Likes - 5-passenger hybrid for under $20K
- Gas-saving Eco Assist feature teaches better driving
- High safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
Dislikes - 98-horsepower engine lacks uphill power
Tech Specs - Horesepower: 98
- Torque: 123 lbs feet
- MPG: 40/43/41 city/highway/combined
What's New/Changed - All-new exterior and interior look
- Eco Assist addition to the 1.3-liter engine
- IPU or engine size is 19% more compact
The Vehix View - If you're looking for a similar yet $6k-cheaper version of this popular hybrid shape, then you'll appreciate the 2010 Honda Insight. Just know in advance that you’ll be trading many comfort and cutting-edge interior features – as well as a bigger engine with better gas stats – offered by its main competitor, the Toyota Prius.
First Impressions
The all-new 5-passenger 2010 Honda Insight could be viewed as a shameless reproduction out to prove a popular hybrid can be offered for less. But in an economy where consumers are catching the downgrading fad fast, switching to a less costly product that looks and feels a lot like the more expensive Toyota Prius – with almost identical reliability and customer satisfaction stats – is welcomed. Both cars strangely enough want to battle it out for the best toad-like shape. However, if you look closely, the Insight's hatchback shows a little more aerodynamic flare. Score points for Honda, who originally came up with the hybrid idea when the Insight hit the market back in 1999.
Pricing, Trims and Options
Notorious for keeping things simple, Honda offers just two trim levels for the Insight: LX and the upgraded EX. The Insight LX includes automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks with remote entry, tilt and telescopic steering column, driver’s seat height adjustment and a 4-speaker 160-watt audio system with a CD player. All for a base price of around $19,800. The EX trim adds Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a 6-speaker audio system, USB audio interface and turn signal-integrated side mirrors for a price tag of $21,300. (For a little more, you can add on Honda's most elite features, a Satellite-Linked Navigation System and Bluetooth).
Engine and Transmission
The Insight offers one engine: The 98-horsepower hybrid 1.3-liter 4-cylinder Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) engine featuring Eco Assist where increased fuel efficiency can be realized with the push of an ECON button. This Ecological Drive Assist System provides fuel economy information designed to help the driver develop and maintain a fuel-efficient driving style. It monitors and offers feedback to make greener adjustments.
But once again the 2010 Prius steals a lot of thunder in this department with its all-new 134-horsepower 1.8-liter engine. Plus, where the Insight offers just one fuel conservation option, the Prius offers a very similar fuel economy mode plus two other features. For example, the EV Mode or electric-powered driving works for up to 1 mile if driving under 25-mph. And the Prius offers a third option, the Power Mode, which delivers a better throttle response for a zippier experience up steep hills. In this instance, the Prius is the superior vehicle.