride comfort
  • A simple and elegant car for daily driving

Cons

  • Limited to Front-wheel drive configuration – may be non-ideal for areas with harsh weather conditions.